“10 Questions With…” is a feature in The Courier-News in which reporter Rafael Guerrero interviews someone in the Elgin area we think you should know and finds out a little more about what makes them who they are.
Cathy Russell
Age: 46
Hometown: Decatur, Indiana
Lives in: Elgin
Job: CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Elgin
Education: University of Southern Indiana graduate
Family: Married, four children ages 8, 11, 18 and 22
How did you end up with the Boys and Girls Club?
When I graduated from college, I was in Evansville, Indiana, and decided to move back home (to Decatur, Indiana). I started working for a telephone company, doing administrative work. I wasn’t still quite sure what I would do with my life.
I was looking at the newspaper and was looking at jobs and there was a job at the Boys and Girls Club. My parents had donated to the club and knew some of the board members. My mom and dad were very passionate about the Boys and Girls Club but I didn’t know anything about it.
They gave me a full-time job as a program director. I started there and it sounded great, but I still didn’t know what I wanted in my life. I was there a couple of months, learning about the Boys and Girls Club and why it was important. Two months into the job, I got it and it all clicked for me. You can change kids’ lives.
What do people not know about the Boys and Girls Club?
I think people are always shocked to learn how many kids we serve everyday in 16 locations — 700 to 1,000 per day.
Who is your hero/role model?
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Mother Teresa. As you watched her serve, she never looked like she was serving for herself, for her ego, or what she was going to get out of it. You could really see the light of God. She is all about giving to help people, you can just see that light shine. It just always felt authentic. As a leader, that’s something I always aspire to.
If you could have dinner with your hero or role model, what would be the first question you’d ask?
How do you stay fueled? How did she on a daily basis continue to refuel herself, to stay authentic and work tirelessly? I want to know her secret.
What is the scariest thing you have ever experienced?
My youngest daughter was less than 2 at the time. It was a Friday and I was at home. She was upstairs taking a nap.
I ran upstairs to check on her and she was laying on her back. There was blood coming out of her mouth. She was having trouble breathing. I was in a complete panic. I grabbed her, I took her to my bedroom. Her eyes were rolling to the back of her head. I couldn’t figure out what was happening.
I couldn’t find my cell phone anywhere, I couldn’t find my landline phone. I ran to my neighbor and told him to please call 911 for me.
I went back to my house and I sat on my stairs with Angelina, (thinking) ‘She’s dying.’ It was just so scary, and I was not thinking straight.
The ambulance showed up. They (said) she had a bloody nose. But because she was laying down, instead of draining out it was draining into her throat. They took care of her and then she was fine.
The scariest thing that can happen to anyone is when something bad happens to your children. … She was fine, though, so it all had a happy ending.
What is your favorite book?
Max Lucado’s “You Are Special.”
Favorite place to eat in the Elgin area?
For breakfast, Alexander’s Cafe. Lunch, the Elgin Public House. And dinner? My home with family.
Favorite food?
Meal? Hamburgers and mac and cheese. Food? Tacos. And dessert? Brownies.
What is a pet peeve for you?
Hearing people chew food. Ugh!
What TV show are you currently watching?
“Anne with an E” (on Netflix).