Suzanne Blandon

Associate director of communications, Denver Center for the Performing Arts

• First job: administrative assistant, media relations and publications department

After completing graduate school at the University of Denver, Blandon was hired permanently in a position created specifically for her at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

"I had some clerical responsibilities, which included monitoring and cutting media clips for the center's press kits and archives," Blandon said. "I also created invites and fliers for events, and did a lot of proofreading."

Blandon says she's still grateful her former boss and mentor encouraged her to learn as much as possible while in the position.

"She never held me back."