HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Amy Arditi Kuzemka from Edmarc.
What is your job title and description?
I am the Marketing Development Manager for Edmarc, a pediatric palliative, home health, and hospice care nonprofit that has just expanded from the Southside of Hampton Roads to the Williamsburg region. My main job is to bring awareness of the organization and our mission to this new area. I also ensure Edmarc’s communications and outreach are aligned with our mission to ease the trauma of a child’s illness or death and to reduce the disabling effects of pediatric illness, loss, and bereavement. I am responsible for digital content creation, management of our editorial calendar, and Social Media presence. As we grow, I will also manage events and volunteer participation.
Who do you interact/work with on a regular basis?
In my day to day, I work with Edmarc staff, community organizations, business leaders, donors, and volunteers.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
I am new in this role, and I’ve noticed that when I initially tell people what my organization does, I’m met with a very somber reaction. What people don’t know is that while a lot of the subject matter Edmarc deals with can be heavy we also strive to make the best out of our families’ situations and have fun. We have family events throughout the year such as Spring Fling, summer parties, and Fall Fest to increase families’ recreational opportunities that allow them to connect with other families in similar situations. During the holidays, Edmarc provides families with the extra support needed during a challenging time of year. Reaching out to deliver meals and gifts means the load becomes just a little lighter for those who are facing dark days during a festive time. So Edmarc isn’t just defined by the healthcare we provide. We are making a difference in the entire family’s life.
How do you define success?
When I measure success, I look at my entire life as a professional, mother, wife, and community member. For me being successful means, I’m living a joyful life, being helpful to others, pursuing meaningful goals, having humility, and dealing with the bittersweet moments with grit and resilience.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
I’d say it was leaving the corporate world to pursue my passion working for a nonprofit.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t get so caught up in the difficulties of the moment since they are only temporary. And I love this quote by Virginia Satir that sums up would I wish I understood better in my 20s “Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.”
How long have you lived in the greater Williamsburg/York area?
I moved to Williamsburg when my dad got out of the Navy when I was two years old so let’s just say a very long time.
What is your favorite part of living here?
One of my favorite parts of living here is that it is truly home for me. I can hardly go anywhere without seeing someone I know, and I love that. I have seen the area grow and change so much, but it is still home to me.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
I practice yoga, spend time with my husband, son, two bonus daughters, and friends, play with my three Labrador Retrievers, go boating, beach trips, visit local wineries/breweries, and more likely than anything I’m at a swim meet since my teenager swims year-round.
What is the next step in your journey?
Right now, it is to introduce and grow Edmarc in the Williamsburg area.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
