Buna M. George
Executive Director, Greater Yuma Port Authority
BUNA GEORGE LOVES to cultivate relationships – and as the executive director of the Greater Yuma Port Authority, she gets to do just that on a regular basis.
“I have the privilege of working with appointed representatives from Yuma County, The City of San Luis, The Cocopah Indian Tribe and The City of Yuma to facilitate international trade that enters through the San Luis Commercial Port of Entry,” George noted.
She also works with such diverse entities as Customs and Border Protection and the Arizona Department of Transportation, and notes there are a variety of projects underway.
“I want people to know, it takes an army and it takes a lot of time to coordinate projects of this volume for a community,” George said.
“The San Luis Port of Entries as well as the Mexicali Ports of Entries that focus on lawful trade and travel, those 200k+ people that come to and from Mexico on a monthly basis have an indirect benefit to each of the cities within the county. Our economic wellness is tied to their visits as we are to theirs. Opening dialogue with current port users and working in conjunction with designated representatives from each entity to raise awareness for our region is and will remain our highest priorities.”
George offered positive words of encouragement for her fellow young professionals.
“You are your most valuable asset! Take a risk on you! It’s easy to fall into a comparison trap with everyone else who has come before you. Everyone has a starting point, there is a learning curve in the beginning. Accept the fact that in the early days of a new career venture, you may not be the smartest in the room, but showing up, taking a seat and being proactive in the direction you want to excel in speaks volumes,” George said.
DR. NIKKI HAGE says it’s hard to explain the feeling of helping someone recognize their talent and achieve it. As Dean of Student Services for Arizona Western College, Hage gets to do just that – and then some.
“Having a career in a profession that helps others develop and witnessing their development is indescribable. I love my job! Helping others achieve their life’s passion is my life’s purpose,” Hage said.
Hage notes that her focus is serving the students on campus.
“My team and I are responsible for providing AWC students with innovative care and exemplary programming that enhances student success and the overall student experience. In addition, I am responsible for serving as a proactive solution-oriented advocate for students to ensure all students achieve their professional and personal goals,” she said.
Her career is a rewarding one.
“I have had the pleasure of seeing many of my middle school students graduate from college and move to different countries to pursue their passions,” Hage noted.
In March this year, Hage played a critical role in an new educational initiative to bring telemental health services to AWC students, to help support mental health needs on campus. The program is expected to launch in
Fall of 2021, and Hage notes that so far, it’s her most memorable professional moment.
For her fellow young professionals, Hage offered some advice.
“Allow yourself not to live but to have life. Seek wisdom and not just knowledge. Allow time for peace and not only silence. Don’t just seek but also find. Allow yourself pain to understand glory. Always love without reason and give without receiving. Give everything when you have nothing. Shine bright in darkness, show strength in weakness. Push when you can’t pull, crawl when you can’t run, and love through hate. Try to listen not just hear, be authentic and not artificial,” she said.