Meet Forge’s Operations and Hospitality Coordinator, Kenzi Mayberry!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
“I am LaKenzise Mayberry! My friends call me Kenzi. With a bachelor’s degree in social work, and a master’s degree in public administration, I have had a pretty good and fulfilling career being in service to people.First working in nonprofit community programming, and then government human resources, learning and development. I am very passionate about helping people identify their strengths and reach their goals. I thrive in environments characterized by teamwork, collaboration, and a little fun! I speak the language of order and organization, but a small part of me likes to throw it up in the air and see where it all lands. I call that balance!My biggest goal for the next leg of my career is being in a position where my efforts, my contributions make a difference; help move the needle forward. As a self-proclaimed Girl Scout, I want to leave this world better than I found it!”
What brought you to Forge?
“I was working from home, and would occasionally get out of the house, going to different spaces around the city, to work. Pizitz Food Hall was one of the places I frequented. One afternoon, while at Pizitz, I was scrolling on Facebook and saw the position at Forge advertised.At some point I had followed Forge, but could not recall ever seeing a post. So I took seeing the post as a sign and applied! I was coming to the end of a contract I was working on, and was looking for new opportunities. And of course, once I took the deep dive to learn more, I was convinced this was the place for me!”
What are you looking forward to about working at Forge?
“I am looking forward to learning! Learning how to build community among individual entrepreneurs and professionals. Learning how to create an environment that promotes creativity, productivity, and peace. And learning all about the systems, processes, and little nuances that make Forge special.”
What do you do when you are not working at Forge?
“I love reading, watching documentaries, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I especially love spending time with my two nephews, Houston, 3, and Dallas who will be two in July. Their names are what happens when I am not around to supervise my two brothers. And no, my nephews are no twins and neither of my brothers has lived in or spent time in Texas!”
If you could choose to do anything for the day, what would you choose to do?
“I would love to travel back in time to spend a day with Cleopatra. Her story fascinates me! And if traveling back in time were not an option, I would love to spend one day on Michelle Obama’s annual girlfriends’ retreat. I can only imagine the wisdom and knowledge I could soak up in the company of such an amazing and accomplished group of women.”
What is your favorite thing about Birmingham?
“Birmingham was never on my bingo card. And although I have lived here since 2016, I am just now starting to feel at home.What I love most about Birmingham is the location. If you are not against road trips, you can jump in the car and be at a number of southern cities and attractions in less than five hours. I also love the “big city, small town vibe” that Birmingham offers. It is the best of both worlds.”