Outstanding Indeed.
I’ve known for quite some time that Illana Poley is exceptional. Be it her ability to think on her feet, her infectious laugh, or her knack for numbers, Illana has never ceased to amaze me. All at once she can be both the smartest girl in the room as well as the one making your cheeks ache from her dry but potent sense of humor. To me, it is that duality which makes Illana almost magnetic. People are simply drawn to her.
So it came as no surprise when the Denver Business Journal recently took note of Illana and named her one of their 2011 Outstanding Women in Business nominees. As SE2’s Director of Policy and Research, Illana establishes the foundations on which a majority of our firm’s more complex (and, frankly, more interesting) projects are built. She oversees our research efforts, whether quantitative or qualitative, large or small, and also plays a central role in developing the communications strategies around our clients’ various policy issues. She helps them to connect with their own constituencies in ways that are both meaningful and effective.
“Illana is one of the smartest people I know,” said SE2 President Susan Morrisey. “She has a great ability to foresee challenges and also opportunities for our clients and develop pathways to address even the most challenging policy issues.”
Of course outside of the office, Illana is just as impressive. I didn’t have to look far to find people willing to gush about her down-to-earth, loving personality along with other characteristics they find to be extraordinary.
When asked about what makes her daughter outstanding, Janet Poley said, “I guess my first reaction is what mother wouldn’t think her daughter is ‘outstanding’? And I am no different. Illana truly is outstandingly honest, humble, straightforward, articulate and (most precious to me) always willing to share her life with me. She knows what matters most in life and makes time for her husband, daughter and all of us who need her and love her.”
Illana’s husband, Mike Baksa, said, “No matter what kind of day you are having – good or bad – talking to Illana always leaves you feeling better about yourself.” Their 15-month-old daughter Penelope (or P-Dizzy as we like to call her at SE2) incidentally is not actually talking just yet but added, “I could not have asked for a better life or a better mom. I love her.”
On August 23rd, I hope to be in the crowd cheering for my friend at the DBJ’s luncheon honoring the outstanding nominees. I’ll be there representing all the people who think Illana is fantastic – whether they spend time with her analyzing the latest poll results or learning how to walk.
In the words of one of our most profound medical professionals, Dr. Suess, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
So it came as no surprise when the Denver Business Journal recently took note of Illana and named her one of their 2011 Outstanding Women in Business nominees. As SE2’s Director of Policy and Research, Illana establishes the foundations on which a majority of our firm’s more complex (and, frankly, more interesting) projects are built. She oversees our research efforts, whether quantitative or qualitative, large or small, and also plays a central role in developing the communications strategies around our clients’ various policy issues. She helps them to connect with their own constituencies in ways that are both meaningful and effective.
“Illana is one of the smartest people I know,” said SE2 President Susan Morrisey. “She has a great ability to foresee challenges and also opportunities for our clients and develop pathways to address even the most challenging policy issues.”
Of course outside of the office, Illana is just as impressive. I didn’t have to look far to find people willing to gush about her down-to-earth, loving personality along with other characteristics they find to be extraordinary.
When asked about what makes her daughter outstanding, Janet Poley said, “I guess my first reaction is what mother wouldn’t think her daughter is ‘outstanding’? And I am no different. Illana truly is outstandingly honest, humble, straightforward, articulate and (most precious to me) always willing to share her life with me. She knows what matters most in life and makes time for her husband, daughter and all of us who need her and love her.”
Illana’s husband, Mike Baksa, said, “No matter what kind of day you are having – good or bad – talking to Illana always leaves you feeling better about yourself.” Their 15-month-old daughter Penelope (or P-Dizzy as we like to call her at SE2) incidentally is not actually talking just yet but added, “I could not have asked for a better life or a better mom. I love her.”
On August 23rd, I hope to be in the crowd cheering for my friend at the DBJ’s luncheon honoring the outstanding nominees. I’ll be there representing all the people who think Illana is fantastic – whether they spend time with her analyzing the latest poll results or learning how to walk.
In the words of one of our most profound medical professionals, Dr. Suess, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
posted by Amy Guttmann at
4:59 PM
5 Comments:
Yup. Pretty amazing.
Dr. Suess nailed it!
Yeah Illana! All of us here at DKF are fans. Congrats!
That's awesome Illana! Congratulations. Now even more people will know how great you are. Good luck.
Congrats Illana! We are so proud of you.
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