Women’s History Month Trailblazers: Iman Seale
With extensive experience in higher education, government and cultural institutions, Iman Seale uses her broad range of communications skills – developing and executing marketing strategies, managing digital content, social media curation and website management – to lead digital communications efforts at Orange County Utilities.
¿Quién te inspiró en tu juventud?
My parents were and are a huge source of inspiration for me, particularly my mom. She's accomplished a lot in her life and career, completing nursing school while raising four children and a few years ago returning to school to earn her B.S.N. degree while working full time as a nurse. Her dedication and leadership in all aspects of her life have shown me anything is possible when you put your mind to it and work hard.
How did you make your way to Orange County Utilities?
Very unexpectedly! I've always loved art and creative expression, so I began my educational journey as an art history major. After graduating with a bachelor's and master's degree in art history, I was ready to put my skills to work. I wanted to go into teaching, but my mother encouraged me to have an open mind and also look for roles in marketing and communications, noting I'd developed many of the skills I'd need for those positions - writing, public speaking, critical thinking, an eye for good design, etc. - in studying to become an art historian. I humored her and ended up getting a job as a communications associate at a community college in California. I really loved the job, but Central Florida is where I was born and raised, and I wanted to come home. I eventually found an opening for a communications role at Orange County Utilities and decided to apply.
What do you love about your current role?
I get to use my creativity and tap into social media trends to tell my department's story in new ways. I also manage the Utilities webpages and intranet site. Additionally, I'm the editor of my department's monthly employee newsletter. I get to wear many hats, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What challenges do you face in your role?
How different in nature this job is compared to my last one. For example, most of the students at the college were around my age or not much younger than me, so I could relate to them because I also started my higher education at a community college. In my current role, my audience is significantly larger and more diverse. Additionally, unlike college students who have a choice in where they attend school, residents don't get to choose their utility providers. So, my approach has to be different, but I enjoy the challenges because they push me to learn, grow and adapt as a communicator.
What are your goals as they apply to your role?
I'm very motivated to improve and increase Orange County Utilities' online presence. I want our webpages to give our customers a better sense of the work we do and who we are - not just as a utility but as people. I'm also inspired by the creativity of other utilities on social media. I'd love to have more fun with telling our story and educating people along the way.
What should residents be aware of when it comes to the services Orange County Utilities provides?
How service-oriented and committed our employees are, and how much goes into providing essential water, wastewater and solid waste services every day, not just in emergencies. In addition to working here, many of us live and play in (or at least love) Orange County, so we care and take our charge seriously.