Voices of H&H: Samantha Purnell

Tell us about yourself.??

My name is Samantha Purnell and I have worked at H&H Group since June 2022 alongside an amazing North American P&C team. Outside of work, I am a mother of two energetic children, aged 5 & 3, and have been married for 9 years to my husband Akeem.??

I am the youngest of four children and was born in Limestone, Maine. I grew up in a military family and moved around the US for most of my childhood, I was also fortunate to grow up in a mixed racial family that was Hispanic and Italian.??

My favorite childhood memory was spending Christmas morning with my father’s big Italian family, enjoying fried eggplant and my grandmother’s homemade meatballs. We would then spend Christmas evening with my Mom’s Hispanic family where we enjoyed homemade menudo, tamales, and Tia’s sugar cookies.??

I like to travel and explore new places with my family. When I am not traveling, I like to paint, crochet, and learn fun facts about sharks.?

Where did you grow up and how did this shape you as a person??

My dad served 26 years in the Air Force, which meant our family had to move around about every 5 years to different military bases. With every move, I had to learn how to adapt to new school environments and make new friends. During my teenage years, moving was difficult at times but it also helped me learn how to find strength within my family, my Catholic community, and it even helped me build some friendships that will last a lifetime.?

Of all the cities I’ve lived in, there are three that meant the most to me. Belle Chase is where I got my southern accent, learned southern etiquette, and had the opportunity to participate in the Italian American Parade.??

Aurora is where I spent most of my adolescent years and enjoyed many road trips up the Rocky Mountains. Lastly, in Warner Robins I graduated from High School and college, learned more about my Catholic faith, and met my husband who was stationed at Robins Air Force Base.??

What motivates you??

My motivation is prioritising a good work-life balance to enjoy my job while spending time with my family. It is important for me to develop and grow as an HR professional while enjoying those precious moments at home with my family.

What does inclusion mean to you??

To make sure everyone’s stories are heard. When I meet someone new, I enjoy hearing stories about their families, hobbies, and how they became the person they are today. Within my profession, it is crucial for me to make sure every team member I encounter feels heard and cared for because that is how I want to be treated in return.?

How do you Celebrate Life Every Way*??

I celebrate life by making the most of every moment from making memories with my family and enjoying the quiet moments to care for myself. For my kids, I like to decorate my kitchen for birthdays and holidays to bring the celebration to life. For my husband, I enjoy watching TV shows after a busy day at work or finding moments to talk and laugh together.??

For myself, I like creative hobbies such as crochet or painting. Life is worth celebrating in many ways and it is also important to build on a life that is shared with others.?

*CLEW = ‘CLEW’ is the acronym for ‘Celebrate Life Every Way’ and holds significant meaning at H&H. CLEW values, embraces, recognizes and celebrates the diversity and uniqueness that we each bring and contribute to work and life every day.??