– The Protective Panther
“Understanding who you are and taking care of yourself – making sure your glass is full and being intentional about how you take care of your emotional, social, physical, and mental well-being. Take these skills and translate them so that you care for others and create a better world for every person and creature that shares this world.”
Ann Marie has been ISKL’s Director of Risk Management since July 2021. She most recently presented at the International SOS’s ‘Asia Education Duty of Care’ (AEDOC) conference in October on how to prepare against infectious diseases in a community.
Here is Ann Marie’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and raised in California, in the United States. I have worked all over the west coast in the USA, Italy, Germany, and Malaysia in the private, government, and now educational sectors – I love what I do for a living!
When and why did you join ISKL?
Our family joined the ISKL community when we were assigned to work at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. We’ve been part of the community since 2018 and absolutely love it. My kids enjoy swim class and the Kanopi the most on campus.
Please tell us more about your position as the Director of Risk Management. What are your daily activities?
I ensure everyone is safe and healthy and that our facilities are secure with the help of the Business Operations team. I track risks, data, and trends to implement mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure to our ISKL community. I also lead our Child Protection and Safeguarding efforts at ISKL as one of the ways we keep our students safe, and I work closely with the Security and Nursing team each day. I also help communicate messages with our community about health, safety, or anything on the local economy that can impact campus operations.
You recently presented at the International SOS’s ‘Asia Education Duty of Care’ (AEDOC) conference. Do tell us more about that.
I presented on a panel with my counterpart from the International School of Bangkok (ISB) and an ISOS regional doctor on “Preparing against Infectious Diseases.” We discussed strategies to curb the spread of infectious diseases and how to manipulate your environment or facilities to help decrease the spread. We also discussed how to create partnerships with external organizations (ISOS, Ministry of Health, external healthcare providers, etc.) that can be leveraged to help fight the spread of diseases within a community.
Please tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about.
Project Mars – this is a project I am working on with the Tech team about how we can develop systems to showcase our skills as an organization and leverage data to help show trends and allocate resources more efficiently.
What is the most challenging part about your job?
Not being able to spend more time with the students. My job requires me to do a lot of work behind the scenes, and I would love to be able to work with students more.
Who or what inspires you?
Anyone willing to get out of their comfort zone to help others or fulfill a dream or goal. My parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico at a young age. They worked tirelessly to reach their goals and give my siblings and me a better education and wider opportunities. Even when they didn’t have much, they always gave back to their community. They would cook meals, give donations, and help care for other kids so the children’s parents could make their work shifts when they struggled for childcare. My parents, their legacy, and their history inspire me every day.
Best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
Quiz Night is my favorite event at ISKL – it’s fun, and there’s a great crowd each time I have been.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I love to run, spin, and travel. I also REALLY like food and enjoy a good meal, whether at a hawker’s or in a fancy restaurant. My favorites are Hari Hari, Heritage, Joloko, M8, Tong Kee, and Kin Kin.
What does ‘”Know yourself, care for all and create a better world”‘ mean to you?
It is the definition of being a well-rounded person. Understanding who you are and taking care of yourself – making sure your glass is full and being intentional about how you take care of your emotional, social, physical, and mental well-being. Then how can you take these skills and translate them so that you care for others and create a better world for everyone who shares this world with us.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
