How a Doctor in Peru Inspired a Wage and Hour Investigator

Rose Fay has been with the Wage and Hour Division for 18 years. She started her career in 2006 as a technician in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2010, she began working as an investigator in Columbia, South Carolina.

What are you most proud of in your career so far??

I am most proud of my current role as an investigator. I was born in Lima, Peru, and have lived in the United States for most of my life. From my humble beginnings as an immigrant, I feel blessed to have progressed to my current position through hard work and determination.??

What motivates you??

Having been exposed to many different types of work environments, I’ve witnessed the abuse of some employers. These experiences motivate me to educate employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities.????

I enjoy participating in community activities where I can engage directly with the public. Understanding that some people may feel uncomfortable asking questions in a group setting, I make it a point to approach attendees personally and encourage them to speak with me.?

My granddaughters inspire me to continually work towards creating better work environments for future generations. I’m fortunate to have my close family nearby in South Carolina, and we cherish our family gatherings and travels together.??

What about people in your life? Do they inspire you in any way??

My mother is my biggest inspiration. She was one of the first women in Peru to earn a medical degree, and she did so while supporting her family. Despite facing bullying and being underpaid due to her gender, she persevered and achieved her goals.??

What is your favorite part about your job??

I enjoy educating and encouraging people to exercise their rights as employees. At the end of the day, knowing that my contributions helped to improve someone’s life is the best reward.??

What advice would you give to other investigators??

I would tell them to tailor their message to their audience and to empathize with others’ perspectives. Continuous learning is essential. If they find themselves stuck on a case, they should not hesitate to ask their supervisor or colleagues, as fresh eyes always help. When employer records are unclear, they should avoid making assumptions and instead reach out to the employer for clarification. Providing accurate information is the employer's responsibility .??

#PublicService #HispanicHeritageMonth?#EmployeeRights