Meet Heather Sexton, talent acquisition partner and lead of the Working Parents and Caregivers employee resource group at SWCA. In this interview, Heather explains how her role as a caregiver has allowed her to develop unique skills in her career and she discusses what she enjoys most about leading the ERG.
Q: Hi, Heather! Thank you for sharing your time with us today. Would you like to get started by telling us about yourself and your career?
A: My path in environmental consulting began 18 years ago as a field biologist, with my first job after college. Throughout the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead various development projects across the eastern US. As my experience grew, I transitioned from leading projects as a natural resource permitting specialist, ensuring Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act compliance, to managing small teams of scientists. I now leverage what I learned during my time in operations to facilitate hiring the top talent across the nation. My career progression is a testament to the strong internal mobility opportunities here at SWCA.
Outside of work, my passion for botany, cultivated through my years in the field, has fueled a thriving indoor plant collection at home. While it’s a source of relaxation for me, it’s also become a great learning experience for my kids. Caring for plants and people has instilled in me the importance of patience and observation.
Q: Why did you choose to lead the Working Parents and Caregivers ERG?
A: SWCA’s ERGs, including the Working Parents and Caregivers group, have been a tremendous source of support for me, while I navigated a career shift and some personal challenges. I felt a strong desire to give back and share the positive impact these groups had on me when I needed it most – that’s why I jumped at the opportunity to lead the Working Parents and Caregivers ERG.
In this role, it’s incredibly rewarding to hear diverse perspectives from fellow caregivers. This exchange fosters growth and allows members to integrate new ideas into both their personal and professional lives. We create a safe space not just by offering it, but by actively fostering a community where members can connect over shared experiences. Great personal growth happens in that space!
Q: What are accomplishments, priorities, and goals for the group?
A: Our priorities focus on advocating and supporting our members through meaningful content, allowing them to find a healthier balance between their personal and professional roles. We focus on both childcare and elder care, with many members who are in the “sandwich generation” and caring for both; or are on the verge of entering the sandwich generation and are eager to learn and prepare. We provide a safe space to share stories, not feel alone, and have an internal network of folks to learn and grow with. Caregiving can sometimes be lonely, so we work to ensure members have the tools to feel better connected and supported.
Q: Have you developed skills and qualities through caregiving that you use in your current role?
A: Absolutely! Caregiving has honed several skills that are incredibly valuable in professional role.
- Situational Adaptability: Caregiving throws you curveballs constantly, so I’ve become resourceful at thinking on my feet and adjusting to unforeseen situations.
- Active Listening and Communication: Let’s be honest, toddlers aren’t known for their clear communication. Deciphering needs and challenges with limited or indirect cues is a superpower you can absolutely hone through caregiving.
- Negotiation Skills: Caregiving is a constant negotiation - between schedules, needs, and preferences. This experience has enhanced my ability to find win-win solutions in less time.
- Safety Awareness: Safety is paramount in both caregiving and at SWCA. Constantly assessing situations and planning for potential hazards is second nature to me now.
Q: How have your caregiving values guided you in your dual roles as a caregiver and a professional while also enhancing our culture of supportive and creative teamwork at SWCA?
A: My caregiving values of compassion and empathy are core to who I am, both at home and at work. In my time at SWCA I’ve seen my personal values adjust and grow stronger as I worked to better align my work and home lives. This strong alignment with SWCA’s values allows me to more seamlessly integrate my personal and professional lives, fostering a sense of authenticity in all that I do.
For example, the #AlwaysLearning spirit at SWCA resonates deeply with my caregiving experience. Both require constant growth and adaptation. I actively seek opportunities to learn and improve in both aspects of my life.
Also, the #NeverSettle mentality perfectly complements my caregiving drive. I’m always seeking ways to take the valuable lessons learned and apply them to new situations, both at home and at work. The skills I learned as a Project Manager helped me better manage my household and the Working Parent and Caregiver ERG helped me see how those skills can be transferrable.
Caregiving embodies the essence of #GivesBack. There’s no greater satisfaction than supporting others in their time of need. This value translates directly to my work at SWCA, where we strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment for everyone.