Staff Profile: Elizabeth Grove

Where did you grow up?
Until middle school I lived in Baltimore near Good Samaritan Hospital, in a row house.  Our front yards and back alley were always full of kids. It was a great because there were woods and streams nearby, and my brother and I had a lot of freedom to explore. I was quite the tomboy!

Where did you go to school and what was your focus?
Being from Baltimore, I’ll first say that I went to Northern High School before moving and attending North Carroll. That’s how Baltimoreans answer that question! After that, I went to Warren Wilson College in western NC, with plans to major in animal husbandry, child psychology, and/or creative writing. I didn’t intend to go so far away, but when my Mom and I visited I just fell instantly in love with the mountains.

What are your interests/hobbies?
Well, I am very interested in environmentalism, as evidenced by participating in CCAN’s annual Polar Bear Plunge at National Harbor, and am seemingly obsessed about recycling everything. I don’t have much time for hobbies, though, cuz I moonlight (catering and jewelry sales) and volunteer (community and DOK).

What were you doing prior to working here?
Just my last three jobs: Sandler Systems – an international sales training organization; Baltimore County and MD State Fire Fighters Associations – for 17 years; and Shelter Group – a “corporate” job which, as it turns out, was not my niche. I left after two years without a prospect, but insisted on my next step being with a worthy nonprofit, and here I am. Before all that: animal hospitals, Kelly girl, electric company, Cutco sales, dairy farm… for someone with a fairly sheltered life, I’ve done a lot!

What do you do at PBRC?
As the Executive Assistant for Sharon Goldsmith, I am living the life! I work with the nicest boss ever (and there are many to compare her to!); I am “in” on most of what’s going on, which I like; I work with a great staff full of people genuinely, truly devoted to their projects’ causes, which is awesome; and I am in a place where I can commute daily by bike, which I love. I’m the go-to person for a lot of office stuff, plus am a resource for attorneys seeking assistance with annual reporting. I like being that special!

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Catch me on a good day and I’d say that was bringing up two wonderful sons, each of whom are aiming for careers in the environment. Usually, though, it’s just being the right friend at the right time: that’s the best.

What is a quote that inspires you to do the work you do?
I collect quotes!  But my favorite inspiration is a verse “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be valiant and strong; let all you do be done in love” – 1st Cor, 16:13-14. I think that sums up a lot of what PBRC does/is.

What has been your most meaningful experience with PBRC?
My most meaningful is also my most challenging: working at one of the Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project clinics and helping parents who, while facing possible deportation, are making serious life/care decisions for their children. Even writing about that can bring me to tears.  It was awful to realize I was the only non-bilingual working there, so I hope/plan to learn Spanish.

What do you appreciate about PBRC’s mission?
I had to work at a nonprofit because I could not afford to volunteer full-time, quite simply. I appreciate that PBRC works hard to help others volunteer, to have that enriching, rewarding experience, to give something that no other person can provide or improvise. The only thing comparable is donating blood.

Tell us something random about yourself!
I was born in Agana (now Hagatn), Guam – that’s my only claim to fame!