Krazy Squad Series: Marisa Heffern

A series that offers a peek inside the (part-hustle, part-science) world of KCL. Through these spotlights, we'll showcase the diverse talents, innovative minds, and dynamic personalities that make up our squad. It's not just about highlighting our achievements; it's about giving a real, behind-the-scenes look at who we are and what drives us.

Q + A

Krazy: Marisa Heffern

Title: HR Intern

1. Brief one-sentence description of what you do at KCL: I work in the People and Culture team to ensure that all staff members at KCL have seamless access to HR resources and support!
2. What inspired you to join KCL as an HR intern? KCL presented a great opportunity for me to learn more! Having worked in various environments in the past, like manufacturing, sports, global organizations, and privately held and publicly traded companies, KCL offered me the chance to work for a closely-knit organization that was relatively young, in an industry that I have no experience in. Learning truly is my favorite thing to do. KCL is an innovative, fast-paced, go-getter company, which has been exciting to me, as I can suggest ideas and offer feedback that is not only welcomed but valued.
3. Share a fun fact most people don’t know about you: I used to be a competitive dancer! I began dancing at 2 years old and didn’t stop until I graduated from high school. I used to travel around the Midwest to qualify and compete in national competitions. I was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary!
4. Use three emojis to describe your internship experience at KCL: ?? ?? ??
5. What drew you to a career in Human Resources? People. People are so complex and dynamic–no one day at work is the same as another. I think having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employees by helping them grow their skills and feel valued in their work is a privilege. The average person spends ? of their awake life at work. Recognizing this, fostering a positive work environment and engaging culture isn’t just a job duty, it’s an ethical obligation. Having a career in HR allows me to help shape this environment to ensure that all employees feel valued, respected, and seen. A career in HR also allows me to have variety in the duties I am responsible for. I can jump around from generalist work to compensation, benefits, and recruiting. HR offers a diverse range of experiences. This dynamic environment allows me to flex my interest in analytical/data-driven tasks while keeping a balance with the more people-facing responsibilities.
6. Can you share your favorite quote? “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” - Brené Brown. For the past four years, living the college experience, I have undergone a continuous journey of growing and learning. Each step forward has been punctuated by countless "first" experiences, pushing me beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. Now, more than ever, I find myself embracing new perspectives, impacting me personally and professionally.