For our October Employee Spotlight, we’re featuring Crystal Bruce! Serving across various Karna projects, she’s a dynamic Health Communication Specialist that looks forward to what each day will bring. With her experience in communicating clearly, it’s no surprise that Crystal gives us more insight into who she is with such ease.
Q: What is your position and what do you do?
I am a Health Communication Specialist. Here at Karna, my focus is on plain language writing and clear communication.
Q: What has been your favorite project at Karna and why?
As a writer/editor, I am fortunate to work on many projects at Karna. For example, I’ve developed social media content, PowerPoint presentations, factsheets, business proposals, and even blog posts. What I love is the variety! I get to apply my skills across a wide range of Karna projects and work with so many different teams. Every day brings something new.
Q: What have you gained from working at Karna?
Karna has offered me the chance to grow my communication and writing skills. I’ve learned that even at this stage in my life, there are new and exciting opportunities. Karna encourages me to take on different tasks. For example, I expressed an interest in learning more about writing business proposals, and my supervisor made it happen! Last month I contributed to a proposal we submitted to the WHO. I learned SO much about that process, and I look forward to doing more in this space.
Q: What do you do to stay fit/healthy?
Well, I am on a quest to lose weight! I started intermittent fasting twice weekly and increased my water intake to six glasses daily. So far, I’m down by six pounds…it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
Q: Do you have a tip for coping with stress?
Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps me reduce stress and keeps me focused. I try to do this in the morning before work and before bed each evening.
Q: Where is your hometown?
I was a military brat. My dad was in the Air Force, and we moved six times by the time I got to high school. We lived in Maine, New York, Virginia, Florida, Mississippi, and Japan. Eventually, my parents retired in Biloxi, MS. One of my brothers still lives there, so I call it home.
Q: What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be on stage in New York…Broadway! This seemed like such a glamorous career to me. But, looking back, I’m happy about the path I took. Public health has been gratifying, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic!
Q: You are happiest when?
When I’m working on a quilt at my sewing machine. I’ll find any excuse to make a quilt! Babies…birthdays…graduations…Flag Day…anything!
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
I was a newscaster and weathercaster at WLOX-TV from 1979 to 1985. I suppose this came out of my Broadway dream! I covered two major hurricanes while I was there.
Q: Anything you would like to add or say to help your colleagues and clients know you a little better?
I love what I do! I believe being able to communicate clearly is foundational to all the work we do at Karna. I love being a part of the team!