.063 Allison Sokaris
I got very lucky with having Allison as my boss. For 2 and a half years, she provided me with the environment and space to learn, express my true thoughts, and have lots and lots of laughter and fun. From the moment you meet Allison, she is open, candid, compassionate and honest. She treats everyday as an opportunity and chance to make some magic happen, and to treat others with respect.
As the leader of our team, Allison showed us what it meant to be hardworking, trustworthy, and to not take life too seriously. She gives off an incredibly warm vibe to everyone she comes into contact with, and lets you know that you can be yourself through her direct and calming approach. She see snd appreciates the details, but she also keeps her eye focused on the big picture and goal, therefore never missing anything in the process. She has an incredibly fantastic sense of humor, one that I was very fortunate to not only understand, but sincerely connect with, making our relationship something that I will likely only dream of having again. At the end of the day, Allison is passionate; about the work she does, about those on her team and taking care of them, and about just treating people with dignity and respect. She’s a wonderful example of how to be human.
Allison, my goodness, thank you very much for an absolutely eclectic experience at the museum. Thank you for all the “who cares!?” and for laughing at my facial expressions and jokes. Thank you for all of the “oyesh”es and “another episode of…” Thank you for being truly hysterical and for always knowing how to cheer me up. Thank you for your guidance and leadership and for playing a massive role in the development of my career. Thank you for being honest with me and our (dream) team, and for teaching us so much by just being who you are. I am so immensely grateful for our experiences together, especially with regard to the Grand Tour; it truly is something I have learned so many lessons from and will continue to find takeaways for years to come. I’m grateful for all of the meetings with you, the sitting in the back of talks / concerts, the NSCAN issues (and successes!) and the infamous moment of being told I looked like his son…
I’m so grateful for you, Allison, as a person. The world is lucky to have you in it, especially your friends and family. You care about and give so much to everyone in your life and it’s an inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you for being all that you are. I’m sure we’ll plan something again together one day… onwards!
-BD