Employee Spotlight – Michelle Griffin

We would like to introduce you to one of our newer employees Michelle Griffin; Michelle has been with Career Path Service for about five months; she works as an Employment Coordinator and is co-located in the WorkSource Spokane office.

Michelle says her time at Career Path Services has been amazing! “Career Path Services is the best organization I have ever worked for; their staff lives their mission and values, and they walk the walk every day in everything they do. It is awe-inspiring, and I wish more employers followed suit.” Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Michelle worked in the Parks and Recreation department for twelve years before moving to the Spokane area. When she isn’t working, Michelle loves to go biking and fly fishing; she also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

We want to welcome Michelle to the team and get to know her a bit better. We asked her some questions about herself; see what she had to say below.

1. How was it starting a new job during a pandemic?

I thought it was a great experience; the flexibility to work remotely has been incredible. In addition, the onboarding process that Career Path Services uses is better than any I have experienced, and they make their new employees feel valued and respected from day one!

2. What is your favorite way to celebrate a job well done?

The virtual celebrations with team members are great. I enjoy my team members, and we take the time to celebrate our successes and enjoy the time spent together.

3. Before working at Career Path Services, what was the most interesting job you’ve had?

I worked on a 200-acre farm driving a tractor planting and irrigating crops. I enjoyed working outdoors, and I was able to learn some Spanish from my co-workers.

4. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Paella de Marisco, or seafood paella – it’s Spain’s national dish.

5. What is the last book you’ve read? 

The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing by Anneliese A. Singh and Tim Wise.

6. What have you enjoyed most about your job?

I enjoy teaching the workshops and getting to share non-traditional work opportunities with people who need remote work, especially women who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

7. What does a typical day at work look like for you?

A typical day involves collaborating with my team members and teaching workshops on Overcoming Ageism and Non-traditional Gig Work. 

8. What is an ability you wish you had? 

To instantly find meaningful, sustainable, enjoyable work for every person who needs a job. 

9. What is one thing on your bucket list? 

I want to ride e-bikes through Europe, including the Loire Valley route from Amboise to Montlouis, along peaceful country roads and past lots of vineyards and Châteaus.

10. Anything else you’d like to share?

Career Path Services is an extraordinary organization with caring, empathetic, passionate, innovative, service-oriented staff who genuinely go the extra mile to help others.