THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606220104
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 65 lines
The thing Dedra Carter likes best about her job as director of employee and community relations at Norfolk International Airport is that it gives her a chance to help people with their problems.
``It gives you a feeling of satisfaction when you're able to help someone,'' she said.
Carter's responsibilities include setting up health fairs or brown bag seminars which focus on nutrition and weight loss and recreational activities, as well as making sure employees get the benefits to which they are entitled.
From time to time, she has an opportunity to guide group of children who are participating in the airport's tour program.
``I like to see them learn new things,'' she said. ``Children, especially the little ones, get really excited when they can get on a plane and sit down. It provides a cultural experience.''
High schoolers are given tours of the airport's fire and police departments.
``We are like a municipality,'' she said. ``I'm glad we have a program that will make people happy.''
Her people skills paid off recently when she ran for office.
She was elected to a two-year term as the national president of Les Gemmes Inc., a service organization with chapters in six states and the District of Columbia.
Carter's involvement in the community includes participation in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is also the United Way unit chairman for retail services in the Norfolk campaign.
Full name: Dedra R. Carter
Hometown: Chesapeake
Fond childhood memories: ``Being involved in music. I used to play the piano a lot. I started out playing clarinet in the band in junior high school. Then I switched over and played the bassoon in college. But I haven't played lately.''
Spouse: Vernon Carter
Children: a son, Ray
Occupation: Director of employee and community relations at Norfolk International Airport
Hobbies: ``I love to travel. I like singing in my church choir. I love playing around with computers and working with people.''
Favorite magazine: `` `HR.' It's about human resource management, and I'll read that in a minute.''
What's your favorite game? ``Once in a blue moon, I play spades with my husband. It's fun.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``All shades of blue. Royal blue is really my favorite color. It reminds me of royalty.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A small dog, like a poodle, because they are almost like humans.''
What irritates you the most? ``People who don't do what they say they will do. I take people at their word.''
Favorite type of music: ``I like gospel music and jazz.''
A favorite movie: ``Indecent Proposal''
Can't resist: ``Fried chicken.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``Learn how to say no. I work myself to death because I can't say no.''
Favorite TV program: ``New York Undercover''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Relaxing.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``Lobster.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL by CNB