Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, DC, knows her way around marketing … and pageants.

Lakisha Woods’ career began almost 25 years ago when she worked as a cashier at the local movie theater in Fairbanks, Alaska. As the current CMO for the National Association of Home Builders, she says it’s important to always look for new opportunities for product or service advancement in your association. She also shared this piece of advice: “If you enjoy the people you work with, you’re more likely to enjoy the work you do. So find a way to incorporate excitement and joy in the everyday activities of your work.” Here’s a glimpse into her career path.

1990–1991 Movie theater cashier

1993–1997 Event director for the Ms. Petite and Miss Petite Teen Maryland and DC pageants

1996–1998 Account executive for TDI, selling outdoor, bus, and rail advertising

1998–2000 Director of product marketing at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

2001–2004 Executive director of marketing and e-business for Associated General Contractors of America

2004– Senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the National Association of Home Builders