Helen Scholar

What is something you learned about being a Mobility Pathfinder that you did not expect?

I knew that I was going to enjoy being part of the Wayfinder Mentorship Program and the connections that come with it, but I never expected my mentor, Dulce, to become such a trusted part of my inner circle of advisors so quickly. She’s now one of the first people I turn to, and I regularly seek her perspective on challenges I previously would have navigated on my own. Her guidance and encouragement right out of the gate have given me a stronger foundation to grow professionally.

When you are not managing parking, what do you love spending time on?

Oh gosh…I am fully in my “Grandma Era.” I can happily spend an entire weekend working on a jigsaw puzzle or embroidery project with a British drama series on in the background. One of the highlights of my week is our local paper’s crossword puzzle. Got an itch to go thrifting or stop by an estate sale or two? I’m your girl.

My fiancé, Drew, and I are also in our second year of learning how to garden. He surprised me with a raised garden bed this past Christmas, and I’ve spent months planning out how to make the most of the space for both, vegetables and cut flowers. I’ll be sure to report back on whether I can beat my current record of three cherry tomatoes this summer.

What upcoming industry changes are you feeling most energized about?

Last month, I attended an IPMI Virtual Learning Lab focused on why people park the way they do– and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since! I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior, so it’s especially exciting to see our industry taking a more intentional approach to understanding how our patrons make decisions and how we can use technology and thoughtful planning to foster a better overall experience for the people we serve.

What is a recent moment, big or small, that has made you smile?

Just yesterday afternoon, I was out walking our dog, Tilly, with Drew when two great blue herons-- my very favorite animal-- flew right over our heads before landing in a nearby pine tree. While one was clearly not interested in us, the other swooped down in a slow, lazy circle around the three of us, just like how a dolphin shows off in the ocean. It really felt like the performance was just for us.

What is something people are most surprised to learn about you?

Before starting my career in parking, I worked in professional baseball. I served as a food & beverage director for six different minor league baseball teams as well as Louisiana State University Athletics.