MANRRS Alumni Spotlight - Lionel D. Grant

Bria Barrett (BB): Give me a quick look into your story—where did you grow up, where did you go to school.

Lionel Grant (LG): I spent the first 18 years of my life in the Chicagoland area. Growing up, one thing became clear. I enjoyed learning about wildlife more than anything else. I made a choice to go to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) where I received my Bachelors in Zoology and Master of Science in Forestry with concentration, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources.  I now live in Michigan, which is great for outdoors. I enjoy hiking, archery, educating youth and spending time with family.  you go to school, what’s your degree, where do you live now, and what are some things you enjoy doing?

BB: What’s your MANRRS story? Briefly tell me about how you’ve been involved with MANRRS—positions, competitions, committees, etc. etc. and what your proudest moment as a MANRRS member was.

LG: I always like to jokingly say “I was kidnapped into MANRRS”.  Well, I was the youngest founder in my chapter back in 2007.  The other members had experienced fruitful endeavors with our professional society during their years in undergrad.  This encouraged them to establish a chapter at SIUC after seeing the needs and knowing the possibilities. I was able to grow through MANRRS.  I served as local Parliamentarian, President, and Graduate Advisor; also serving as the Region 5 Graduate Vice President and now on the Alumni Committee. I had an excellent tutelage through that of Dr. Dexter Wakefield (Past National President). My proudest moment comes when thinking of those who came through MANRRS and seeing them grow to where they are now. MANRRS Strong.   

BB: Where are you now—where do you work, what’s your position, how long have you been there, what’s your day-to-day like, etc. etc.?

LG: I now work for the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), stationed at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge serving 5 years as the Visitor Services Manager. Communication forms prospective so I focus a great deal of time on our communicative messages. My roles change with the seasons. I spend the majority of my time in the fall/winter focusing on our hunt program for the hunting community.  In the spring/summer I focus on programming for volunteers, youth, and the community.  What I enjoy most is helping others discover their passion with careers outdoors.    

BB: How have you stayed involved with MANRRS even after you graduated?

LG: My MANRRS journey has brought me full circle.  I went from undergrad, to graduate and now professional member. I’ve really enjoyed recruiting alongside other USFWS MANRRS Alumni like Refuge Biologist, Jeramie T. Strickland from Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. I have found enjoyment presenting at Regional/Cluster Meetings and in lending a hand with Jr. MANRRS, the Alumni Committee and wherever I can.    

BB: As you reflect, what would you say you learned in MANRRS that helped make the transition from student to professional easier?

LG: MANRRS exposed me to excellence.  Our society propagated growth personally and professionally.  MANRRS showed me there may be few minorities in my profession, but that our society was equipping me with the tools to be a powerful pioneer. And it linked me to a family that I would have for life. 

BB: Is there something you use every day that you learned in MANRRS (if so, what is it?)?

LG: Through trial and error MANRRS showed me how to conduct myself in front of millionaires, chancellors, and company representatives. The main thing is MANRRS afforded me the training (etiquette: dinning and dress) and opportunities that follow me throughout the years.    

BB: For students who are still in MANRRS, what advice do you have to them now that you’ve graduated?

LG: First and foremost, take advantage of your current moment.  Have fun! The best friendships I have are a result of MANRRS.  Second, take offers from MANRRS professionals seriously.  Often MANRRS operates as a family.  There are often genuine individuals that are working throughout the field that want to help you. If they tell you to follow-up or stay in touch, please do. Lastly, reciprocate that helpfulness as Alumni when it’s your turn.

BB: Imagine you’re interviewing someone for the position you currently hold. What types of skills and experience are you looking for? What kinds of questions would you ask them?

LG: If I was interviewing someone to replace my position, I would ask what they are most passionate about. Some people work, and some people spend their days getting paid to do what they love. It’s a small minority, but I’m glad to be a part of it.  I would also ask them where their experience lies with mobilizing people.  From building partnerships to working with people that volunteer their time, much of what is done deals with managing people.

BB: What gets you out of the bed each morning (what’s your biggest motivator?)?

LG: Sometimes what drives me shifts, but it’s always good to go back to your core values.  Knowing that I have purpose gets me out of the bed in the morning. I do this so that others like me know they can. Know that you are qualified. Know that you have purpose and an assignment for each day. Be confident in who you are and you won’t miss your purpose. 

BB: You can buy a plane ticket to anywhere in the world—where would you go and why?

LG: I would go to Sweden, simply because I would want to see what it’s like where they make my cars (Volvo).  I haven’t been waiting my whole life to go there. It’s a place I would go to because I can. Don’t be afraid to do what’s different. Don’t be afraid to take opportunities others wouldn’t.