Abbott’s story began as a child being raised by a single parent. Financially, Abbott’s family struggled, but her motherdecided she wanted a better life for herself and her children. She decided it was time to go back to school. However, going back to school is a process and an expensive one at that, so Abbott and her sister still had to struggle through their younger years.
Kelly sat down with Abbott and asked the hard questions. Through this, Abbott realized her mother had been right all along, public relations was a perfect for her. Abbott went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public relations, graduating from college in 2008 with outstanding grades. Unfortunately, this was a time when finding a job was very difficult and Abbott struggled. She would have to walk to the library to apply for jobs because gas was too expensive. Abbott didn’t hear from any of the places she applied to and was beginning to lose hope. Her mother encouraged her to move home in order to save money.
Two days after her mother proposed moving home, Abbott received a call for an interview with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. This interview rejuvenated Abbott. Three weeks went by before Abbott would get a call asking her to come in again. Abbott couldn’t fathom what else they would want to know about her. She went in and was hired.
Abbott was responsible for a number of different tasks while working at the Chamber of Commerce from event planning to helping with marketing and public relations. Through these jobs she met a lot of people and created many connections. She soon stumbled upon Kids Food Basket and realized she needed to work here. She felt an instant connection with her childhood. This organization provided people in poverty with nutritious lunches, something she could have used as a kid. Positions weren’t available, but that didn’t stop Abbott from being persistent and contacting Kids Food Basket for the next three years.
Since Kids Food Basket didn’t have room for her, Abbott went on to work in corporate PR. She didn’t enjoy it though, so when Kids Food Basket called and offered her a job she took it in a heartbeat. It took three years for this opportunity to come her way; Abbott wasn’t going to let it slip through her fingers.
She has been working at Kids Food Basket for two and a half years now. She looks back at her decision to leave corporate and has never regretted it, it is one of the best decisions she ever made. Working in non-profit allows you to teach yourself many skills that you wouldn’t learn in a corporate setting. However, non-profit isn’t for everyone. Abbott did point out there is a difference in lifestyles between corporate and non-profit. It all comes down to what you love to do and how you want to live because, “Money doesn’t matter when you love what you do.”
– Stephanie Kotschevar
PRSSA Member
I am very proud of my niece, Ashley and all of achievements. But I am especially proud of the work she does for such a great organization, Kids Food Basket. And I hope Kids Food Basket realizes how fortunate they are to employ such a caring, dedicated and hardworking young woman. I am so happy that Ashley has this opportunity to serve her community while loving her job so much.