Since we have a brand new board, we've decided to resurrect this series so you can get to know us a little better. Today's post is with Julia Dimick, Senior Development Analyst with the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Apra-IL's Director of Marketing.

1. What is the superpower that you use often at work?
   

   I remember weird things about people, which comes in handy when dealing with prospects. Usually, if I can remember the quirky detail about someone, I can remember a lot more about them. This has proved very helpful as there has been some prospect crossover between the organizations I’ve worked at. 

2. What is one thing Apra has done for you?
   

   Helped me figure out what prospect research was all about! I went to a new researcher’s symposium when I was starting out and it was incredibly useful. I recommend them to anyone new to the profession.

3. If the annual Apra International conference could be anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
   

   Greece! 

4. How do you explain your role to people outside of Development?
   

   I generally say I work behind the scenes in fundraising, both helping the front line fundraisers find new donors and find information on existing donors.

5. If you were not in Prospect Research, what career would you have?
   

   I started out as a lawyer, so if I hadn’t stumbled into prospect research, I’d probably still be doing that. But I would love to own a bookstore.

6. If you could tell your 15-year-old self about your job, what would you say?
   

   You get to stalk people and get paid for it! Seriously though, I’d tell myself that I get to do something extremely fun that is often very challenging.

7. Why did you join the Apra-Illinois board?
   

   I wanted to get involved more with Apra locally, and this provided a great opportunity.

8. Why do you think Apra-Illinois and all of the local Apra chapters matter?
   

   Because having a network you can reach out to for help or advice is incredibly useful as a professional, particularly if you don’t have colleagues you can ask.

9. What is your #1 productivity tip?
   

   Lists! I make a list every day of what I want to get done. Sometimes the day throws me a curveball, but my list usually keeps me on track. 

10. Best advice ever received?
    

    “The worst that can happen is they’ll say no,” which is advice from my dad, given to me when I was younger and freaking out about asking a teacher for a letter of recommendation for a college application. The sentiment always helps me when I’m overthinking something.

11. If you wrote a book about prospect development what would it be called?
    

    “Don’t Hit the Add Friend Button: Tales from a Professional Internet Stalker”

12. If you wrote a memoir on your life, what would it be called?
    

    “I Was Being Sarcastic…Or Was I?”

13. What book are you reading right now?
    

    “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s basically a historical thriller about the folklore surrounding Dracula. I’ve read it a few times before, and thought it would be a fun re-read around Halloween.

14. Currently, what is your favorite restaurant in your city?
    

    Athenian Room

15. What is your favorite social platform to connect with people?
    

    I guess it’s still Instagram, since I love taking pictures, but I liked it better before Facebook bought it.

16. What is the last movie you watched?
    

    I think it was “The Curse of La Llorona.” I’ve been on a scary movie kick in October. 

17. If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
    

    RBG. I would love to talk to her about the law and her general awesomeness and to thank her for all the amazing things she did for women.

18. What is your hobby?
    

    I like to read, and usually have two books going at once. I also attempt crafty projects every couple of years, till I am reminded that I am not a crafty person. I'm currently convinced I can crochet. (I cannot.)

19. Are you a texter or a caller?
    

    A texter, unless a call is unavoidable.

20. Who or what inspires you?
    

    People who remain positive despite facing immeasurable hardships.