By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member

Before working at Elder Law of Michigan, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I picked beans on my uncle’s farm which was hard work, even for a young person. I also assembled cameras on the assembly line at Kodak. My most interesting job was a reporter for the Detroit Free Press.

What do you find the most challenging at Elder Law of Michigan?

PIKA, which is our case management system for clients.

What advice would you give to recent new hires?

Do what the person who signs your check tells you to do.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

Liz Taylor for her activism. Katherine Hepburn, because she wore pants and had a forbidden love affair. Kathy Bates because she’s alive, chunky and close to my age.

What is your favorite line from a movie? 

My favorite line from a movie is, “I’ll cry tomorrow.” I don’t know why I like that line because I am a real cry-baby. I don’t like comedies.

I like big spectacle movies such as Ben Hur.

As for tv shows, I loved West Wing. I wish it were still on. I learned a lot about the presidency, such as the protocol for the president to sign a bill into law. I also loved House of Cards, before it got weird.

What is your least favorite food?

I don’t like lima beans because the outside skin reminds me of tissue paper. I also don’t eat strawberries or peaches because I don’t like the fuzz on the outside.