BDCC Staff Profile: Alex Beck
Alex Beck engaging in his favorite activity, getting to know his community.
BDCC Staff Member Name: Alex Beck
Position Title: Workforce and Education Specialist
Program(s): Fast Tracks to Success, The Six College Collaborative Internship Program, SoVT Young Professionals, BDCC Business Cluster Roundtable Initiative
Where were you born? Boston, MA
Where do you currently live? Brattleboro, VT
What did you do before you came to the BDCC? I was getting my Masters from SIT in Service, Leadership and Management. I was living in Rwanda and working with NGO’s to build their capacity. I came back to work with New Grassroots, which was a civic engagement startup based in Rutland, VT. My political and civic engagement is what brought me to SeVEDS and BDCC.
What inspires you about your current work? The part I love about it is the innovative problem solving through networks. We can sometimes create a solution out of thin air. Any and every good solution means providing equitable access to education for all Vermonters. The work I do is stimulating in the process, but the results are happy, healthy Vermonters of all ages who really find their place in the community and the economy. The people I get to work with are also inspiring. Everyone I get to work with is tackling a unique part of the problem, increasing the size and quality of the workforce. I get to work with teachers, for example, who are working to inspire youth on one end of my work. I simultaneously work with state employees and local employers who all committed to our community and economy. There are no “bad guys”, everyone I work with is truly committed to the work they do. Everyone is trying to do community and economic development in different ways and bring their unique perspectives because of their different experiences and expertise.
Tell us about the hobby/activity from your photo, what do you love about it? It is easy to say that you like trying new things and meet new people. But unless you throw yourself into the community, that isn’t going to happen. Going out and talking to people, keeping my finger on the pulse of what is happening, being a part of what our community wants to be. Here, I’m at the Strolling of the Heifers, which is a great opportunity to talk with community members about the event itself and what is important to them. While I’m not your typical foodie, the kinds of vendors there give me a chance to taste what is here, both the actual food as well as all of the non-food presenters at the festival. I get a taste of what is going on with people’s work throughout the region. Community, being of service and being IN it is both my work and my hobby. This is always what I’m doing. It is what I most enjoy and is simply who I am. This is what fills my cup the most, so to speak.
What is a unique fact about you that people might not know? I have a long history of singing with choirs and playing music. I have mostly sung acapella and gospel. I play the ukulele, also.
