How would you introduce yourself?
I’m all about juggling the unexpected, whether it’s last-minute logistics or urgent event needs. I like to keep things practical, balancing financial details with understanding my team’s needs—especially during budget reviews when tensions can run high. I’m really passionate about empowering young leaders and creating positive change. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me strumming my guitar or scribbling down some poetry.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about your team while working to improve administrative processes?
One of the most unexpected things I’ve discovered while working to improve administrative processes is how often unplanned needs arise, whether it’s logistic procurement or sudden event requirements. To address this, we created SOPs to streamline the system and make processes more efficient. One of the key strategies was conducting one-to-one calls with the program team to identify specific pain points and work on tailored solutions. These direct conversations helped us proactively address issues, rather than just reacting when something unplanned came up.
Can you recall a moment when your “head and heart” approach directly impacted a team decision or led to a specific outcome?
As a Finance officer, I combine a ‘head and heart’ approach by ensuring precise audit completion and budget analysis, while also empathizing with my team’s needs. I provide clear, supportive guidance during quarterly re-forecasts, helping them not only understand the financial impact of budget decisions but also navigate the pressures of fulfilling program requirements.
Can you give a specific example of how you’ve seen our organizational values play out in your daily work?
I see our values at work when everyone puts in effort to secure local funding and maintain financial stability.
What’s one thing you’d like to challenge yourself to do next year to better embody our values?
Next year, I’d like to challenge myself to take a more proactive role in fostering financial transparency. By initiating open discussions with program teams, I can help everyone better understand the financial side of projects.
How do you keep the team motivated during financially stressful times? Do you have any go-to strategies?
To keep the team motivated during financially stressful times, I focus on open communication, ensuring everyone is aware of the challenges and feels comfortable sharing their concerns. We also offer flexible work-from-home options to reduce stress and help with work-life balance. To keep morale high, we have Friday fun activities that allow everyone to unwind and bond outside of work tasks. In addition, we prioritize well-being by checking in regularly during our Monday meetings, ensuring everyone feels supported and aligned with our goals. These strategies help maintain a positive and engaged team atmosphere.
Outside of work, what’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?
Playing guitar brings me joy because it allows me to express myself creatively and escape into my own world of music
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?
After a hectic day, my favourite way to unwind is by playing guitar or spending time with kids. Playing guitar helps me relax and express my creativity, while being with kids brings joy and laughter, reminding me to appreciate the little things.
Can you share a memorable interaction with a colleague that brightened your mood during a tough week?
I feel lucky to have a team that connects during tough times, whether it’s due to work pressure or personal challenges. There have been multiple occasions when I struggled, but my colleagues helped me take breaks to recharge and maintain my enthusiasm. They remind me that these challenges are just temporary, and together we will overcome them.
Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to building positive relationships, both at work and in your personal life?
The people who inspire me the most in building positive relationships are my colleagues and family. My colleagues show me the importance of support and understanding during tough times, reminding me that teamwork and connection can make challenging situations more manageable. In my personal life, my family, friends inspire me to nurture relationships with love and care. Their unwavering support and kindness motivate me to foster positive connections and approach interactions with empathy and gratitude.
What’s a quirky habit you have at the office that either makes your coworkers laugh or shake their heads?
I don’t think I have any quirky habits, but I do love to talk to people. I prefer not to sit at my desk for too long and enjoy engaging with my colleagues instead. It helps create a friendly atmosphere and build connections, making the workday much more enjoyable
If you were stranded on a desert island with only three items from your desk, what would they be and why?
I would choose a notebook, a pen, and my snack box. I love to write, and having a notebook and pen would give me space to express my thoughts, while my snack box would help me maintain my energy
What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that most people wouldn’t know about?
I love to write about emotions, and sometimes I express my feelings through poetry.
Can you share your Favorite Quote?
Life is not what we want, life is what we have