Local Woman Spotlight: Erin Deegan Conner

This local nonprofit leader has overcome adversity by standing tall.

Hometown: Cross Lanes, WV, currently Charleston, WV
Age: 36
Occupation/Title: Senior Accountant at MRC Global
YWCA Charleston is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Please choose one portion of the mission and tell me how you embody it? I am all about empowering women! I love to see other women succeed and advance. In my role as President of the Junior League of Charleston I have held a couple events at meetings that focused on women’s empowerment, one was a panel of women working in traditionally male-dominated fields where we heard about their experiences, and found we all have many things in common. Recently had a meeting where Pam Harvit spoke about 5 ways women undermine themselves, which was another insightful presentation. My goal as a leader is to not dictate decision-making, but rather empower others around me to contribute ideas in order to come to a decision together. I believe that together, women can change the world.
In one sentence, can you tell me what you're most known for? It’s difficult to think of what I may be known for, but I would think my personality and my sense of humor. I try to inject a little bit of goofiness into everyday life because it makes life so much more fun.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do: I may be an accountant, but I actually started my career in public relations and marketing. I spent a year in that field before deciding to go back to school to be an accountant, and have made a career of that. However, I do still get to use the marketing and PR skills in my spare time. It shows that all the bits of knowledge you learn in life can come in handy down the road! I have really enjoyed advancing my career at MRC Global as an accountant and recently joined a committee there which focuses on inter-office networking, team building, and charitable efforts. It allows me to use creative skills I don’t normally get to apply to my senior accounting role.

What makes you passionate about what you do? I love variety and the spice of life. Accomplishing things, whether they be small things or big things, brings me a rush of satisfaction. Just knowing you have made an impact, whether that be through volunteering at a community event or planning a fun office activity, brings a sense of purpose. After nearly losing my life as a teenager I really just strive to live each day to its fullest, and helping others succeed or have a good time is a big part of that.

Any other information you'd like to add or include? I have been an amputee for 23 years, after losing my leg to cancer at the age of 13. Spending my teen years navigating life with a disability was often challenging, and I learned a lot about myself and others. A few years ago I became more involved with the amputee community at a national level, and from there I think my life really took off. I gained newfound confidence and built upon my abilities to speak to others and also lead. I also learned I don’t have to be an athlete or do anything remarkable to thrive as an amputee, rather just live life to its fullest, be a good person, and help hold other people up. You never know when things could change, so do the things, live the experiences, and spread love every chance you get!