This month we are spotlighting Margaret Foster, the HR Business Partner III formerly known as Margaret Martin. Margaret was named the 2021 Technical Achievement Award Runner Up at the annual Karna Awards for developing the Corporate Performance Dimensions. The CPDs are used to measure success and establish a clear path for employees to grow in their careers, which, in turn, will support overall corporate success. Margaret got married in November, so we want to say congratulations on tying the knot and for her achievements here at Karna. Here is a little more about her.
Q: What is your position and what do you do?
I am part of Karna’s HR Team and my role is an HR Business Partner. I support the World Trade Center Health Program with all of their HR needs, conduct orientation and various training, and assist with other HR projects and programs.
Q: What has been your favorite project at Karna and why?
I have worked on different HR projects at Karna but working to create the performance dimensions has been my favorite. It was both challenging and fun to put together a structure that will help employees determine what steps they can take to help them get to the next level of their career. The performance dimensions will help employees set goals and work on achieving the next level of their career. It’s nice to work on a project that has an impact on the entire organization.
Q: What have you gained from working at Karna?
Working at Karna has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and work on exciting projects. I have also learned a lot about public health and the work that we do at Karna. For me that has been one of the most interesting things I’ve learned at Karna.
Q: What do you do to stay fit/healthy?
To stay fit and healthy I enjoy working out. I’ve always been very active. When life is busy it can get harder to find an exercise routine so I try to find an exercise program that I enjoy and have fun doing so that I am more likely to maintain it when I’m busy. We have wonderful parks and trails in our area so, when I don’t feel like getting to the gym, I try and get outside for a walk or a hike. During quarantine I started cooking more and really enjoyed it and even took a few online cooking classes – having new recipes to try helps me stay motivated to cook.
Q: Do you have a tip for coping with stress?
For me exercising has always been the best way to cope with stress. I find that even moving my body for 20 minutes a day helps manage stress. I’m also a big proponent of meditation or quiet time. I find that carving out time in my day both when I wake up and before bed to have quiet and meditation help me stay calm and manage stress throughout the day.
Q: Where is your hometown?
Raleigh, North Carolina, is my current hometown, but I’ve lived in four different states.
Q: What did you want to be growing up?
A teacher but I changed my mind after taking my first education class and quickly switched majors. I decided to major in Business with a Human Resources concentration and loved all of my classes. It was definitely the right decision, and I love the work that I do.
Q: You are happiest when?
I am happiest when I am spending time with family and friends. Having regular exercise also helps me feel balanced and happy. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
I am an identical twin.
Q: Anything you would like to add or say to help your colleagues and clients know you a little better?
I recently got married and my husband and I love traveling and exploring new places. We really enjoy trying new restaurants and so making reservations at local restaurants is one of the first things we do when planning a trip.