Lyrra Reyes’s official title is Safety Supervisor-Project Nurse for Haskell in the Philippines. But few people at the office know her by that. Reyes is more often referred to as “Director of Happiness,” “Joy,” or “Sunshine,” titles that reflect her outgoing personality and frequent songs, dances and costumes that emphasize fun and health protocols.
“Don’t go breaking safety protocols
“Just stick to the safety training you’re used to”
Reyes once sang this song to the gathered Haskell team, playing off the 1994 song, “Waterfalls,” by the group TLC.
As a result of her health expertise and unique way of relating to fellow team members, Reyes was recently recognized with Haskell’s Living the Values Award, which is given quarterly to those who exemplify the company’s core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust.
“Lyrra is always a shining light even on our darkest days,” Project Manager Sean Burns wrote in his nomination letter for Reyes. “She keeps everyone positive by singing and dancing about how we should lower our salt intake, is always willing to lend a hand with a service project and keeps everyone in a good mood through stressful times.
“If there is a problem on-site, usually everyone tends to talk to Lyrra first. ... If the world had a few more Lyrras, it would be a better place. But we are all lucky to have the one we do.”
Reyes has felt free to express herself throughout her five years with Haskell.
- She wore a mosquito outfit, with a white wig and wings, to discuss the preventative care needed for Haskell workers outdoors in the Philippines.
- She donned an Aqua Girl costume when focusing on taking care of water sources, which resulted in no water contamination on multiple job sites.
- She regularly organizes a Halloween costume parade, Valentine’s Day events and a women’s month retreat that “make even the most hardened construction workers smile,” Burns said.
She has always had her theatric flair. She excelled in acting and singing in high school and college and earned scholarships at both levels. She also displays these characteristics when working with young people at her church. Since her family lives a one-hour flight and a four-hour bus ride away, she spends much of her time away from the Haskell office painting, often giving her artwork to work associates on their birthdays.
“You’ve got to be creative and jolly with the children,” Reyes said. “Sing and dance to get them involved. Why not do this with the older people in the office? I started doing this more during and after the pandemic. I thought it got us through a lot of the mental stress.”
She also directs her jobsite staff of nurses, first-aid workers and the safety teams with great ease and knowledge, another factor in earning the award.
“We had a meeting that was a prank to announce the award,” Reyes said. “I started to cry, tears falling down my face. All my teammates gave me a pat and were really clapping. I saw all these people joining online.
“Haskell has provided this workplace where I can be myself. I can show my skills as a nurse and another avenue to show balance. I have been trying to make a remarkable impression, and that’s not easy. Haskell is a wonderful workplace where I can learn and express myself.”
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