By Julie McGahey, Clinical Services Director
Before joining what was then Midwest Eye Bank, now Eversight, I was a social worker. I worked with adolescent girls who were in a residential treatment facility to work through mental health, substance abuse and anger management issues. I enjoyed working with these young ladies and seeing them grow healthy skill sets.
I was exposed to different backgrounds, family dynamics and the legal system. Some of those kids had a past riddled with trauma and abuse. It was inspiring to see them grow their confidence, keep a positive outlook on life and be willing to relearn ways of thinking that were so ingrained. Social work taught me how to reframe situations and focus on the positive lessons that can be learned from any circumstance. It also helped me develop the ability to consider different perspectives. Skills I continue to rely on as a leader today.
Watching young people who lived through hardships working to meet goals, have dreams and grow their talents inspired me to focus on learning and looking for the positive in situations. It also taught me that we all have unique backgrounds and experiences that shape how we perceive things, and that there is always another perspective to consider. As a leader, I try to use these lessons. When issues arise, it is helpful to consider other perspectives to help solve a problem or gain better understanding. When mistakes are made, instead of framing that in a negative light, look to see what you learned from the situation and how it made us better.
After six years of social work, I wanted to explore something different. Before I applied for a position at Eversight, I had no idea you could even be an eye donor. I was hired as a coordinator in the call center now the Donation Support Center (DSC). I really enjoyed working in the DSC and have worked both the day and night shifts as well as different positions; coordinator, shift supervisor and manager of the department. Eventually, the opportunity for my current position opened, which was a director for not only the DSC, but also for our Donor Eligibility (DE) department and Clinical Partner Relations.
I have really enjoyed expanding my team and learning more about eye banking and the crucial roles that play a part in the whole process. I am also thankful for my team that manages the DE, DSC and our relationships with our OPO partners. I am privileged to work with some incredible women who are constantly learning with me, challenging me and laughing with me to make sure that we are serving our families, recipients, co-workers and partners.
Eversight continues to be such an amazing journey for me. I have been afforded many opportunities for training, personal and professional development all while helping people around the world gain the gift of sight.
Editor’s note: This perspective is a part of a blog series in celebration of Women’s History Month.
