Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Caraway, AR, a small town in the Northeast part of the state.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Riverside K-12 – Caraway, AR & Lake City, AR. I graduated from Arkansas State University.
Brag about your family.
I have a blended family. My husband and I have been married for 12 years. He is a local police officer and Army veteran. My daughter just turned 21 and is on her way to becoming a very successful cosmetologist. My bonus-son is 23. He works at a local factory and has been married for four months. Hopefully, within the next year or two, I’ll be able to say I also have a grandchild. ????
I am also a dog mom to 2 crazy boxers and one old-man labrador.
What do you do for fun?
My husband and I love to travel all over the U.S. on our motorcycle. We also like the idea of RVing (we have the RV but had a little mishap with the power cord, sooooooo no more trips until we get a new cord).
What was your first job?
I worked at American Greetings in Osceola, AR, during the summers for three years. It was hot, nasty work for a teenage girl, but it helped me decide I did not want to do that for the rest of my life.
What is your dream job?
Backup singer for an 80’s hair band!
What is something very few people know about you?
I have six tattoos, and I rode my own motorcycle for several years.
What quote/motto do you live by?
She listened to her heart, and that made all the difference.
Tell us your Optus story. When did you start, and what position? Have you moved positions/jobs?
I was blessed to start my career as the HR Generalist at Optus in late August 2018 and still hold that role today.
What is your official job title?
HR Generalist
What SHOULD your job title be?
Professional Listener, Bright-Side Seeker, Not the Terminator, Professional Emailer
Describe your day-to-day job.
My primary responsibilities are recruiting, administering our health and retirement plans, compliance, employee reviews, and HR administrative duties.
In collaboration with teammates, I handle insurance open enrollment, payroll, time-off requests, preparing for all-employee meetings, fielding employee questions, employee retention and engagement, and much more.
What is one thing that Optus does better than any other employer you have had in the past?
Optus is the first place I’ve ever worked that stands behind the phrase “family-oriented.” Many companies out there will say this, but not all will show it.
Tell us about one learning or growth opportunity you have had while working at Optus.
Wow, that’s a tough one. Do I have to pick just one?
????
I learn something new most days. I have been blessed with a great mentor in my manager, Shanna. Hopefully, this will not offend her, but she has helped me become the HR professional I am today. From day one, she noticed that I had a lot more to offer than I would allow myself to see. She found the areas where I lacked experience and exposure and made sure I gained hands-on knowledge. She has taught me how to show myself grace and move on when I make mistakes. She has also given me a lot of excellent advice that I need to put into place to become better at my job and better at life, in general.
What do you like most about working at Optus?
I love the culture at Optus. I’ve never worked anywhere like this before. The people here are the best!
Have you received recognition from Optus on a job well done?
If so, what was the recognition?
I received an MVP award last quarter!
We like to say Optus is like a family. Who at Optus is like family to you and why?
Being the open book I am, I feel like everyone at Optus is family. ????