19-25 April is National Volunteer Week. RAPS is recognizing some its wonderful volunteers for all of their dedication and hard work. Get to know them each day this week with a Q&A below and check out the RAPS Volunteer Program to learn more and get involved.
Maria Vrabie
- What has been your favorite RAPS volunteer experience? Since 2019, I have been a member of the RAPS Convergence Planning Committee. The annual Convergence is such an amazing event where regulatory professionals from all around the world come together to learn, network and celebrate being part of the regulatory community. It really doesn't compare to any other conference that I have attended in my professional career. I am so honored that I was picked to serve a 3 year term, allowing me to participate behind the scenes and then witness the event come to fruition.
- How has being a RAPS volunteer benefitted you? I have been a RAPS member for many years and relied on RAPS as a critical source for regulatory intelligence, especially because I worked in small/medium size companies for most of my regulatory career. Since becoming more involved as a volunteer, I have really benefited from the relationships that I have established within the RAPS volunteer community. I also enjoy contributing to the planning of programs for the local chapter and promoting the events to reach the widest audience possible within our community.
- What would we find on your desk right now? Multiple computer monitors and lots of papers/books. My biggest pile consists of my CAPA trainer materials; I am studying to become a certified CAPA trainer for my organization. Also tea/coffee cups, I usually have to round up several of them at the end of the day!
- Do you prefer coffee or tea? I love both actually!
- What has been your favorite quarantine hobby? Going for long walks with my kids, especially as the flowers and trees are starting to bloom.
- What do you love about the regulatory profession? I love the fact that it is never boring. The regulatory environment is constantly changing and it impacts so many facets of the business. This means that you can never get complacent when it comes to your learning and strategic planning. I also love interacting with cross functional team members across the organization and working on achieving a common goal.
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Annie O'Brien
Community Manager
Regulatory Affairs Professional Society
regex@raps.org------------------------------