2024 NATO of Michigan Scholarship Awardee
BRENNA FIKEL
MJR Southgate Cinema 20
Southgate, MI
Brenna Fikel credits her theater employment over the past six years with helping her develop an “endless number of valuable skills” and improving her leadership abilities.
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Since 2019, she has worked in multiple capacities at MJR Southgate Digital Cinema 20 in Southgate, Michigan.
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“Brenna is such an integral role of our operation—I consistently question how we got so lucky to have her on our team. In my opinion, she is what every theatre worker should strive to be,” said General Manager Corey Robbins.
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Today Brenna works 30-40 hours a week as a human resources assistant and the theater’s first full-time assistant manager, while also attending Eastern Michigan University to study social work and psychology.
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Her work at the theater, she said, has greatly improved her interpersonal skills and professionalism. She specifically identifies the customer service, teamwork, and leadership experience she has gained as catapulting her readiness for ultimately working with children and families.
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Brenna shared that her conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, especially in intense situations, have vastly improved by working at MJR Southgate. These skills, she said, will be non-negotiable in the fields of social work and psychology.
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"As I was trusted with more responsibility in leadership positions, I discovered how essential each role is in providing an excellent movie-going experience, as well the value of each role in helping me reach my education and career goals. My experience at this theatre continues to benefit my ability to convey maturity and professionalism as I serve diverse communities and face new challenges."
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