Trish Kolar, Senior Manager of Administrative Services, began working for SWE in March 2011. Her responsibilities include overseeing governance, awards, scholarships and general administration in HQ. Her previous position at SWE was handling renewals, customer relations and database reporting as SWE’s Membership Manager.
Prior to SWE, Trish worked at the corporate office of Walgreens, where she held several positions testing new products in stores, reporting as a data systems analyst and working in the purchasing department as a corporate planning analyst. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a K-12 teaching degree from National Louis University.
Where do you live…did you grow up in the Chicagoland area?
I live about an hour north of Chicago, close to the Wisconsin border. Growing up, we moved around a lot, globally, as my dad was in the U.S. Air Force.
Who is your role model and why?
My aunt is my role model as she walks the walk, follows her beliefs, is a positive influence in the world and loves deeply and without reserve.
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve received?
To use my voice and that my opinion adds value and contributes to SWE’s success.
What is your favorite hobby/hobbies?
Is reading a hobby or a life skill? I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with family.
What is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place includes a warm locale near water with the people I love.
Do you have any interesting or little-known facts about yourself?
I enjoy riding motorcycles and am planning a cross country trip.
Favorite band or type of music?
Anything from the 80s and I do enjoy “going to” Margaritaville.
Favorite TV show?
Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite movie?
Princess Bride or 50 First Dates
Cubs or Sox?
Who? lol
Favorite sports team?
Hmmm….sports?
Biggest fear?
Anything bad happening to my family and those that I love.
If you could eat one thing the rest of your life what would it be?
Brussel sprouts (with bacon)
If you could sum up SWE in one word, what would it be?
Bold
What was the inspiration that made you get into your field?
I enjoy helping people and providing them the tools to be successful.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Empowering women to be successful and working with a great team (staff and members).
Where can we find you on the weekends?
In the summer, I’m either reading, gardening or out riding my motorcycle with my husband. In the winter, I prefer to curl up with a book and watch the cold from inside a warm house.
Read our SWE Staff Spotlight on Angelica Beresheim.
Read our SWE Staff Spotlight on Rebecca Wheeler.
Read our SWE Staff Spotlight on Honna Eichler George.
Read our SWE Staff Spotlight on Briana Aviles.
Read our SWE Staff Spotlight on Valerie Bland.
