Name: Grace Prosniewski
Title: Program Director, Hesburgh Women of Impact & Internal Communications, Development
Notre Dame career path: I originally hired in as a writer on the Storytelling & Engagement team in 2016. In 2019, I transitioned to my current position as Program Director of Hesburgh Women of Impact & Internal Communications on the Internal Engagement team.
What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career to date?: One of the most important lessons I've learned in my career is that you have to advocate for yourself. We often assume, particularly early in our career, that if we work hard enough, we'll automatically be recognized and awarded. A record of high performance is definitely critical to progressing in your career, but you have to be able and willing to articulate your needs and goals to those who can help you reach that next tier. People want to help you, but you have to tell them how.
What is your favorite book or podcast, and what did you learn from it?: One of the most interesting books I've read was Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution by Caroline Weber. I think fashion, like other "feminine" interests, has been largely ignored or disregarded by historians, but Weber demonstrates how fashion was crucial to how women exerted power and influence in societies where they were barred from holding official power.