There are few individuals more genuinely positive and upbeat than SFNet’s own Michele Ocejo. On her 30th anniversary of joining SFNet, I took the opportunity to sit down with our heralded but unassuming director of communications and discussed the importance of relationships, making an impact, and the joy she gets from sharing people’s stories.

Well, this is fun. After all your years of probing for insights, the shoe is on the other foot! Let’s start by sharing with our readers a little about you. You know I like to tell people when I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut, a fireman, or a commercial finance executive, so I’m living the dream! As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to be in the media world?

From a young age, I had two passions: writing and animals. I started writing short stories when I was about eight. I also pretended I was a dog for a good part of my early life. Thankfully, my big brother (he’s 12 years older) brought home a puppy for me when I was six. Saved me from years of therapy, no doubt. So, I knew I either wanted to be a veterinarian or something within the communications field. I realized as a vet I would probably go bankrupt as I could never deny services to someone  n need who
couldn’t pay…so journalism was the logical path.

So how did you find your way to SFNet (the former CFA)?
The old-fashioned way: through an ad in The New York Times help wanted section. I interviewed with Bruce Jones, who was the communications director at the time, and he called me back the same day to offer me the position.

What are some of your memories from those early days?
One thing that stands out: The lavish parties members would host at the convention. They would go all out with music, décor, food. I didn’t travel extensively before starting my career, so traveling to New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, was exciting. I’ve also been able to meet so many interesting famous people through our events, such as Colin Powell, who gave me a bear hug. 

Please click here to read the full interview.