Kerri has extensive experience in the nonprofit arena and currently teaches as an adjunct instructor for the University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia College.  Kerri has also been active in politics, running for State Representative in 2002.  Kerri was appointed in 2004, by Governor Bob Holden, to serve on the Missouri Women’s Council and in 2005 was accepted by the National Women’s Law Center, in Washington, D.C. to serve on the Progressive Women’s Leadership Network.  Kerri is married to Greg and they have a son, Tucker.

What do you think are the biggest challenges for professional women today?

Women today continue to face the challenges of gender equity in the workplace including equal pay and equal status.  Further, women continue to battle the balance of career and family.  Creating a more family-friendly workplace would benefit both men and women and create a more productive and more committed workforce.
What is something you wish you could change about yourself?

If I could change something about myself I would eliminate the guilt I feel about balancing work and family.  I struggle daily with the feeling that I am not giving enough to either area of my life.
Name one thing not many people know about you.

That I wanted to be a ball-girl at Wimbledon when I was little.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

To focus on the task at hand and commit yourself to doing the best job you can do, regardless of the job.  Also, don’t ever ask your staff to do something that you aren’t willing to do yourself.
How would you describe your leadership style?

I believe I am a leader who works to gather consensus and operates with transparency.  Further, communication is the key to success. Without adequate communication your team is unsure of the direction the organization is heading.
Has your career path held surprises along the way?

Yes, I was a very committed young career woman and had a plan for well into the future.  When I became a mother I realized that plans have a way of being changed and I also realized that I wanted more out of life than just my career.  I wanted to be an involved and engaged mother.  So, this realization lead to me taking a step off the career path, I continue to struggle with that decision but feel that I am doing what is best for me and my family.
What do you do to relax?

Find time to cuddle with my son – reading a book or just watching TV.
What is one personal goal you haven’t yet achieved?

I still would like to hold public office.  I ran for State Representative in 2002 and lost, by a slim margin.  I truly feel as though I have the ability, intelligence and dedication to make a difference and working with and developing policy is something that can impact so many in the community.  I care about helping others.
What is your workplace pet peeve?

Those who use excuses as to why they can’t get something done as opposed to finding the answer or the help to get the task accomplished.
Who do you consider a career mentor and why?

Vicky Riback-Wilson.  Vicky has been a mentor of mine for several years.  She is a woman of integrity and passion and I admire how she has led her life, both professionally and personally.  Vicky has given me some great advice during my career including the approval to make changes happen within my career as well as given me the safety to decide that some decisions weren’t the best for me or my family.  Often, making the decision to not accept an offer or to say no to a request takes more confidence, determination and intelligence than jumping in.
What is your dream job?

I have a few.  I would like to own my own business. I have several ideas for businesses that I would love to develop.  I would love to hold public office someday, either locally or in the Missouri House or Senate.  Teaching, I have come into teaching over the last 2 years and have found a truly enjoy it and feel as though it feeds my passion for giving back to others.

However, the best job I have ever had is being a Mom.  It is a thankless job but very rewarding and exhausting.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years – personally and professionally?

In 10 years I hope to be guiding my son into his teenage years without a lot of frustration or anxiety. I hope to be able to continue teaching and I hope to have a plan for starting my own business either close to completion or already in the stages of accomplishment.

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1.   New to Voices » Voices   |  Thursday, 06 May 2010 at 7:58am

   [...] Updated on Thursday, 6 May 2010 07:58 Written by J. Michael Roach Sunday, 28 March 2010 11:49 Thursday, May 6, 2010 — Kerri McBee-Black — 10 questions answered by a successful womanWednesday, May 5, 2010 — Mary Wilkerson — 10 questions answered by a successful [...]