Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Zech.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In high school, a history teacher, Ms. Hall, approached me and asked if I ever thought about a career in broadcasting saying I had a unique voice, and advised me to check in with the career counselor and look under communications. There, I was told about an internship at KGTV Ch. 10 and enrolled for my senior year of high school. I was told I was the first female intern to do so. After high school, I attended Communication courses at Grossmont College. After a couple of years, a former classmate contacted me saying a radio station he worked at was looking to hire a woman for an on-air position. I applied and was hired. After working for a few different radio stations for the next few years, I got a call at home from a man who worked for the Auto Club, he asked if I was familiar with the traffic reporting service in town, I said yes – and he said I was recommended highly by two of my former radio stations… he needed to replace the previous reporter who had just been fired. I interviewed and got the job as the first female air traffic reporter for radio, and a few months later, I became the first Television News Air Traffic Reporter, first with Ch. 39 NBC, then added ABC KGTV Ch. 10. I reported for ten radio stations as well. It was a job that clicked from the start – and started my passion for “safety” on our roadways.
Almost from the start, I was lecturing to schools and groups about my job – adding what I was learning from the experts (police & fire) about the bad driving habits that often lead to collisions. After 18 years, my passion for safety brought me to a job with the El Cajon Fire Department as their Public Information Officer (PIO), Safety Educator and Fire Prevention specialist. In less than five years, I was asked to be the PIO for the City of El Cajon. I said yes if I could keep my safety role – they agreed. I’ve been with the City for over 17 years. My safety lectures, which began in 1984 – continue to date!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At the age of thirteen, my identical twin sister unexpectedly died of leukemia. I still miss my best friend. I also fall into the ME-TOO movement… along the way, while working for one of the radio stations, a general manager made advances. When I refused his advances, I was fired the next day… but, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my career in news. Never let anyone force themselves on you – report them!
When offered new jobs or promotions I’ve always told myself to “go for it!” I’ve never thought “I can’t do that!” Instead – I’ve said “I’ll give it my best shot, I can do it – and went for it. I’ve taken several leaps of faith!”
After getting my first dream job as an air traffic reporter, my then husband wanted me to quit and have more children. It was tough being a single mom – but thank goodness for my mother, she was there for me, especially babysitting and taking my daughter to and from school. Her support, her encouragement – and faith, were instrumental in my career milestones. I’ve taken my negatives in life and have made them learning experiences – it’s made me a stronger person. My faith in GOD, working hard and achieving my goals makes me appreciate my successes even more!
Please tell us about Stay Alert – Stay Alive with Monica Zech – Safe Driving Presentations.
My passion is safety – “safe driving!” I’ve been lecturing since 1984 when I started my job as an air traffic reporter. Working with first responders, and with safety organizations, and what I’ve seen first hand professionally and personally. “I don’t sugar-coat the message!” But in sharing my personal perspective… after my first eight years of traffic reporting and safety lecturing, in 1992, my father was killed by a drunk driver. In 2005, my daughter was injured by a DUI driver, but prior to this – in 2003, I was almost paralyzed by a STOP sign runner. The injuries I suffered in the stop sign runner collision continue to impact my life to date. But, it was the tragic death of my father, that gave me a perspective that I’m not shy of passing along to my audiences, at times, it’s a very emotional experience I share. (I also am on the MADD speaker’s bureau.) I don’t hold back the pain I experienced when my father was killed.
Thanks to my safety website – I’m proud to say that in 2010, I started receiving calls and emails asking me to speak nationally. The first was to a high school in Miami, another in Wisconsin, then in Lyndhurst, New Jersey and to a Naval base in Reno, Nevada among others. Speaking at Military bases and to companies, as a corporate speaker is among my favorite audiences… but I also love speaking to high school students and to colleges. My talk is called “Stay Alert – Stay Alive!” I work to reduce the chances of being involved in a collision. In addition, I’m also honored to have received almost 50 awards in safety to date.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Lack of proper training in the area of management is a problem. Take advantage of classes available at local colleges.
In general, I think you see more women in leadership roles. But, I highly recommend, for men and women, to take classes on how to be a good – supportive manager. To learn how to manage in a way that motivates their employees, not berate or bully them. Unfortunately, I’ve had my share of female managers that had no business being managers, they led by being a bully, making their employees miserable and cry. I feel this happened due to a lack of proper management training. In one instance, once that person retired, the whole workplace became a happier place to work.
There have also been strides in preventing workplace sexual harassment, more training in this area has helped in making it a better workplace.
Pricing:
- The cost of my safety lectures can vary, depending on the day, time and location. I work with your budget. Generally $250 per hour.
- For my Military talks – I do not charge a speaker’s fee locally – I’m honored to speak to our Military.
- If I have to travel outside the San Diego area, and airfare or lodging is necessary, that may add to my speaker’s fee.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monicazech.com
- Phone: (619) 219-9030
- Email: monicazech@cox.net
- Facebook: Speaking of Safety and Monica Zech
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