Image Courtesy of Kristen Bennington
Women of Note celebrates the unique talents of women of Hampton Roads and seeks to raise awareness of issues women face in the 21st century. We are well aware of the many hats women wear throughout the day as well as throughout their lives and we would like to give women the opportunity to share their experiences juggling these with our community. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire others, learn from their perspectives, and foster a dialogue that creates solutions.Today we spot light Kristen Bennington.
Affiliation(s) (past and present):
Director of Marketing & Communications, Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
How long have you been (working in/participating in) your field? How did you get into it?
I've been working with the VSO since September of 2019. Having a background in music with a Masters in Piano Accompanying, I knew that I wanted to be surrounded by music but preferred to be on the business end of it. After a 5 year span working as a Corporate Lead Flight Attendant for a charter jet company, I moved to Hampton Roads and immediately researched the VSO. After meeting several members of the team, I knew I wanted to be a part of this exciting organization!
How long have you been working/ living in in Hampton Roads?
Less than 2 years! My husband is a pilot for Dollar Tree, which brought us to this area.
What advice would you give young women going into your field?
I would advise young women to be confident and pursue your goals. Determination and persistence will take you very far, and people will notice your hard work and commitment. I would also advise women to not be afraid to switch career paths and pursue something new. Transitioning from the corporate aviation industry to the nonprofit world was not easy, but I knew it was what I wanted, so I learned how to adapt quickly. Put yourself out there and be proud of your accomplishments!
Does your gender influence your relationship to your work? In what way?
I think that women in the workforce often feel more timid than they should. I know starting out as a young woman I struggled to have the confidence to hold my own in a room. Thankfully, there are so many strong and influential women working at the VSO that I admire, so it has been a great place to grow and learn.
Any closing thoughts?
I appreciate you all doing this!
Know a Woman of Note that should be featured? Please email us at Spotlighthrnews@gmail.com