Meet the Herd: Emmy

Meet the Zebra Centre’s Chief Executive Officer Emmy Stuebing. She shares what it’s like being Zebra’s CEO, what she loves most about being our herd’s ‘head cheerleader’ and more!

Q: Tell us about your role as the CEO of the Zebra Centre.

Emmy: My role is essentially to ensure that the Zebra Centre can deliver its mandate of providing services and supports for children and youth who experience abuse. This includes supporting our partnerships, supporting our board, supporting our staff and volunteers and doing all I can to ensure we are resourced. I work hard to raise awareness of the Zebra Centre and ensure we have the resources we need for the team to do their important work. 

Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as CEO look like?

Emmy: Everyday can be an adventure! Most days include some meetings (both internal and external). When I’m not in meetings, I’m often working on plans, reports, presentations and other supporting documents to help strengthen our position. I am very much a hands-on person – whatever needs doing, I am ready to jump in and make it happen!

Q: What do you love most about your role?

Emmy: I love getting to represent and be the “head cheerleader” for such an incredible cause and incredible team. I love talking about the Zebra Centre, how partnerships are essential and children are at the heart of all we do. I love sharing my passion for Zebra with our community.

(It is really rewarding to introduce Zebra to someone who didn’t know about it and see them “fall in love” with our cause!)

Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far?

Emmy: I would say that I am most proud of the fact that our whole MDT was able to support 4,272 children last year, which is a new record. This was done without many additional resources – just dedicated hard work by our whole caring team.  

The moment I am most looking forward to is when we can open up a new, bigger and better Zebra Centre facility!!

Q: What motivates you to show your stripes (your why)?

Emmy: While of course, I do this work for the kids who come to the Zebra Centre, I think what motivates me the most is the team. I am continuously impressed with the heart, the dedication, and the kindness of the people who share their time and talent with the Zebra Centre. The staff, volunteers, partners, board members, supporters… all the people who believe in the Zebra Centre motivate me to do all I can to help strengthen and grow our impact!

Q: Lastly, share a surprising or fun fact about you.

Emmy: I think most people think of me as a real extrovert. It’s true – I do get energized by being around people. (and when I’m excited, watch out, I can get REALLY excited!)  However, I am also quite the introvert, and after a full day of being “on” at work, my favourite thing is just to be quiet at home with my dog Happy and my partner Shawn. Pretty boring, really… I guess I get all of my “excitement and action” at work, and then after hours, I just want a quiet evening or weekend to recharge.

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