VYP Q&A: Lora Fox, SRP

Get to know your fellow VYPers through our recurring series of Q&A sessions with some of the Valley’s top young professionals. This month, meet Lora Fox, executive analyst in the office of the president of Salt River Project. Lora's abundant "get up and go" has led her from state government affairs intern to environmental intern to sustainability initiatives program strategist to public involvement committee coordinator and finally, to her current position. If you think she never quits moving, you're right.

Q. First thing in the morning – coffee or emails?
A. I rely heavily on my “Crackberry” – more commonly known as my Blackberry – when I am getting ready for the day.  I like to check into my work emails first thing so I know what to expect heading into the office and be best prepared for the day’s activities and appointments.

Q. What’s it like to be a “fly on the wall” as a front-liner with a top-notch company like SRP?
A. Well, president’s office analyst and fly on the wall – they’re the same thing. I have found that an important trait for anyone in a position like this is trustworthiness and confidentiality. Since I work in the area where decisions are being proposed, contemplated and ultimately made, it is important to trust the process and keep things confidential; what is being considered can impact many.

Q. You are very involved in local volunteer opportunities. Why is volunteer work important to you?
A. My parents have instilled a philanthropist spirit in me since I was little. I think you should always give more than you receive and remember that giving of your time is just as valuable as making a monetary donation.

Q. As a mentor at Phoenix Youth at Risk (PYAR), what is most rewarding for you?
A. Surprisingly, the mentor experience has taught me a lot about myself. The curriculum PYAR implements is leadership-driven and focuses on goal-oriented concepts that have enhanced my life and my ability to think positively. The kids we serve and mentor haven’t had the most pleasant upbringing, so opening their eyes to the possibilities of all opportunities and reassuring them that they can be or do anything they put their minds to makes me feel like I am helping to make a positive impact on our future Valley Young Professionals (VYP).

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your young career at SRP?
A. Being a part of a philanthropic organization makes me smile, especially when I see my co-workers in the community wearing their bright-blue “SRP Volunteer” shirts; I know I couldn’t have picked a more rewarding place to work. Also, working with the president of SRP, David Rousseau, and the vice president, John Hoopes, is exciting, because they are both amazing individuals who I can learn so much from. They are long-time Arizonans, and I have the utmost respect for both of them.

Q. A night at the movies, or a night at the symphony?
A. Neither; I fall asleep too easily if I sit still for too long. I am always on the go, and people who know me think I have too much energy, hence no need for coffee in the a.m.!

Q. If you weren’t managing and analyzing the president’s office budget, you would be doing what?
A. I’d be travelling the world or volunteering in my community.

Q. Why did you get involved with VYP?
A. I heard about the VYP board through a co-worker, and it sounded like a great opportunity to help influence our community and look for ways to enhance the young career-professional experience in Arizona.

Q. What is most rewarding about being a VYP?
A. Meeting enthusiastic business owners and young professionals has been a wonderful experience. Even with the economic lows, people continue to persevere, which is energizing to see and experience.

Q. How have you used networking or lessons-learned during your time with VYP in your professional career with SRP?
A. I think it is important to be passionate about the activities you are involved in throughout life; that passion will help you to encourage others. I am so excited about VYP, and I have had the opportunity to share my VYP experiences with almost a dozen of my co-workers , and they are excited to take advantage of the networking opportunities and educational experiences VYP has to offer. VYP is a great channel for the young professionals in our community to get together, share ideas and create opportunity in the Valley.

Q. What advice would you give a rising VYP?
A. Be open to change, nothing comes easily in life, and work hard for goodness sake.

Get Connected
SRP
www.srpnet.com

This interview, conducted by Sandy Des Georges , is part of the Chamber's monthly Valley Young Professionals email. To sign up for any or all of the Chamber's email communications, click here.