Meet Grace Cosachov Protos
What is your name?
Grace Cosachov Protos
What’s your official job title?
Executive Director, Work Life
Years/Months at NYU:
4 years and 11 wonderfully exciting months!
What’s your hometown?
Kew Gardens Hills, NY – Former home of Paul Simon and Fran Drescher
What kind of projects do you work on?
I work on the well-being and health of NYU’s faculty, administrators and full-time researchers through the lens of improving work-life integration at the university. This work-life and well-being focus helps improve university culture and climate. Some of the projects involve collaborating with other university offices to raise awareness of supportive resources, offering consultations to departments and units on incorporating more of a work-life perspective within their team and leading the short and long term goals for this office. I’m also honored to manage an amazing, dedicated team at Work Life and I’m incredibly proud of this part of my work.
Any advice for new administrators?
Go out of your way to make connections. Invite people out for coffee, lunch or a walk around the block. It’s meaningful to connect with colleagues outside of the work space and to make new friends. My week always includes a social moment or two. Last week I walked with a friend and shared a meal with another.
Who do you know that you think we should know? Why?
Dr. Bob Talbot, our on campus mental health counselor who works for the Optum, Employee Assistance Program. Mental health should be a priority for all of us and his presence on campus is an incredible resource.
Is there an NYU benefit or perk that you use or think everyone should know about?
Neither a benefit or a perk but certainly something I think everyone at the university should know about are the services and resources of the Work Life office. I know this is a shameless comment but we are a team that is dedicated to supporting you!
Name your favorite spot on campus.
The bench outside of the Work Life office! It’s been a great way to work, socialize and host meetings with colleagues while enjoying the sun and greenery. I have learned that work doesn’t have to look the same every day and that part of engaging fully in life includes incorporating mental well-being into my day. That bench has made me very happy these past few months.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m an avid Spit (card game) player and I’m very competitive about it. I’ve only had one loss in the last 10 years to my daughter. If you play Spit and want a good game please reach out to me!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently a doctoral student so all of my reading is for school. Right now I’m reading about transformational and transactional leadership and the relationship to organizational culture and climate. These topics are very important to me as I always strive to be an effective and inclusive leader who seeks to develop people.
What is your go-to app on your phone right now?
The Photos app on my smartphone. I love taking pictures and playing around with editing them. It’s also meaningful to go back and look at the moments that I’ve captured.
If you were a superhero, who would you be and why?
Elastigirl / Mrs. Incredible
Though she’s on the fringe of the superhero world, I think she’s dynamic and impressive. Able to stretch her body to super long lengths, run without panting and fight off villains while managing a family is someone I aspire to be!
Describe yourself in only three words.
Self-reflective, passionate and cheese!
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