Lindsey Holtzman ‘06 was recently named to Central Penn Business Journal’s 2022 Forty Under 40 list of honorees. While “humbled and honored” by the award, Holtzman says there is more than one way to define success.
Currently, Holtzman serves as the Events Director for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, spearheading initiatives central to the organization’s mission.
“When I received this award,” she says, “a small part of me asked, ‘Why me?’...I was actually very surprised when I found out I won.”
Her colleagues certainly know why, as they were the ones who submitted her name to Central Penn. An expert multi-tasker, she has several ideas for how to break into new markets, and, most notably, her chamber was the first in the area to host online events during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Plus, she does all of it with grace, humility, and a positive attitude.
Though making strides on the career front, Holtzman values her home-life, too. In fact, with the exception of attending events, she works remotely. This allows her to maximize the time she spends with her children and husband. Achieving this kind of balance is tough for women, though, says Holtzman.
“In this day and age, there is an unspoken expectation [for women] that we should have a full-time job, you should be successful in your career…but at the same time, if you’re in a relationship and you’re married…then you’re also supposed to be taking care of the kids and managing the household.”
In fighting against these “unrealistic expectations,” Holtzman wants young women to know that they can have it all—with caveats.
“It’s okay to have gone to college and maybe stay at the same place for a while, and maybe sacrifice some things for the sake of having a family. It’s okay to not be super successful for the sake of spending more time with the kids. Or, it’s okay to not have kids and be super successful…you have to make sure you are following your heart.”
Holtzman adds that the extra time she spends with her children is something she knows she will never regret—even at the expense of certain career opportunities.
Given her recent addition to the 40 under 40 list, it is clear Holtzman’s work-life balance allows her to excel in both roles.