Congratulations to the Staff Member of the Year Award Winner: Grace Kim, MA

June 4, 2026 

Pictured Above: Grace Kim, MA 

What does receiving the Northwestern University Department of Medical Social Sciences Staff Member of the Year Award mean to you personally and professionally?

So much of what I do happens behind the scenes, and I’ve found that working in the shadows is where I thrive most. It is a hidden role so I do not often feel the impact as directly as the people who experience the events and initiatives I help coordinate, but receiving the Staff of the Year was deeply meaningful to me professionally because it affirmed that the work I do in the shadows truly made a visible and public impact. To be nominated and receive that honor showed me that my efforts were seen and valued. On a personal level, walking to the front to accept the Staff of the Year award made me really shy, but it encouraged me that it’s ok to step out from behind the curtain sometimes and to receive recognition and appreciation.

Can you share a moment or project from this past year that you’re especially proud of and why it stands out?

One of the moments I am especially proud of, and one that consistently stands out to me, is having the opportunity to be a manager of really incredible team members and to partner alongside them through the many seasons that our work brings.

A meaningful example of this is Joey and Sasha’s professional journeys:

Joey McCormack - I have had the privilege of supporting and seeing his growth from Administrative Assistant to Program Assistant 3, and now into his current role as our Division Program Coordinator. Throughout our time working together, we discussed at length regarding his professional development, ST and LT goals, and future aspirations. Seeing him step into a management role this fiscal year has been especially rewarding, as it reflects the progress and intentional growth we discussed over time. Watching Joey develop his leadership and management skills has brought me great joy, and I celebrate his accomplishments and continued success.

Sasha Aristizabal’s journey from temp to Administrative Assistant has been a wonderful example of growth and dedication. Throughout our time working together, Sasha has consistently stepped in to support the central administrative team wherever needed, helping to bridge gaps and ensure continuity in our operations. This fiscal year, she has played an important role in coordinating departmental events and meetings, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and a strong collaborative spirit. Watching Sasha develop her coordination skills has also brought me great joy, and I am incredibly grateful.

Colleagues often recognize people for how they support others. How would you describe your approach to working with and helping your team?

I recently heard a leadership coach, Aiko Bethea, share on “transcend the [boulders and barriers] we constantly encounter” which made me reflect. Her talk on this subject was such an introspective way to describe how I would like to be, as I work with and support people. What my professional career experience has taught me thus far, is this: the “struggle” is real and it looks different for each person, but when you begin with trust and safety, clarity, purpose, and ease are all closer in reach than you think.

For me, so much of management is meeting where people are at and embracing each moment authentically, while fostering constructive dialogue and creating opportunities for growth. Unfolding work cases or navigating scenarios together, we get to shift and transform a moment that empowers. And once we work these out together, we get to take action from a place of clarity, belonging, and direction.

What motivates you in your day-to-day work, even during busy or challenging periods?

A mindset on authenticity and principles, with a framework of discerned balance. Balancing between work and life, focusing on “the bigger picture” or getting into “the weeds” of detail, pushing hard or pausing to take a breath, and the discernment to recognize when each is needed without compromising my personal values. Choosing my steps from a place of this balance keeps me grounded, centered, and in control in my day-to-day work (and life), even during the chill, busy, or challenging times.

Looking ahead, what are you excited about for your team, department, or future work?

The fiscal year can strangely feel both fast and long, full of daily routine rhythms, memorable shared successes, and occasional plot twists of unexpected challenges. As I look ahead, I am hopeful that the team will find clarity and conquer our current season of transition, and that both the team and the department will remain steadfast in supporting each other and advancing our goals in our community, research and education despite the challenges we may face. We can go fast, we can go slow, we can take a moment of rest when we need to, but be steadfast in our support of one another and moving forward together. My hope is that, at the close of the fiscal year, we will be able to look back with pride and say, “We ate that up!” (a phrase I just recently learned from one of my members, referencing a job well done), celebrating that we accomplished meaningful work together.