Valerie Garcia, a Senior Office Administrator from our Albuquerque, NM office, was recently named Parametrix’s 2022 Employee-Owner of the Year for her dedication to clients and fellow employee-owners. We asked her a few questions about her career, life outside of work, what she enjoys about working at Parametrix, and goals for the coming year. Read her responses below!
Tell us about your role at Parametrix and professional background.
I started Parametrix in December 2019. After being in the industry for over 10 years I finally found where I belong. I am currently the Senior Office Administrator in New Mexico and lead administrator for the Southwest Region. Other than the day-to-day functions, I also provide support to the regional Vice Presidents and Project Managers with financial performance for offices and projects. I have been able to work with different offices and departments and have met a bunch of great people.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do it just hang out with my family. We do everything together. We love the outdoors, so anything from fishing, water rafting, or simply just walking the flea market. We also love to go out to our family’s ranch and go four wheeling and target practicing.
What do you enjoy most about being an employee-owner at Parametrix?
The people I work with! Since day one, everyone I have ever worked with has been great. When you have the support and guidance you need to succeed it makes it easy to do your job. I tell everyone what a great company Parametrix is to work for. I wish I would have found the opportunity to work here before I did, but I am so thankful at the timing of everything. Plus, working for a 100% employee-owned company isn’t bad either when it comes to my ESOP retirement account. I have many years to go and hope they are all with Parametrix!
Looking back on the last year, what’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?
I was given the opportunity to step into a role that was previously held by one of my mentors. It all happened pretty quickly, but I was able to jump in and learn the ropes with the help and support of fellow employee-owners. I am proud of the progress I have made and am excited about the direction I am heading. Having support from leadership has really been such a blessing. I have never experienced that before and it has been refreshing to be given the opportunity to show what I can do.
As Employee-Owner of the Year, you’ll get to participate in Board of Directors meetings. Is there anything you hope to learn or accomplish as an employee-owner representative?
As an honorary Board Member, I hope to learn more about was goes on the behind the scenes and get to know all of the Board Members and Trustees personally. Hopefully I can help be a voice for the Southwest Region. We are growing quickly and I am excited to see what the future holds.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
I am looking forward to another great year at Parametrix. The company has been performing outstanding and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I am always working to learn more and excel in my career aspirations. Our family did a trip to Disneyland last year, so I am also hopeful we can have another great family vacation that can match or top that!
