Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to the Buzz: Blog and our Alumnae Spotlights! Today we are highlighting our phenomenal Daffodil Executive Secretary Nina Voigt! Nina served as the Mt Tahoma Princess in 2014 under President Judy Smith. Their theme, Ready, Set, Grow! This theme explored the growth cycle of a daffodil in conjunction with The Daffodil Festival. Gardeners are always getting “Ready” for the next season, or year, just like the Daffodil Festival. As a gardener would “Set the bulb” in the soil to grow. The Daffodil Festival sets our new Princesses Candidates in training so they can “Grow” into a Daffodil Princess and go into the community. Nina was awarded “Miss Congeniality” during her reign and has been involved with the Festival ever since! She is currently finishing up her final year of residency as a family medicine physician who practices full spectrum with obstetrics, and addiction medicine. In her role, she brings a plethora of information to the Festival, and is able to be the cornerstone in the foundational mission to actively serve, and promote to our constituencies.
Q: What was your journey with the Daffodil Festival? Can you share your favorite story from your reign with us?
“2018-2022 I moved to Spokane for medical school, and peripherally stayed involved with the festival.
2022 I returned back to the PNW, became a Daffodilian, and then became the Secretary for the Executive Board for the past 3 years.”
“My favorite story from my reign with the festival would have to be when we were having a star wars event at the fair. I was being chased by 10-12 little kids with foam noodle light sabers, and next thing I know, I have all the kids on top of me hitting with foam noodles “
Q: What does the Daffodil Festival mean to you?
A: “This festival has been a program that has helped me grow in confidence. I’ve developed friendships that have been lasting through the years. The amount of networking is huge, and I wanted to give the next princess candidate the opportunity that I received.”
Q: What is your favorite thing you’ve done as the Executive Secretary?
A: “It’s a role that allows me to be a part of the festival, but involvement can be adjustable. As residency is a hard time balancing work and life. I do enjoy bringing all the information to the daffodillians, and board members.”
Q: What lessons have you learned through the Festival that has helped you?
A: “I’ve learned how to go with the flow. Learned that we all work together for a common goal and that you are never alone. There’s always someone there to help, and I want to be that for others too.”
Q: Can you share an experience of support you received with the Daffodil Festival?
A: “The Daffodil Festival volunteers who’ve seen me at 18 years old, continued to cheer me on while I was going through medical school. They have always showed up for me; when I was getting married in 2022, they were like my second family. They were my officiant, florist, bridesmaids, decorator, and helped at the reception selflessly. I want to be that for others too!”
Q: What is your vocation and what job(s) do you do outside of the Festival?
A: “I am a family medicine physician who practices full spectrum with obstetrics, and addiction medicine. I am finishing up my final year of residency, and one of the chief residents. This fall I will be seeing patients at the Eatonville MultiCare Clinic, caring for patients, and delivering babies at Good Samaritan Hospital.”
Q: If you could give advice to a current Daffodil princess, what would you say?
A: “This role brings a lot of joy and my advice is to soak up every moment. Make each day count when you are at an event, learn something new, or befriend someone you never thought you would in real life. IF socializing is mentally draining for you, set a goal prior to an event (small or big), and challenge yourself to reach that goal. Once achieved, you can relax and have fun.”
Thank you Daffodil Executive Secretary Nina, for your time and unfaltering dedication to the Daffodil Festival. We would not run without you and your efforts in providing information and connections.
Fun facts about Nina
“I enjoy traveling and trying new foods
I enjoy camping and riding dirtbikes
I have saltwater reef tank at home
I enjoy drawing cartoons and doodles”
