Amanda Brown

Why are you interested in joining the national SAA Board of Directors?

As an aspiring national SAA Board of Directors (BOD) member-at-large, my interest is rooted in a profound commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. My primary aspiration in joining the BOD is to contribute a diverse perspective shaped by my experiences and insights. I aim to offer innovative ideas and strategic guidance that align with the organization’s objectives, fostering an environment that empowers members and advocates for their professional growth. Being on the BOD presents an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional development. I anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of organizational leadership, governance, and decision-making processes. Engaging with the other board members will enrich my knowledge and skills, broadening my capacity to effect positive change within the national SAA and its wider community.

My desire to serve on the BOD stems from a genuine passion for supporting the SAA’s initiatives. I aim to actively participate in shaping policies and programs that enhance the profession, promote ethical standards, and ensure the SAA remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

What unique traits or skills will you bring to a leadership position with the national SAA?

In a leadership role within the national SAA, my contribution is shaped by a unique blend of traits and skills that I bring to the table. Foremost, my adaptability stands out. I thrive in dynamic environments and can adjust strategies to meet evolving needs. This allows me to navigate complex challenges effectively, ensuring responsiveness to changes and promoting resilience.

I am committed to inclusivity and prioritize creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not just heard, but celebrated. Embracing inclusivity is crucial in fostering an environment where every member feels valued, contributing to a richer collective experience.

Effective communication is a cornerstone of leadership. I excel in articulating complex ideas, fostering understanding, and inspiring action. Clear and transparent communication is vital in aligning the Board of Directors, volunteers, and members toward shared goals.

Lastly, my collaborative spirit drives me to seek partnerships and alliances that amplify the impact of national SAA’s initiatives. By leveraging connections and fostering collaborations, I aim to broaden the organization’s reach and influence within the audiology community.

Together, these traits and skills form the foundation of my leadership approach, which is dynamic and inclusive, geared toward advancing SAA’s mission and empowering its members.

If you could change one thing about the profession of audiology, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the profession of audiology, it would be to enhance public awareness and understanding of hearing health. Despite the significant impact of hearing loss on individuals’ lives, there exists a pervasive lack of awareness about the importance of regular hearing assessments and

the potential consequences of untreated hearing loss. One significant change I’d advocate for in audiology is increasing accessibility to hearing health-care services. Significant barriers still prevent many individuals from receiving proper audiological care. Improving access might involve various strategies, such as raising awareness about hearing health, making screenings more readily available, advocating for policies that support hearing health-care coverage, and expanding telehealth services for remote areas. Enhanced accessibility would enable more people to address their hearing needs early, reducing the negative impact of untreated hearing loss and improving the overall quality of life for many individuals.

I would advocate for policies prioritizing access to affordable and quality hearing health-care services for all individuals. Addressing barriers to care, such as financial constraints or limited access in certain regions, is crucial to ensuring everyone can effectively manage their hearing needs. We can mitigate the social stigma associated with hearing loss by fostering a culture that prioritizes hearing health and encourages proactive measures. This shift could lead to more people seeking timely intervention, improving their overall quality of life, and fostering a more inclusive society. Elevating hearing health awareness benefits individuals and strengthens the audiology profession by highlighting its vital role in health care.