Lorii Rabinowitz knows a thing or two about juggling a calendar.
Leading a feasibility study of a Denver Center for Arts and Technology (mirrored after workforce development and arts education center Manchester Bidwell Corporation, based in Pittsburgh) has taken her to the steel city, Cleveland and on some 50-plus stakeholder meetings.
And that’s just one way this VP and partner at Rebound Solutions volunteers her time. She also serves on the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s board of directors and other subject matter expert committees.
Because of her dedication to the Chamber and its affiliates, Rabinowitz is our winter Chamber Champion. We recently caught up with her to find out what she’s learned along the way.
Business Altitude: Who has been your most important mentor?
Lorii Rabinowitz: I have been so fortunate that I have had, and continue to have, many amazing mentors in my life. I am grateful to be surrounded by and meet regularly with smart, inspiring, impactful people who say or do something that sticks with me and from whom I am lucky enough to learn. I call them my “game changers.” If I had to narrow it down, I would absolutely say my dad and mom. My dad instilled in me a commitment to social justice and the critical importance of equity. He taught me to live each day to the fullest and to live a life of gratitude. My mom still, to this day, inspires me to be positive, give back in meaningful ways and live a life of community service and philanthropy.
BA: What is your hidden talent?
LR: Writing limericks for friends for special occasions.
BA: What is the most important business lesson you’ve learned?
LR: Ask questions, and really listen to the answers before making any business (or life) decision.
BA: What impact has the Chamber had on your career and your business?
LR: I don’t think there is enough space to answer that question, as the impact has been so significant. What I can say is that Denver is known as a city that comes together to solve complex problems. We welcome new people into our community; we take meetings and introduce inquisitive learners to each other without barriers; we join voices and collaborate to bring about change. To me, the Chamber
and its affiliates top the list of reasons Denver is this way. The behavior is modeled, the tools provided—I have been a beneficiary of both in so many respects. For me, the Chamber has been the connector to new ideas, new people, new relationships, new partnerships, new places and new business—positively affecting both the bottom line and the educational value gleaned by learning more about an industry with which I was previously unfamiliar. And, I’ve met some of the greatest people I have ever known, including my business partner at Rebound Solutions.
BA: What is your favorite activity or hobby outside of work?
LR: I love running, traveling, spending time with friends and family and volunteering.
BA: If you could have a different job, what would it be?
LR: An inventor.
BA: What are you reading right now?
LR: Just Like Us: The True Story of Four Mexican Girls Coming of Age in America by Helen Thorpe.
BA: As a Leadership Denver alumna, what advice would you give to someone who is looking to get more involved in the community?
LR: First, follow your passion. If you are inspired by someone or something, listen to that calling. Follow your heart and use it to guide you in your volunteer work as we are all better when we help others; it is amazing how much we get to learn about ourselves and our community along the way.
Second, get involved. Once you identify your passion, do some research. Look to see what organizations serve the mission about which you are inspired—then contact them to learn more about volunteer opportunities, including committee work and event support. Board service is one of many fulfilling ways to get involved in the community, but it is not the only way. Great work can be done at all levels of volunteer service and participants will be rewarded through all of them when they follow their individual passion.
Kathryn Goggin is an events specialist for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by timlewisnm]