Becky Komarek is the Associate Director of the Idea Forge and has been with the college for 9 years. She earned her BS聽and MS degrees in civil engineering, an MS聽in higher education before moving to Colorado, and earned聽her PhD in civil engineering with a focus on engineering education. At the聽Idea Forge, she supports operations, strategic partnerships, and teaches courses related to design and professional skills.
How are getting involved and/or hoping to get involved within the CEAS community?
I just joined the Engineering Staff Council and was elected as chair. I look forward to better understanding the issues staff members care about and finding creative ways to make our experiences here more rewarding.
How do you enjoy practicing self-care and/or community care?
My favorite form of self-care is meeting with friends to play sand volleyball. This community of players consists of dozens of women who range in age from mid-20s to late 60s. I didn鈥檛 know how volleyball, which I have played since I was 12, could be a lifelong sport until I moved to Boulder. Even beyond the physical activity, the social benefits are significant. The women I鈥檝e met playing volleyball have become some of my best friends.
For community care, I volunteer with the Colorado Women鈥檚 Education Foundation (CWEF) to raise money and provide scholarships to Colorado women aged 25 and older who are pursuing higher education. Juggling the challenges of school, work, and family life as an adult can be a huge struggle, and CWEF provides funding and other support to make the load a bit easier.
What鈥檚 the best way for others to collaborate effectively with you?
I love collaborating with others. I think it鈥檚 even one of my Strengths Finder strengths 鈥� working alongside others toward a common goal (Relator). I like when everyone has an equal seat at the table and feels heard and respected.
What is a motto or quote that you hold dear and why?
鈥淭o see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel.鈥� This is the motto of 鈥淟ife鈥� magazine, and I came to it through the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It reminds me that there is always more to learn, things aren鈥檛 always what they seem, and that the people are what matter most. I highly recommend the movie. It鈥檚 fun, doesn鈥檛 take itself too seriously, and has a message that I believe in. Plus, it鈥檚 full of great music and beautiful scenery.
Which TV show do you never miss?
It ended in 2015, but I really love Parks & Recreation. The first season isn鈥檛 great but it takes off from there. All of the characters are just such 鈥�. characters. Back when Netflix started they鈥檇 tell you what your favorite genre is that their algorithm used to suggest shows. Mine said, 鈥淵ou like quirky comedies with a strong female lead.鈥� That is very true and this show is exactly that!
What was the first concert you attended?
My first concert was the Smashing Pumpkins. I was a freshman in high school and my brother was a freshman at the University of Illinois. The Smashing Pumpkins were playing at the campus basketball stadium. I slept on the floor in his friend鈥檚 dorm room in the girls鈥� wing of the engineering dorm where he lived. I remember walking across campus and he yelled out, 鈥淚-L-L!鈥� and some random person on the other side of the quad yelled 鈥淚-N-I!鈥� (This is the University of Illinois cheer at games). I later graduated from Illinois, and this may have been the beginning of my love of college campuses.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
聽My mom once told me simply, 鈥淵ou just have to ask.鈥� Essentially this simple advice landed me summer jobs in college, funding for my engineering MS degree, and numerous other personal and professional opportunities that have led me to place I am today.聽