Qaya Thompson, Development Research Manager, The Cleveland Orchestra

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it?

When I was a child I always wanted to be a lawyer.  I would watch L.A. Law with my grandparents and I always loved to argue.  Even though I didn’t become a lawyer, my sister did!

Do you have any side hustles?

I work on the weekends as a Crisis Assistant at Counseling Center in Wooster, OH.  I like helping people and it is an opportunity to give back to the community.

When/where was your first Apra conference?

My first APRA Conference was Anaheim, CA in 2010.  It was really exciting to be in California for the 1^st time.  I still remember that the weather was PERFECT and I met some wonderful people.  It started my love for the conference and eventually I started doing presentations for them.

If you were so wealthy you didn’t need to work, what would you do with your time?

I would most likely still do what I do because I love it.  I would probably do it part-time or as a consultant so I had time to travel and relax.  I think work would be more fun if you can take the necessity out of it.

Would you rather have a personal chef, personal housekeeper, or personal chauffeur?

Personal Chauffeur definitely!  I absolutely hate driving with every fiber of my being and would probably go more places and do more things if I did not have to drive.