Hopkins’ expertise is global marketing and communications for publicly traded organizations, focusing on brand strategy, digital media, corporate image and reputation. She has experience in a variety of sectors, from telecommunications to financial and market research for S&P 500 companies. She is dedicated to impacting communities through philanthropic initiatives.
Favorite quote: What you do has far greater impact than what you say.
Fun fact: Love fast cars and sci-fi.
How do you unwind after a long day of work? With three dogs, there is no unwinding.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? On more than one occasion, coming into global organizations and creating the brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. This provided unique challenges to engage leadership teams in the promotion of newly defined brands and bolstering their external reputation in the marketplace.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? Establishing the philanthropic program, SBA Cares, and watching the impact it has provided to communities, children, health initiatives, social services and animal welfare year after year has been inspiring. The hundreds of nonprofit organizations benefiting from the generosity of our leadership, employee matching program and volunteers has truly changed lives.
Who are your role models? My grandmother was a remarkable role model when it was uncommon for women to work outside the home. Not only did she graduate from college, which was unusual in her time, she also rode a horse to a one-room schoolhouse and taught grades 1-12 in Ohio. Later, she managed the business for my grandfather’s successful apothecary, before the emergence of the drug store chains.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? You can be anything you want and do anything you want. Do not let anyone tell you differently. John and Evelyn Rose (my grandparents).
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? There will always be stress, not everyone will agree with you and sometimes you may see things differently – that’s OK. Follow your instincts, make sure you can look yourself in the mirror every day and know that you are acting with integrity. Things always have a way of working out, just stay focused and be positive.
How does being a woman has impacted your career? I utilize my unique experiences to bring value and a different perspective to the conversation, which has served me well.
