Name
Stefany Holland
Company/Organization
Wightman
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Wightman aims to be a trusted advisor and a servant to the community through analysis, design, and deliverance of multi-disciplinary projects. We offer experience and expertise in areas of commercial, utility, education, and government sectors. We have a passion for understanding our client’s needs and creating a platform for success. Our skills are crafted in architecture, civil engineering, surveying, GIS, landscape architecture, interior design, planning, environmental, and reality capture.
Age
31
Accomplishments
Some of my accomplishments include marrying a great husband early in life, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, getting accepted into the MBA program at Ferris State University, completing the Leadership Accelerator program this year (2019), being voted Member of the Year in 2017 & 2018 for the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac, and receiving a Wightman Superstar award. But my biggest accomplishment is doing all of that while being a mother of three amazing children!
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I intend to complete my MBA in Lean Systems Leadership, grow as a person and employee at Wightman, and expand my presence within the communities that I live, work, and play in. I also hope to be a positive role model for my children and show them how rewarding the experiences have been in my life, work, and community.
And maybe travel outside of the USA one time!
Education
Hartford High School graduate
Ferris State University Graduate – Associates of Applied Science in Architecture & Bachelor of Science in Project Management
Currently working through the MBA program with a specialization in Lean Systems and Leadership through Ferris State University – expected graduation 12/2021
Residence
Dowagiac, MI
Where were you born?
Niles, MI
What was your first job?
My very first job was at Hartford Speedway Park, Hartford, MI – working the concession, making and selling sandwiches and lemonade.
Best advice you ever got?
Being right isn’t as important as knowing when to shut up.
Who inspires you most?
My parents. My mother has always cheered me on and supported me in all my life’s ambitions; I will forever be grateful for her pride and love. My dad’s tireless work ethic and endless strive for an impactful life has paved a path for me to continually work hard and never give up.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
When I was in high school, I (along with another classmate) created the design for the Hartford High School Athletic Fields entrance archway. It was my first attempt at architecture, and it is what inspired me to get into this field.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love to create memories with my kids and husband. Some of our favorite pastimes are building forts, playing sports, and any outside adventures. I also have a passion for horseback riding and golfing.
What book are you reading now?
The Toyota Way Fieldbook
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love being a part of the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac. All of the events that we put on are low to no cost and foster family time, community engagement, and developing a community culture that I am proud to be a part of.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
Positive change. When you get enough people working towards a common goal to create positive change, miracles are witnessed, lives are changed, and people are grateful. The humbling feeling created when you can see positive change happen and know you were a part of it is euphoric and what drives me to keep doing it all.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
To stay young forever.
What does this honor most mean to you?
This honor illustrates to me that I am surrounded by loving family, friends, and co-workers that support my decisions and encourage me to fly; that my kids who welcome me home with open arms in the evenings and push me back out the door to keep going in the morning are proud of who I am; and that my community has given me a passion to push my own boundaries, try new things, and genuinely values that hard work I do.
