Power Women: Errin Stanger
Director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub at Winrock International
What’s your secret to success?
My definition of success is being filled with joy and being able to share that joy with others. My secret is thanking God for the joy He provides daily. If I do not start my day with scripture and prayer, it is not a good day. Trust me, or just ask my husband!
What do you love best about what you do?
I love seeing the power of inspiration and innovation to transform lives. I also love how that power can lead to incredible relationships, careers and impacts. I get a chance to meet so many different types of people, and I stand in awe at their creativity and talent. I love sharing our mission with the world and seeing individuals realize the potential inside of them. I work with a happy, dedicated team that leads with compassion and knowledge daily.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Trust God, and then get out of your own way. I am amazed at the barriers we can put up around ourselves. You must believe in yourself. Challenges and failure will occur, but how you face those challenges is what’s critical. Women need other successful women around them. I believe in the power of mentorship and friendships rooted in faith.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I could paint a rosy picture of only working 40 hours a week and not taking work home, but that would be a bold-faced lie. My husband is my stop sign, and he really helps me slow down and focus on family when I am home. I also do triathlons and run marathons. I pray while I work out, and it is such a special quiet time for me. My current goal is to create more white space in between meetings so that I can take time to process and think before the next one.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Grief has been an obstacle that I was unprepared for early in my life. When I lost my sister, I was 27 years old and devastated. Thankfully, a friend introduced me to GriefShare, which is a fantastic program to help you face and overcome your grief. I used those same principles again when my mom passed away two years ago. Grief can be a tricky, slippery slope, and it is important to handle yourself with love and care.
Is there another “power woman” in your life who inspires you?
My mom. She was headstrong, loved deeply, was brilliant in every sense of the word and a constant force of love and protection. I have her picture in my offices at work and at home, and I often look at them when I am making large decisions. I pray her strength and tenacity stays with me throughout my life.
What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?
Reading: “The Spirituality of Fundraising” by Henri Nouwen and “Love Does” by Bob Goff .
Watching: “Yellowstone.”
What’s your favorite quote?
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela.
