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Gini Dietrich

#FollowFriday: Heidi Massey

By: Gini Dietrich | December 21, 2012 | 
71

I’m very lucky to live in a city where so many fantastic people who are active on social media live.

One of those people is Heidi Massey and, though she doesn’t make her living using social media, I met her that way. But because she’s not in PR or marketing, I likely never would have met her without social media, even though she only lives about a mile away from me.

The first time I read her bio, I thought, “Yep! That’s totally Heidi!” Have a look:

“Heidi Massey has been connecting people since about 2nd grade when she was always the first to introduce herself to anyone new to the neighborhood.  Heidi’s entire career has been in nonprofit/community benefit organizations.  She believes that innovation, creativity and good old fashioned common sense go a long way toward making a difference in the world.  Heidi is passionate (some would say addicted!) to Twitter and uses a variety of social media to learn more about just about anything.”

She is my complete opposite. She’s an extrovert to the nth degree (just like Mr. D) and isn’t afraid to talk to anyone, anywhere, at any time. The first sentence of her bio describes her perfectly.

A few months ago, she sold her house in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to the city. She gave up her car and went for the truly urban experience. She rides her bike everywhere, which makes me so, so proud.

She is the founder of ChicagoCounts, which is a one-day conference that provides technology training to nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits are both her career and her passion and she gives back to them as often as she can.

On a personal note, she is very kind, giving, and compassionate. She’s definitely someone you want on your side. I’m pretty sure she’d take a bullet for just about anyone.

You can find Heidi on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and on The Nonprofit Connection.

About Gini Dietrich


Gini Dietrich is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, a Chicago-based integrated marketing communications firm. She is the lead blogger here at Spin Sucks and is the founder of Spin Sucks Pro. She is the co-author of Marketing in the Round and co-host of Inside PR. Her second book, Spin Sucks, is due out in November 2013

71 comments
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mickeygomez
mickeygomez like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Heidi is one of the most generous, kindhearted and passionate people I know. She is one of my go-to nonprofit folks, hands down. Hooray for a post celebrating her, because she absolutely deserves it.

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @mickeygomez Awwww, Mickey! That's one of the nicest comments anyone has ever posted anywhere about me. Thank you! So glad we have connected and even met in person. You are a bright spot in any day in which I think of you...which is pretty much every day.

AmyVernon
AmyVernon like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

Hey! It's one of my favorite people on a blog run by one of my other favorite people!

barrettrossie
barrettrossie

 @HeidiMassey , nice to meet you. What's it like biking around Chicago on these short and cold winter days? 

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @barrettrossie I like it better than walking, or standing around waiting for a bus or a train. Although, today was the first day below high 30's and I didn't bike at all. We'll see how hardy I am once I do that. I think I need some more gear.

Pamela Grow
Pamela Grow like.author.displayName 1 Like

Heidi is all of the above and below and then some, AND an amazing mother.  Whenever I've got a parenting issue, I always think "WWHD?"...viola, I've got my answer.  And Heidi's the best #FollowFriday ever.  Love you, Heidi!

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @Pamela Grow Oh, friend! You know it is mutual. You inspire me every day! Thanks for the kind words.

DavidSvet
DavidSvet like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Yep, Heidi is definitely someone to follow. Just do it on your bike. ;-)

SocialMediaDDS
SocialMediaDDS like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @ginidietrich you definitely hit a home run today by featuring @HeidiEKMassey !!  She is one of the first online friends I met in real life about three years ago and I totally love her.  She is genuinely thoughtful, compassionate and giving.  She has that unique ability to draw you out and create a safe space to share thoughts and concerns.  AND, her gift of connecting is amazing.  Somewhere in any conversation that you have with Heidi, she will stop and say "you need to meet so and so and here's why"....I think that the best way to have conversations with Heidi is to have a little notebook and pen with you because you are guaranteed to come away with at least three people that you need to hook up with so you might as well be prepared!! ;-)  Thank you for sharing Heidi with you community...she SO deserves to be lauded and applauded for her selfless nature.  Love you Heidi!!

xoxo

Claudia

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @SocialMediaDDS  You are always so good for my ego! I feel so lucky to know you, my always kind, upbeat, and encouraging friend. Hoping we can have another lunch again soon! xoxoxo

magriebler
magriebler

Hi Heidi! It's always good to run into someone from the nonprofit side. Enjoy your day in the spotlight here at Spin Sucks! Consider it an early Christmas present from all of us.

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @magriebler Thank you! Do you work at or with nonprofits too?

magriebler
magriebler like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @HeidiMassey  I do! And I live in the Chicago area too. Maybe some day our paths will cross ....

SocialMediaDDS
SocialMediaDDS

 @magriebler  @HeidiMassey That is SUCH awesome news Marianne!  I am so very happy for you.  Morton Arboretum is very lucky to have you on board!!  I can't wait to hear all about it!

magriebler
magriebler like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @SocialMediaDDS  @HeidiMassey Claudia, you always make me blush! I love that! And now is as good a time as any to share my good news with you: I recently started a job as head of marketing at The Morton Arboretum. It definitely made the holidays brighter! 

SocialMediaDDS
SocialMediaDDS like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @magriebler  @HeidiMassey And...stepping in and playing the role of Heidi...ahem....

Marianne, Heidi is definitely someone you should meet.  Heidi, Marianne is a warm, wonderful and intelligent woman who is a delight to spend time with! 

Okay....my work here is done ;-)

juliepippert
juliepippert like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 4 Like

Heidi is the total embodiment of awesome and inspiring!

MylesPulse
MylesPulse like.author.displayName 1 Like

Well-deserved! When I moved to Chicago in February, it was Heidi, as much as anyone, who helped me out and introduced me to dozens of great people. Funny thing was I didn't know her at all before a chance conversation on Facebook. Then - like she has for many others – the next thing you know she's bending over backwards for you. True generosity. 

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @MylesPulse Awwww, Myles! I was smitten with you immediately! How could I not want to help you? Thanks for the kind words.

HeidiEKMassey
HeidiEKMassey

@compassx The internetz are very good. Especially that social stuff ;-)

LegalTypist
LegalTypist

@ginidietrich ohhhhh ... is it me... is it me... (doubt it but hey ... looking anyway).... ;)

debdobson62
debdobson62 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @HeidiMassey  Hello.  Nice to meet you and your comments made me laugh.  So cool you also ride your bike around.  Love your bio and love that nonprofits are your passion.

HeidiMassey
HeidiMassey

 @debdobson62 Thank you! Great to connect with you too. It's amazing how biking makes me so happy. When I have to drive in the city, it just depresses me. Today I have to go get a rental car because my daughter is getting her wisdom teeth out. And I am dreading it. Can't wait to return the car tomorrow!