MKM Principals, Zach Benedict, AIA, LEED AP and Matt Sparling, AIA, LEED AP, will be speaking at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium.
Megan has spent the last four years or so tearing apart the operations at MKM just to put them back together in more efficient ways. She serves MKM as Office Manager and is constantly looking to improve the workflows behind the scenes to keep staff engaged and doing what they do best – designing meaningful places for the people in our communities. Megan is a self-motivated servant leader who graduated from Trine University and has a serious knack for problem-solving. Her commitment to her team, uncommon candor, and constant curiosity of what could be fit in just right at MKM.
1. Where did you grow up?
Right here in Fort Wayne – in the ’07!
2. What interested you in pursuing a career at MKM?
Funny story. I didn’t hear from MKM until about three years after I submitted my resume. Now, I did send in my resume on a whim and without solicitation, so it is totally understandable, but I am so thankful the leadership team kept it on file. I sought out MKM because I enjoy working with creative people. I can be almost too analytical, but MKM’s architectural and design staff really make me think outside of my perfectly symmetrical box, and I don’t hate it.
3. What motivates you to come into work every day at MKM?
I show up to work at MKM every day with a high need for achievement. I’m always looking to improve my personal best. Being responsible for the inside operations of MKM is a huge motivator to raise the bar a little higher each day. We are a small but strong team and I aim to keep us up and running and focused on promoting the health and well-being of people of all ages and abilities.
4. Where do you look for inspiration?
Usually, in the most colorful places I can find. I love color. Volunteering for my favorite community events keeps my mind going and inspiration flowing, too. People are just so interesting, so as long as I continue to meet them, I’ll keep staying inspired.
5. How do you recharge during your free time?
I’m pretty simple. I prefer getting lost in a new sci-fi or self help book or even getting lost on a walk in my neighborhood. No, seriously. It’s so easy to get caught up in a good old fashioned Poké walk. A good Netflix binge helps me reset, too. Criminal Minds, anyone?
6. Which projects are you most proud to have worked on?
While I don’t work on MKM projects directly, I am fortunate MKM supports my community service efforts. I love helping people. I am most proud of my work with N.E.W. Workshop Fort Wayne. We work to empower and inspire young women to foster a future of success and diversity in nontraditional career fields. We host an annual workshop for female high school students to help us accomplish this goal. This workshop expands the career possibilities for young women to consider and pursue by providing exposure to nontraditional employment options, connection with female industry leaders, and hands-on career simulation activities. We believe it’s important to setup the next generation of female leaders with a community of support, knowledge, and connections that fosters successful futures and diversity in all career fields.
7. Where is your favorite place to travel?
I am not a very experienced traveler, but I love visiting my best friends Sam, Mark, and Margo in Austin, Texas! I love the music and food scene, the artists making art along the streets, and the many opportunities for outdoor adventures. I visit Austin at least twice a year, and those Austinites are still keepin’ it weird. They never disappoint!
8. What is your favorite quote?
This comes from one of the most kind, brilliant, sparkling human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. “I’ll tell you what. Do what you love. Don’t look back! And never take it for granted that you are able to choose the life you lead.” –Denise DeMarchis
9. What was the last book you read?
The Peanut by Simon Rickerty is a well-illustrated picture book about two blobs who learn about sharing after they determine what they’re going to use a peanut for. It has few words and it’s pretty nutty. I highly recommend it for four-year-old’s like my niece, Johanna, who requires me to read it five times every time, as well as other people with short attention spans and big imaginations.
10. Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Once upon a time I was a basketball superstar. I was put on the boys basketball teams at school and at the YMCA. My twin brother wasn’t too thrilled about sharing basketball coaches, friends, or practices with his sister, but me? I was having a ball!
