Winning the IMC Rising Star Rockie: Grace Elliott

Winning the IMC Rising Star Rockie last year was such an amazing surprise and an honor that I still hold dear. It felt like all the extra work I do outside of my role was finally being noticed.

This recognition pushed me to dive even deeper into my "extracurriculars"—getting more involved in the TMRN: Perspective, joining in on every department activity (like bake-offs, spirit weeks, birthday celebrations) I can, and giving shout-outs to others for their extra efforts. It also motivated me to keep finding new ways to improve processes, find efficiencies, and help my teammates whenever possible. It’s shown me just how impactful those small, extra efforts can be and how much they are appreciated.

Reflecting on the award, I realize how much it has influenced my personal growth. Winning pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and proactively seek opportunities to improve. Whether it’s streamlining processes, finding efficiencies, or supporting my teammates, I feel more motivated than ever to keep making an impact.

This experience has also taught me to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. I’ve been encouraged to not only focus on my own growth but to look for ways to contribute to our team’s overall success.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how powerful recognition can be. Knowing that my team valued my contributions enough to nominate me for this award was deeply meaningful, and it’s reminded me of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating others.

Recognition isn’t just about celebrating individual achievements; it builds a culture of encouragement and motivation for the entire team. I’m committed to fostering this culture within our organization — one where everyone's efforts are valued and celebrated.

Winning the IMC Rising Star Rockie Award has truly been a game-changer. It validated my contributions, fueled my passion for excellence, and reinforced the importance of supporting and recognizing those around me.

I’m excited to continue striving for improvement while championing my colleagues' efforts. This award wasn’t just about me — it’s a testament to the incredible support and collaboration within our team.