Meet the Staff: Tina Nowakowski

What is your role within mParks?
Director of Communication & Strategic Partnerships

Describe your perfect day at the park.
My perfect day at the park would probably start with a run along the Lansing River Trail and be followed by some time on the playground with my son. 

What's your go-to snack to fuel those energy-packed moments at work?
Banana

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
Like so many others, I "fell" into parks and recreation. I joined the team of mParks (MRPA back then) as a Communications Intern while in college. The position evolved over time and kept growing with me. I learned to have such a love for the work the association does, but I also admire watching our members succeed. I never once felt like I didn't belong, and I continued to learn more about the industry to be a better asset to the state. 

What do you enjoy most about working in parks and recreation?
Our members! Every day I get to see dedicated and passionate professionals doing something they love to benefit their communities. Everyone in the industry has always been so kind and welcoming. People in parks and recreation work in the field because they truly love it, and it's inspiring to see. 

If your workday had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
When I need to focus: Call Your Mom, Noah Kahan (and the entire Stick Season album)
When I need some motivation: Cut to the Feeling, Carly Rae Jepson

If you were an animal commonly found in parks, which one would best represent your work style?
Squirrel. Sometimes I'm fast and skittish, and other times I'm hanging out in a tree, slowly trying to solve a problem. 

What are your hobbies?
I love to play tennis, host dinner parties, and read!