Tammy Barnes began her working life as a cashier at Kmart right after she got her work permit at 15. Even today, as director of operations for the state advocacy office at the American Psychological Association, she uses lessons from her previous jobs to better serve her members. Here are highlights from her career journey.

“When that door of opportunity opens to you and you get in, reach back and pull someone up with you.”

1999-2002: Cashier at Kmart

2002-2006: Salesperson at Sheetz

2006: Intern at the White House in the Office of  the First Lady

2007-2010: Policy Assistant, Public Interest and Science Government Relations Offices at the American Psychological Association (APA)

2010-2011: Program Coordinator, Office on Socioeconomic Status at APA