Georgia Institute of Technology Staff Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA

Executive Champion: Maryam Alavi, Dean, Scheller College of Business

“Being resilient means bouncing back from adversity and soaring even higher.”

Principal Empowerment Officer: Sonia M. Alvarez-Robinson, Executive Director, Strategic Consulting

“My job involves helping people thrive through change.  Yet, it wasn’t until I lived through an unexpected change in my own life that I realized how important Resilience is to our success as individuals and organizations.”

Paula C. Skinner, Workplace Learning and Professional Development, Office of Human Resources

"We need resilience and hope, and a spirit that can carry us through doubt and fear.  We need to believe we can effect change if we want to live and love with our whole hearts."  - Brené Brown

Robbie Ouzts, Career Advisor II, Office of Graduate Studies 

“My job involves helping students, clients, people transition or find new paths. I often use a quote which is actually the title of a book by Susan Jerreries, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.”  In any transition we fear the unknown and rejection! One must get out there in order to get that internship, job, or even begin a new career path..... Everyone fears something, even the brightest most gifted.......so feel fear and keep moving forward building resilience. Most fears never come true....Remember childhood fears.....the monster in the closet, or under the bed? The monster never appeared. When going through trying times I latch on to this quote by Nietzsche “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger” and builds RESILIENCE.

Shirley Manchester, Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Program, School of Materials Science & Engineering

“Academic Advising is “Teaching” and teaching young adults is one of the greatest and most rewarding career choices one can do. As we are tasked with helping them prepare for mature adulthood it is essential that they develop resilience and what better method but through modeling the behavior you want to see.”

Dr. Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, Director, Health Behavior, Health & Well-Being

"As a psychologist, I am passionate about helping people uncover their inner strengths and develop the optimism to become their best selves. Resilience is key in building your mental muscle and steadfastness when exploring opportunities and facing challenges."

Sharon Riehl, HR Business Officer, Office of Human Resources

“My passion at work is helping to lead people through transformational change – individually and organizationally.  It was through experiencing my own life changing event that I was faced with taking a step back and learning the importance of developing personal resilience as a life sustaining strategy.”