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August 6, 2025
I may not be the typical person to talk to about leadership since I do not currently lead anybody as a Senior Buyer at Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado. But I still gained a lot of knowledge and experience by attending the Edge program at NIGP Leadership Summit. The program taught me how to positively impact my organization and my personal and professional growth.
My Entry into Procurement
Even though I don’t directly lead people, my day-to-day is filled with nuance that involves navigating different situations and personalities. I work directly with the bond, which was passed in 2022 for around $350 million in capital improvement projects and critical needs for our district’s 56 buildings. So, my day might involve meeting vendors for a cup of coffee in the morning or over a lunch and learn with the team. I also deal with contract negotiations and follow-ups.
Like many procurement professionals, I sort of stumbled into my role. I was doing something completely different in 2021 coming out of COVID when I ran into someone I knew but hadn’t seen in a while. She said, “Hey, I know of this position that’s open that would be perfect for you.” I don’t think she would have reached out independently, but after running into me, she thought I might fit this position. It’s funny how things work out.
I knew little about procurement aside from RFPs and RFQs, but I knew I had the soft skills to learn, plus a background in finance. So, I applied and got the job working in the school district.
Connecting to NIGP and Edge
I got connected with NIGP thanks to some colleagues who got me involved in our local chapter and then in national. A few of my colleagues attended the Leadership Summit last year and came back talking about how great the program was—from the connections they made to the content they learned.
I had missed the boat last year, so I was ready to make sure I applied this year. When the scholarship applications came out, I applied and got one. Having heard all the great things from my colleagues, I was excited to get started with the virtual classes and meet my small group (hello to the West Coast Connection). We still meet bi-weekly, even though the Edge program is formally over.
High Expectations
Because my colleagues had such great experiences with Edge, my expectations were really high, and the program lived up to all the hype. Our facilitator was so engaging. She is a true master at her craft and did exceptionally well training us virtually and transitioning to our in-person meetings at Leadership Summit. The content itself was outstanding. I think it should be mandatory for any leader to be exposed to the Maxwell System.
And then, of course, there are the people. We all met in person the first night before the Summit started in the hotel lobby. You really can get a better feeling for somebody when they’re right in front of you. We all agreed we needed snacks, so we took a little teambuilding venture into the Chicago cold to get what we needed for our rooms.
This experience has made me more assertive. Instead of waiting to get more involved, I came back ready to jump in and volunteer with my local chapter and pursue my procurement certification. I also joined the mentorship program and just had my first meeting with my mentor. The program also made me realize the importance of being a lifetime student, to always think about what can I learn today that I can apply tomorrow?
Advice for Emerging Leaders
I may not be leading people today, but you never know who’s watching me for a position that will be available tomorrow. If you’re in a similar position and wondering if Edge is worth your time, it absolutely is. There are always people looking for leadership, whether or not they’re in your department. Seeing how you respond to people, how you interact with others, how you complete your tasks and move your department forward can make all the difference for the future of your career.
I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to learn more about leadership and take that next step toward becoming a leader. I guarantee that you won’t regret it.
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