Name: Amy Hughes
Position/Institution: Licensing & Trademark Coordinator, Georgia Southern University
Number of years in your position: 1
Alma Mater(s): Colorado State University
Hometown: Sebastian, FL 
 
1. Why did you become involved in ICLA?
Connie Palfy recommended it, and I knew about it from when I worked at CSU as a buyer.

2. How has your involvement with ICLA influenced your career?
I am too new to tell yet.

3. If you could choose one (1) amenity to add to the workplace, what would it be?
I would love a laptop in my office and a distilled water dispenser in the breakroom.

4. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
The biggest challenge is the lack of funding.

5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
The most important skill I've developed is flexibility/adaptability.

6. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
I would travel if time and money weren't an issue.

7. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People typically come to me for advice, brainstorming or assistance with working through a process.

8. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate licensing?
I was a buyer at a bookstore for years, and then taught apparel merchandising at WSU for four years (business/marketing courses). When we moved to GSU for my husband's career in 2018, I jumped at the chance to get back into this business.

9. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My husband has been the most influential person throughout my career. He encouraged me to go back to school and get my master's degree, pursue teaching and do what I love.

10. If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would travel with my family and dogs.

11. Who's your role model? Why?
My mom is my role model. She can do anything, and she always does it so well and with grace.

12. What's your favorite quote?
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou

13. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is noisy eaters.

14. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal a for?
Shopping, I can go the distance!

15. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the field of collegiate licensing?
In my early 20s, I had a friend/boss that would give me a hard time because I didn't know anything about politics. She told me to stop sitting on the fence, pay attention to what's going on in our country and get involved (pick a side)! I listened and am now very passionate about local and national politics. As for advice for someone in this field, I am still new but from what I can ascertain, get involved, stay connected and participate to get the most out of this industry!

16. In your opinion, where is collegiate licensing headed in the future?
I'm too new to have an opinion yet, ask me next year! 

17. What is your favorite family tradition?
We love to cook meals together and eat together every night.

18. What are you really good at, but kind of embarrassed that you are good at it?
I like to nerd-out on retail math! It was one of my favorite things to teach, LOL.

19. What percentage of your work-week is spent in your office?
About 30%

20. What are you most looking forward to at the next ICLA Convention or Winter Symposium?
I look forward to more networking and educational sessions.