Leadership Delaware County Spotlight - Kris Meininger

Name: Kris Meininger  
​Hometown: Collingswood, NJ 
Company: EDSI  
Position: Career Coach Coordinator 
Length of time you have been with your company: 7 years.  
Briefly describe your journey, noting both personal milestones and obstacles you may have faced along the way. I began working with EDSI in 2016 as a Job Developer, acting as a liaison between folks seeking employment and job opportunities in the Philadelphia area. I worked in recruitment for a year but found myself most energized by working with people 1-1 to help achieve their goals. That prompted me to pursue a Case Manager position in the same Philadelphia office, where I could support people to remediate barriers and achieve milestones to gain employment. In early 2020, I transferred to EDSI Delco office as a Case Manager for the EARN (Employment, Advancement and Retention Network) Program. In 2021, a took a year hiatus in Tennessee supporting EDSI’s WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) program in Nashville. It was a wonderful experience! However, I could not wait to return to the team at the Delco office to continue the wonderful work of supporting folks in their goals. Since returning to Delaware County in 2022,   I have been able to support our EARN and Recovery programs; continuing the work that energizes me the most! 

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​How did you hear about LDC and why did you sign up to take part in it? My Program Director presented me with the opportunity to participate. I am a life learner and like to connect with people – seemed like the perfect opportunity!  

What inspires you? How does that inspiration play into your professional life? My kids! I have twin boys, who recently turned 6. Their kindness, understanding, and grit inspire me daily. My son is neurodiverse, and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world view. There are endless paths to a similar outcome. 

Briefly, describe a transformative moment that helped to shift your approach to your career. The LDC, which came at the perfect time. It has helped make me a more confident and self-assured leader. I particularly have enjoyed the deep dive into EI (emotional intelligence) and identifying top values, which has had a direct impact on how I show up for myself and others professionally. Understanding my strengths and using that knowledge to be the best support I can be to others.  

What leaders, thinkers or doers do you admire most? Why? When I was in Philadelphia I worked closely with another case manager, Ms. Garris. Her kindness and support towards everyone was unwavering and something I inspired to be both professionally and personally. She always has a kind word to share about someone and I admire her deeply.  

What has been the most valuable professional advice and/or lesson you’ve received. “power of the pause” To take that moment to respond rather than react. Carve out the time for creativity and fill your own bucket too!