River City Six – Shauna Paolini
Meet Shauna Paolini, business services workforce coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Labor (dol.nebraska.gov).
Tell us a little about your business.
The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) employment and training division serves both residents and employers throughout our state. I specialize in hiring and retention strategies. Working with employers to identify workforce solutions, I assist businesses with getting the most out of NEworks.nebraska.gov, the State of Nebraska labor exchange, including labor market information, the virtual recruiter tool, and other features. I also connect them with resources such as the Worker Training Grant, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and Registered Apprenticeship.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve always had the ability to understand people, business operations, and systems. I began my career in the human services field. I then transitioned to coordinating businesses. My father encouraged me to consider employment opportunities within the State of Nebraska and I found the Department of Labor—and I’m so glad I did!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
The process of learning when and where to show up, and when and to whom to share my honest thoughts and solutions with.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I consistently execute my work in high performance and productivity, while increasing the efficiency of systems and processes wherever I have the opportunity to do so.
Tell us a little about your family.
My family is resilient, hilarious, strong, loving, and kind!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
I used to think transition led to turning points, and in a way, it does; but what I’ve found is that transition leads to opportunities to make firm decisions regarding the state of your life, which then lead to turning points.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love organizing, spending time with my fiancé and family. I also enjoy experiencing new restaurants, landscapes, and cities.
What are you the most proud of?
My family and the NDOL team I’m a part of.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You’re often making a more significant impact than you realize.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Intentional
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Cooking! I’m not claiming to be a master chef, but I do make delicious meals.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Realistically, I would love to have a platform to host interviews. In another life, I would totally be a secret agent.
What is your favorite TV show?
Queen of the South and Crowned. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to experience the life journey of both women and to see their growth, prosperity, and triumph throughout the seasons.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is always a pleasure! I also recently ate at Burnzzz and I enjoyed the unique recipes of their burgers, and the free arcade games.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 934-2775; Email: Shauna.Paolini@nebraska.gov; Website: dol.nebraska.gov.