Editor’s Note: As we celebrate 10 years of Inspiring Women, we caught up with a few of our past ‘cover girls’…
Her story: Mary Van Sickle has been the Executive Director of Dakota Media Access (DMA) for the past eleven years. She has brought the organization into the 21st century and improved local programming and services, making DMA truly a community medium.
IW: You held a couple marketing positions before you became Executive Director of DMA. Do you get to draw on that experience?
MVS: Yes, because DMA is, among other things, a “marketing tool” for the entire community. By providing equipment, training, cable channels and webstreaming to individuals and organizations, schools, arts groups, churches and government agencies we serve the community in a unique way.
IW: Is it easy to keep up with the latest technological advances in media production and distribution?
MVS: Let’s say it’s manageable, not necessarily easy. And it’s manageable for me only because DMA has an amazing staff of techie “geeks” who love technology and are excited to learn about the next big thing. We’re also fortunate to have numerous volunteers and a network of area production specialists who generously share their knowledge, talents and passion for what we do.
IW: How has DMA changed over the years? Do you see more young people wanting to become involved?
MVS: We’ve seen an increased involvement from people of all ages due primarily to our effective outreach efforts and the talents of our staff. But we’ve made, and continue to make, significant improvements including:
online distribution of local programs and government meetings at freetv.org
the establishment of Government Access, channel 2
support from the City of Mandan and access to their Commission, School and Park District Boards and Morton County meetings.
increasing coverage of LIVE Government meetings – over 250 meetings will be covered LIVE this year.
expanded partnerships resulting in new program series such as “this is… Public Health Central Dakota,” “Capability Chronicles,” with the Arc of Bismarck and “Dakota Growing,” produced with local gardening groups and horticulturists.
IW: What are you most proud of accomplishing over the past eleven years?
MVS: I’m proud of providing a place where organizations can deliver their message, people can tell their stories and citizens can access government activity and election information. It makes our work rewarding to know we can encourage community involvement and help create an awareness of local views, art and cultures.
IW: What is the one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
MVS: No surprises – I’m pretty much an open book.
IW: What is the best piece of advice you can give to women?
MVS: My advice is to be passionate about what you do and when you have an opportunity to make a positive change, embrace it. Don’t worry about who gets credit, just get it done.
IW: Who Inspires You and why?
MVS: About 75% of our time at DMA is spent working with area non-profits, churches, arts groups, teachers, etc. The people who work for these organizations, especially those who work in human services, inspire me. They work behind the scenes, (often underpaid and overworked) making a positive difference in our community.
Mary’s Favorites
Movie: Rebecca
Book: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Quote: “One day at a time – this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”
Ida Scott Taylor, Author 1820 -1915