Q: What about your civic and community activities in education?

Ms. Shoemake: As a working mother of four children, I have stayed very involved in our local school districts. I have volunteered for over 18 years as a room-parent, sports-parent, and have taught both art awareness and at engineering week. I am a strong believer in education for everyone at every level.

One of my passions is developing, coaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders at IBM and within the community. You will find me hosting teleconferences for Engineers discussing the first year on the job, teaching classes for national engineers week at our local high school and mentoring at the Chicago Executives Club. Speaking engagements include WITI, IC Stars, University of Chicago, IBM Mentoring and leadership events.

Q: It would seem that private sector executives should be, as you are, more engaged in the education system. What would you recommend to someone looking to do so?

Ms. Shoemake: Mentor! And volunteer! I am passionate about mentoring our next generation of leaders, whether that be those at IBM, or The Executive Club of Chicago, where I have a leadership role in developing their mentoring program, or working with our next generation of teachers and school leaders.

Look to your companies for grants, alumnae groups or other ways to give back time, resources or money to the education system. Volunteer to lead a planning session or build a web page. As a member of The American Cancer Society Board in Chicago, I am working on ways to incorporate my education and executive management skills to lead others and present and/or train leaders about cancer and cancer prevention.

You keep coming back to your teaching roots, Connie, by reaching out and teaching others. You seem to be the embodiment of the poet Yeat’s belief that education is not a bucket to be filled, but a fire to be lit. Thank you for your time, and again, congratulations on your “Excellence in IT Leadership” award.

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