HURON - Those who have utilized the services of the Huron Housing Authority over the last 10 years have certainly noticed the smile and upbeat tone of Amy Fullerton. For some of those at most need in the Huron community, she’s been a strong ally and advocate over that decade.

Before she joined Huron Housing Authority, Fulleton worked in customer service positions, which gave her the perspective that how you treat someone affects the bond that you form with them.

She was blessed with many excellent female influences growing up. Fullerton cites her mother, Lorenda Grace, teaching her responsibilities, kindness, tolerance, and strength.

She mentions her grandmother, and aunts Nancy Hein and Carolyn Stahl, and her cousin Kari Hinker who taught her to value relationships in life. Finally, she mentioned being someone who is still learning, and her younger sister is someone who she considers her biggest female influence. “She is smart, successful, beautiful, and open-minded,” said Fullerton. “She can help me through any situation”

When asked about her professional influences, she is quick to respond with two names. First is the woman that hired her with Huron Housing, former Executive Director Barb Cook. “I miss her to this day,” said Fullerton. “She taught me to do my best, keep pushing forward, and that we all make mistakes, so don’t forget to laugh.”

Fullerton also mentions Community Counseling Services’ Kim Smith as one of her influences. She mentions Smith’s assistance in helping her to navigate the unknown in her career and serving as a support system. “She is one of those leaders that reminds me that I can complain that rose bushes have thorns,” said Fullerton, “or I can rejoice that the thorn bushes have roses.”

Fullerton enjoys digging into the dirt in her own time, growing plants and flowers in the summer. She says that she collects elephants, purses, and dust.

Her advice to young women looking to follow her path:

“In my position, every day is something new and different. This keeps me on my toes as each day is a learning experience. As the situations you encounter change, they allow you to be innovative and problem solve.

“At Huron Housing, I get to work with great people in my office and in the community.

“I get to encourage others to do their best by sharing knowledge and setting goals for success. It’s fun to see continuous improvement in those people that are trying to better their situations.

“If you’re looking for a challenge, want to help empower others and help them succeed along with seeing progress in your community and its members, this is absolutely a line of work you should consider.”