Our latest Professional Profile comes from CareerBags.com customer Kristin, whose search for an eco-friendly laptop bag ended when she found the Leaf by HER Design! Below, Kristin talks about her work as a public health educator, why the Leaf fits her lifestyle and, of course, what's in her career bag.
Name: Kristin Tehrani
Location: Berkeley, CA
What do you for a living?
I work in public health education programs and have done this nearly my entire adult life. The purpose is public education campaigns and promoting services that motivate people to live healthier lives. I have worked in breast health education, nutrition education and counselling, taught quit smoking classes and designed community programs.
How did you choose your career?
I chose my career out of 2 passions: my love of food and good health, and a strong sense of community stewardship.
What's been your biggest career challenge?
Behavior change and social change is slow.
What's been your most rewarding professional experience?
My most rewarding professional experience has been teaching health and nutrition education in Guatemala, Central America as a Peace Corps volunteer in the early 1990’s. In a developing country like Guatemala, small changes in health education have such a great impact.
What advice would you offer other women interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Be patient, be committed, stay positive, and don’t expect to get rich. The work is very rewarding, and can also be very challenging because of political climates, inadequate resources, and the enormity of needs in some communities.
How would you describe your personal/business style? Classic? Casual? Funky?
I am definitely casual. The nature of my work doesn’t require a formal style because I spend more time working directly in the community than I do in meetings or in an office. I also work in Berkeley, California, which has its own casual dress culture.
What were you looking for in a laptop bag and why did you choose the Leaf?
I was looking for a bag that was lightweight on its own and earth-friendly in its production. When I can, I research and evaluate what I buy so that it has a low impact on the earth and does not expose workers to unsafe chemicals or conditions. I chose this laptop bag to go with my newly purchased refurbished Mac computer – another earth- friendly selection because no new materials were produced for my laptop.
What's in your career bag? What day-to-day essentials do you carry around?
During the work week, my career bag is also my purse so I want it lightweight, stylish and versatile. I always have an emergency essentials kit, my lunch, my wallet, and a few work files. On the weekends, one will find my computer, current knitting project, a book, or some combination of all three.
Thanks, Kristin! I'm sure the Leaf is a big hit there in Berkeley. If you know what I mean. And I think that you do. Readers, if you're looking for a little leaf of your own, check out the Leaf Laptop Bag by HER Design at CareerBags.com!
