Jeanette Laster says, 'Be kind … embrace change'

Meet Jeanette Laster, a community advocate with a heart to serve people. As well as serving as executive director of the Human Rights Education Institute, Jeanette will be returning to full-time student status in the fall to pursue numerous avenues of interest in leadership. Her favorite quote: “The best way to find yourself is lose yourself in the service to others.” — Mahatma Gandhi.

Generation: I'm a millennial living in a Generation X body. I grew up in a military family where my parents worked and I spent time in after-school activities or on my own. Some called us latchkey kids; I'd challenge that stereotype to say I was taught to have a routine and an expectation of self-responsibility at a young age. We had plenty to keep us busy. On the inside is where I feel I'm a millennial. At just 50, my heart echoes the ideals of a younger generation that will change the world. They're resilient and willing to step out of their comfort zone to make things happen. Although I have traditional values, I embrace and respect what many people feel are non-traditional beliefs and walks of life. I believe we are each made uniquely and have special gifts to share. I love to know and connect with different people and places. I've been a student of learning all my life — academically, professionally, socially and worldly.

Career and community involvement: I was recruited to North Idaho in 2008 to participate in the development of the Salvation Army Kroc Center Aquatic Department. Then I worked three years with United Way as the community impact coordinator. This is where I found my true calling. I had the privilege to serve under two great directors and gained so much respect for community leaders who work with the most vulnerable and challenged populations. My time there was an awesome exercise in learning and has really molded the way I envision the future of my current organization, HREI. I'm a proud graduate of Leadership Coeur d’Alene 2011 and Advanced Leadership Coeur d’Alene, 2018. I'm a Rotarian, Lady d’Alene, BSA merit badge counselor and a member of the Arts and Cultural Alliance and Kootenai Nonprofit Group.

Parental status: I've been married to Paul Anthony for 22 wonderful years and am the proud mom of Paul William (21) and Mom No. 2 to his girlfriend, Averee, and numerous surrogate mom positions to many of their friends. It’s a blessing to be needed and loved by them. Our family also includes a large, slobbery dog named Mowgli and an escape artist cat named Lily.

1. What is it about the Human Rights Education Institute that called to you?

The word "community" comes to mind instantly. HREI is a beacon of hope to so many who feel marginalized or alone, and many would be surprised who those people are. They're our friends, neighbors and the people we do business with every day. There are pockets of cultures in our community hidden in the fabric of North Idaho that remain undercover out of fear of condemnation. It's heartbreaking that anyone in our community, new or well established, would feel they could not be their true authentic-self inside and out.

2. What do you enjoy most about promoting the celebration of diversity?

When I receive feedback and letters from parents and teachers who had their children excitedly tell them about the new types of food they tried at camp or sharing about conversation they had with a multicultural guest speaker, such as a Muslim woman or an African refugee, I know that we have done a great job. The children are always very engaged. When we share real people and real experiences from around the world, we are opening up their minds to so many possibilities. We truly CAN be a united world filled with compassion for each other if we choose to be.

3. What are a few things people can do to be better to each other?

SMILE and BE KIND. Get to know the people around you and say hello to each person you pass by in a day, even if you don’t know them. Someone that I look up to very much told me once that even when I am down, I am full of positive energy, and when I walk in a room, people feel that. I never thought about myself in that way, but it makes me so happy that I unconsciously emanate positivity and compassion, and now I make sure I live up to that statement. I think we all have those days that we may be beaten down emotionally and physically, but tomorrow is always a new day and a new opportunity to make things right (Thanks Mom!).

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I have an adventurous spirit. I have cliff dived and tandem surfed in Hawaii, jumped from 50 feet at several lakes and I used to stow away on the college scuba boat more than once just to dive off the Anacapa Islands. My fare for passage was cooking up the chowder on the way home.

5. If you could share any message with the community, what would it be?

Embrace change. It's an opportunity to make something better. We're growing at a fast pace and our community is changing. We must face the challenges openly and with great forethought to preserve what is special about traditional North Idaho, yet embrace how more incredibly beautiful North Idaho will be with diverse growth and development. Culturally, we stand to gain many wonderful things.

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Email Devin at dweeks@cdapress.com