Beth Dugan is new to the NFPW board, serving as the at-large contest chair for members who live in a state without a communication contest. I got to know Beth in Alaska and was impressed with her great ideas and dedication to her affiliate and NFPW. Meet another unique and unbelievable NFPW member.
Beth Dugan
Name: Beth Dugan
City and State: Chicago, IL
Affiliate and any leadership positions: I am the Mate E Palmer Professional Communications Contest Chair for Illinois Woman’s Press Association and the At-Large Contest Chair for NFPW
Years a member of NFPW: 5
Tell us a little about you.
I’m a technical writer for Hyatt Corp and a freelance writer living and working in Chicago. I am very involved in several feminist communities both online and in Chicago. I love to perform at readings and at feminist events and I also love to take classes. My husband and I just took a tamale making class (we are excellent tamale makers, it turns out), a knife throwing class, and I am working on a style blog about the end of the world called http://www.theendisnighish.com (not live yet).
Beth Dugan
Any career advice you would give?
My career advice is all for women. Remember that men apply for jobs they feel 60% qualified for and get them. Women apply for jobs they feel 110% qualified for. Once you get that job, negotiate your salary. Women leave $2 million on the table over their career just by accepting the first number that is given to them or not asking for raises. Even if the salary or wage I was offered is adequate, I always make a counter offer. Always. Half the time, I get the money. It shows your employer, by your first action, that you know your worth and the value you are bringing. As for the job you don’t feel qualified for, say yes and figure it out later.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I had that math/music/language thing. Those are all systems and I struggle with all of them.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I really love living in Chicago. We live in the Logan Square neighborhood and I love it. But I would like to live abroad in Europe or in a Scandinavian country for a while, and then retire to warm beachy place.
What books are you reading?
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Shrill by Lindy West and City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to drive a city bus.
Why is your affiliate and NFPW important to you?
I have some great friends in both organizations and it keeps me involved in my community.
Way to follow you on a website, twitter, Facebook, etc.
@QueenElizaDEATH
@grlclvr (Instagram)
Talking with Teri 