To get an idea of the dedication and emotional attachment Quality Coordinator Alyssa Gemal feels for Haskell, look no further than the sideline of the company-sponsored basketball team’s winter league games in Manila. There she is, decked out in a Haskell uniform, sometimes wearing face-paint stickers, enthusiastically cheering the team.
“I am just so excited to be out there for our company and these players,” Gemal said. “It’s not just me, but a lot of other people from our office going. I go to all the games – three times a week. I wanted to be present.”
In her Quality Coordinator role, Gemal is every bit as engaged. Her focus, she said, is ensuring “everything executed correctly. Do it right the first time so you won’t have to repeat. Do it according to plan, drawing, specs – perfect and correct.”
For her attitude and commitment, Gemal was recently recognized with Haskell’s Living the Values Award, given quarterly to team members who display its core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust.
“Alyssa’s professional growth on the Bacolod project has been astounding,” wrote her award nominator, Haskell Senior Project Manager Sean Burns. “She has grown to become a formidable QC lead and is respected by all on the project.”
Gemal said the Bacolod Temple project had been challenging and had helped expand her expertise.
“When I first came onto the project, I only knew about concrete work,” she said. “Then this project included steel and waterproofing, which were new things to me. And now I am working on the exterior and landscape.
“It’s very challenging, but I am also feeling excited about new things. Every day at work I am fulfilled.”
As she is approaching her second anniversary with Haskell, she increasingly appreciates the collaboration and sense of pride she shares with her colleagues.
“My work here has shaped me to be more attentive to detail,” she said. “Previously, I may have missed some details and had to rework whatever project I was involved with. Here, people aren’t shy about raising concerns about a project or task because everyone is open and willing to solve problems. Everyone’s goal is to finish this in the best shape possible. I have learned how to solve problems with those around me assisting.”
In nominating her, Burns noted that Gemal often was the first to welcome new team members, inviting them to lunch, providing rides and generally building relationships and trust. In the community, she planned, chaired and executed the team’s Christmas charity event last year, raising funds to provide backpacks, school supplies and gifts at a disadvantaged school.
“This is the community where my mother grew up,” Gemal said. “I wanted to give back to those people. When I was young, I would visit my grandmother there. There was a lot of sentimental value there for me. It meant a lot.”
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