Sheena Kennedy, Communications and Membership Manager, Association of Boards of Certification, Ankeny, Iowa

While Sheena Kennedy was scooping up shaved ice as a teenager, she never imagined she'd work at an association one day. But she learned from an early age the importance of quality customer service and relationships, lessons that come in handy in her current career. "It is less about quantity and more about the quality of relationships you build," she says. "In this growing industry, the relationships that you build at conferences and meetings are your solutions to your barriers."

Here's her career path so far:

A Working History

2001–2003: Cashier at Tropical Sno shaved ice

2002–2005: Babysitter

2003–2005: Lifeguard and swim instructor

2006–2007: Hostess at Red Lobster

2007: Administrative assistant at Peoples Trust & Savings Bank

2007–2008: Receptionist at Global Reach Internet Productions

2008–2010: Administrative assistant at Concordia Group, LLC

2010– Present: Communications and membership manager at the Association of Boards of Certification