Meet Dr. Ivette Trentini, associate dean of business, trades, and manufacturing at Southeast Community College (SCC).

Tell us a little about your organization. – Southeast Community College (www.southeast.edu) is an exciting place! SCC is redesigning education in our community. Our new buildings are state-of-the-art, and our existing facilities are getting the needed updates to welcome everyone. SCC is dedicated to serving our community’s needs and the students who want to build a good life.

How did you get started in higher education? – As a graduate student, I started teaching part-time as a communication instructor. I was hooked!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Professional burnout. I left a career due to burnout, and though I was disappointed, I wouldn’t have found my new love in higher education.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most significant achievement professionally was when I finished my doctorate at Creighton University. I worked full-time and this last degree took six years to complete, but I would do it again. It was very rewarding.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am engaged to a gorgeous man named Randy. We share a home with a rescue lab and three cats.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – At the time, I was training new employees at a different job. I realized how rewarding it was to see people succeed. When I joined higher education, I felt I could help people thrive at more meaningful levels.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I am an audio-book junkie, and I’ll immerse myself in home projects.

What is the most interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – In high school, I was a synchronized swimmer.

Who inspires you? – My dad. He is from Brazil and worked incredibly hard throughout his life. He has overcome some of the most difficult challenges and is literally the nicest person I know.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My great aunt gave me great advice when I was a young woman. If something bothers you, take three days to work through it. After the third day, move on. It works!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To fly, of course!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Oil painting.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Parallel parking.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A fitness coach or dark chocolate taster, I can’t decide.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I have a soft spot for animal shelters. On another note, I volunteered at the State Penitentiary for a couple years and felt fortunate to be a part of helping others reskill themselves.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Stolen Focus by Johann Hari.

What is your favorite movie? – Jackie Brown.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Hands down, La Paz. It is a local gem. They never disappoint.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Bill Gates with Steve Jobs at the same table.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 437-2639; itrentini@southeast.edu; www.southeast.edu.