September 26th is Human Resources Professionals Day. At Gateway, we appreciate the hard work and determination of our employees. Check out the interviews below with Courtney Weathers and Skyla Freed to learn more about our outstanding Human Resources team!

Courtney Weathers, HR Manager

1. What’s your favorite aspect of working in HR?

My favorite aspect about working in HR is that it has allowed me to serve others in a variety of ways, including, mentoring/coaching, training/development, succession planning, employee engagement, and employee relations to name a few. Most importantly the HR field has allowed me to build great relationships that have helped shape my career over the last 10.5 years.

2. What’s a skill you’ve developed in HR that’s been most valuable to your career?

A skill that I have developed in HR that has been valuable in my career is conflict management. It is a skill that I utilize often and find it extremely important, especially in employee relations.

3. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the HR field?

The best piece of advice I would give to someone aspiring to enter the HR field, is to get as much experience as possible, especially while in school. There are many internship opportunities available. Find a mentor who cares about your advancement and build that relationship.

4. What’s your favorite activity to do outside of work?

My favorite activity outside of work is pilates, dancing, attending concerts, and traveling.

5. What’s your favorite genre of food?

I love seafood and chocolate.

Skyla Freed, HR Recruiting Specialist

1. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the HR field?

The best advice I could give to someone aspiring to enter the HR field would be to prioritize networking and set ambitious goals. Be sure to make an effort to connect with people in various settings – whether in school, at work, or in your personal life. The world is more interconnected than it appears, building a broad network will help open doors to opportunities you may not have thought of before. Additionally, do not be afraid to aim high. Apply for positions even if you do not meet every qualification, express your interest in growth to your superiors, and be willing to take calculated risks.

2. What’s your favorite aspect of working in HR?

My favorite aspect of working in HR is being able to collaborate with various departments to support and advance the company’s goals. I find it very rewarding being able to see the impact of my decisions and contributions as they help drive the organization forward. 

3. What’s your favorite activity to do outside of work?

Anything outside! Recently, I have started playing pickleball, which has been a great way to spend my free time. It has been a lot of fun getting friends and family together to teach them how to play.

4. What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is, “don’t be afraid to fail.” While it might sound cliche, hearing this repeatedly throughout my life has made me truly embrace it. This mindset has encouraged me to take calculated risks and step out of my comfort zone to pursue goals I might not have attempted before.