Meet the Candidates: Deanne Levander, Candidate for Director

Each of the candidates for the upcoming STC election were invited to submit a blog post to STC’s Notebook in support of their candidacy. Below is the post submitted by Deanne Levander, candidate for Director. Click on her name to take you to her election page, or visit the main STC election page for information about all candidates.

As a long-time STC member, I have always been interested in how the Society works for our profession. I would like to become a Director because I believe that my long history with STC communities can work to help improve how technical communicators are received. Not only do we strive to make technology understandable, we supply our clients and employers with opportunity to do more with ease. Please let me represent you as a meaningful part of the business world, helping the Society to be better equipped to change the way we are viewed. I am a strong advocate for our profession and technical communicator communities.

I’ve worked as a technical writer and editor and enjoy all aspects of the technical communication profession. I have held technical communicator positions in a variety of industries, including super-computer manufacturing, meteorology, public transportation, biomedical manufacturing, insurance, and finance. As Director, I would build on my experience to help bring technical communication to a new level, representing members, communities, and the Society in the industries we serve. I will bring enthusiasm, encouragement, and motivation to help strengthen the Society’s contributions to our profession.

My experience with local and Society activities includes chapter, conference, and competition leadership that started with my participation as a member. I advocate respect for the jobs we do and awareness of our unique standing in the business world. As chapter employment committee manager, I matched technical communicators with employers and led an annual employment workshop. I became familiar with the local businesses that hired technical communicators.

In addition to my roles on the local community board, I have been a mentor to other writers, both in their writing careers and in their STC activities. Nurturing our members is central to STC’s well-being. This is achieved through encouragement and invitation. Enthusiasm is contagious, and my message has long been that I owe my career to STC, which encourages others to participate in the Society’s affairs. I continue to meet with current and aspiring technical communicators, encouraging their participation in local chapter activities. Through participation, we develop our skills and expand our professional network as well as serve the Society. The world becomes a better place when we give of our time and skills.

What would you hope for in an STC Director? Do you wish for someone who understands what it means to represent the profession every day? I am that person: My passion for clarity in communication is the foundation of my career, and I strive to understand and fulfill the needs of readers, employers, other technical communicators, and the Society.

As Director, I would support the role and importance of the Society for the betterment of our profession, which in turn serves the membership.