Susan has worked for MPHA for just under 29 years and described getting hired at MPHA as the best thing that ever happened to her. The knowledge she has goes far beyond the technical skills of Human Resources. Susan’s empathy is present in every interaction you have with her. Her ability to connect with people and make them feel appreciated is one of the many reasons we are blessed to have her as a leader and tenured team member in MPHA’s Human Resources Department. I had the joy of sitting down with Susan to discuss Women’s History Month and what it means to her. Below are the highlights from this conversation.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It’s a special month to me because it’s the one time of the year when women, past and present, are honored, recognized, and celebrated for their accomplishments and contributions.
Is there a particular woman in your life that had an impact on you? If so who and why?
My Grandmother. She taught me the value of hard work and that you must earn things in life before you will truly appreciate them. She was a kind and caring woman who always had an open door for people to stop by anytime for a cup of coffee. If they had no place to go for the holidays’ she always had room for “one more.” She never wanted anyone to be alone.
What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why?
Maya Angelou. She has provided so much inspiration in my life. One quote is particularly meaningful to me: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This inspires me in how I want to live my life and interact with others.
Is there a woman at MPHA that inspires you? If so, how, and why?
Cora McCorvey, MPHA’s former Executive Director. I always admired her leadership style and compassion for others. She worked a demanding job as a single parent, yet she always put her family first, including our residents and employees. Cora always displayed passion, commitment, and kindness. She valued and appreciated her staff. Her leadership style always inspired me to do my best and be proud of my accomplishments. She saw potential in me that I did not even realize I had and promoted me to Human Resources Manager in 2001. Her mentorship helped me to successfully transition to a leadership role.
What is your favorite thing about working for MPHA?
Hands down, the people I work with and the mission of our agency. I get great satisfaction by interacting and working with employees whether it is helping them solve a problem, being a good listener and talking through things, or counseling and advising. Employee relations is the best part of my job because I love the “human” element of Human Resources. Our mission is to provide housing to an under-served population. It brings me joy to know we are helping others by providing them with a basic human need.
What qualities make a great leader?
Someone who is a great listener and a strong communicator, empathetic, have perseverance, tenacity, and confidence. A strong leader must have a passion for the work, appreciate and support their staff, and let employees know they are valued contributors to the agency.
Why is it important to see more women in leadership at MPHA?
Female leaders play a crucial role in defining our agency’s future, and we need to continue building a work culture that embraces, encourages, and assists women in becoming future leaders of MPHA. Even though strides have been made, women are not always valued and shown the same respect as men. My wish is that MPHA continues to be viewed as an employer, now and into the future, that promotes and hires strong female leaders from all different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to serve our diverse population.
