Meet Redwood Credit Union's Tracy Condron Weitzenberg, a 2019 North Bay Women in Business winner
North Bay Business Journal asked 2019 Women in Business Awards winner Tracy Condron Weitzenberg to fill us in on her background, responsibilities and community involvement, and insights into what makes her a notable professional in the region.
Professional background:
January 2018 – present – Communications & PR Manager – Redwood Credit Union
March 2015 – January 2018 – Vice President of Public Policy - Santa Rosa Metro Chamber
October 2012 – March 2015 – Development & Membership Coordinator – Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center
April 2007 – February 2015 - Freelance Writer – Kaiser Permanente
August 1996 – April 1997 – Communications Manager – Sacramento Metro Chamber
January 1994 – April 1996 – Communications Manager – Glenview (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce
Education: Bachelor of science degree, journalism, concentration in public relations, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Staff: Three staff in my department; 650 employees at RCU
Tell us about yourself and your company: I have long admired Redwood Credit Union and the role it has played in our community. I understand the commitment that has been made by this organization to support the good work of so many nonprofits and organizations that are making a difference.
Having lost my home of 15 years in the Tubbs fire, I found myself on the receiving end of the North Bay Fire Relief Fund. I'll never forget the profound impact that had on me. I had always been the helper and now it was me and my family that needed the help. I remember that first check and realizing that I didn't even own a jacket and being so humbled in that moment.
I decided I wanted to work for an organization that is there for you in good times and in bad, and I'm so proud to be a part of the RCU team.
Is there a major accomplishment in the past year or so that you would like to share?
I have had a lot of change at once, and I'm proud of my strength throughout. It's like the saying, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.”
There are many in our community right now still climbing their way back to something that feels normal, and that's no small feat. Choosing happiness isn't always easy, but I'd have to say my major accomplishment this past year was to navigate the change in my life journey with as much grace, dignity and strength as I could.
What is the achievement you are most proud of?
Easily, my greatest achievement are my sons, Trevor (22) and Gavin (20). They are both wonderful young men with big hearts. Trevor is graduating the University of California Santa Barbara and heading to UC Hastings in August and Gavin is a sophomore at UC Davis. I'm extremely proud of each of them, and I look forward to all that they will contribute in the future.
What is your biggest challenge today?
Patience is my biggest challenge and has been one most of my life. I love to plan and have a well-organized life. Waiting to finally go home has been difficult. I don't like feeling like my life is on “pause,” I don't want to feel that I've wasted even a day wishing for it to be tomorrow.
Words that best describe you: Positive. Happy. Committed. Determined. Tough. I'm the middle child with two brothers - I guess I owe a lot to them!
As a successful female professional, what were the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle for me was balancing being a mom with work. I worked before having my sons, and then I wanted to be home with them like my mom was with me. I was very involved in my sons' schools throughout the years, but I also tried to maintain my writing skills, stay current on community issues, and stay involved.
It was extremely hard to go back to work and not feel behind with technology and systems. I had to allow myself time to get caught up, but also reassure myself that there was so much I could contribute.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
Just the way we communicate is rapidly changing. I love reading a newspaper front to back, but there are a variety of ways that people get their information. We need to remain relevant and always be aware of how to best engage our audience. We also need to recognize how to do things differently and meet the needs of those that we serve.
Who was your most important mentor?
My parents are equal mentors for me. Anyone who knows my parents knows of their service to this community. They have both held political office in Santa Rosa, volunteered on numerous boards, and raised their children to do the same. I have two brothers and we all returned to Santa Rosa to raise our families here. My parents always put family first but instilled in us that service to community is a close second.