Today, we're shining a spotlight on Barb McGarvey, Director of Marketing and Communications at Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Barb's career is a powerful example of how determination, adaptability, and a commitment to growth can shape a fulfilling professional journey. Let’s dive into her story and explore the valuable lessons she has for women in business.
Transitioning from Private Sector to Nonprofit: A New Chapter
Barb’s professional journey was predominantly in financial services, specifically in the mortgage industry—a field that shaped her foundational expertise in marketing and operations. Over the years, she gained experience at startups, an event management company, and freelance work before returning to the private sector. Her transition from the private sector to nonprofit marked a significant pivot in her career.
“It's just a completely different mindset,” Barb explains. “The best part of it is knowing that whatever we're doing, it's for a greater good. The more you raise, the more you're able to help others. So it's a really good feeling. It makes it nice to get up every day and go to work and know that I'm doing something good.”
Barb’s longstanding passion for Habitat for Humanity made her role a natural fit. She had spent years volunteering with the organization, participating in builds across multiple states. When an opportunity at Habitat MontDelco arose, she embraced it, combining her marketing expertise with her love for community impact.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Business
Navigating the male-dominated financial sector early in her career presented its challenges. “Early in my career, it was harder for women to get ahead in that industry,” Barb recalls. “There were times when you were dismissed as a woman. Your voice wasn't as important as other voices in the room, so it was harder to be seen and heard and taken seriously.” Despite this, she found inspiration in strong female role models and supportive mentors who encouraged her to reinvent herself and constantly seek growth opportunities. “I see more and more women in very strong roles getting ahead and making a difference, and I think that's very inspiring.”
One piece of advice from a mentor stuck with her: “You always have to be thinking about reinventing yourself for the next opportunity, so you don't get stagnant in what you're doing or complacent that the job is always going to be there.” This mindset drove Barb to embrace challenges, remain curious, and take ownership of her career development.
Lessons in Leadership and Mentorship
Throughout her career, Barb has encountered mentors who shaped her approach to leadership. During her event management days, a producer she worked with instilled the importance of accountability: “You don't know what you don't know. So you can either choose to allow me to educate you, or you can continue to flounder.”
These lessons informed Barb’s leadership style today. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn—traits she hopes to pass on to her daughter and others in her professional network.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Women Leaders
For women pursuing leadership roles, Barb shares practical advice:
Acknowledge your gaps in knowledge and be willing to learn
Be open to being mentored and receiving creative criticism
Be accountable for what you do
Take responsibility and initiative
Have faith in your ability and jump at opportunities when they are presented to you
Barb’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and passion in carving out a meaningful career. Her leadership at Habitat MontDelco continues to inspire, empowering others to build stronger communities and break barriers in the process. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for women striving to make their mark in business and beyond.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Barb McGarvey’s remarkable career and contributions. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our series!
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