The Real Harris: Meet April Barrera

Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in the construction/service/BAS business?

Harris is my first construction business but not my first service industry. My early career was based in the legal professional services sector; however, my first service position was at Cantel Medical’s dialysis water division. In this position, I implemented processes and workflows to streamline scheduling processes of product distribution.

What drew you to Harris? What makes you stay?

Harris’ value statement was so strong, “We are an honest, dedicated, passionate and creative team.” This statement aligned with every value that was important to me. The reason I stay is because of the people at Harris “Walk the Walk!” Everyone truly cares about this company and the industry. It is amazing to be engrossed in such a dynamic culture.

What do you enjoy about working at Harris?

Being the Sr. HCMS Analyst means overseeing databases and computer systems to help manage human capital. What is so fantastic about my position is that Harris is in the middle of a digital transformation. The best part is having the opportunity to be a part of the HBS project and be a small part of how these systems interact with Human Capital.

What is the best part about your position?

The best part of my position is to be able to collaborate with different departments to develop and streamline internal and external processes to provide better control of how information is distributed and protected.

What traits do you think are important for someone in your role to be successful?     You need to be analytical and process driven. The ability to think outside the box to find solutions to issues is another quality that would be very helpful in this position. Also, the ability to pivot when hurdles or other expectations are added to a project.

What are your main responsibilities and initiatives that you lead?

My main responsibility is the Human Capital Software UKG/UltiPro Administration. This includes working with the HBS project for the UKG/UltiPro integration piece. I am an administrator of Smartsheet, a third-party tool that will help provide innovation and automation for information to be shared between departments.

What are you passionate about at work?

I am passionate about using technology to provide solutions to daily issues. Not only do I want to reduce the amount tasks done, but with software, having the ability to automate some daily tasks to provide an overall better work experience for each team member is my daily goal.

How do you like to re-charge?

I love to travel. My husband and I take a few short trips a year to recharge. Between those times, I like to walk my dogs, do arts and crafts and dance around my house to Taylor Swift.

What keeps you up at night?

I am a natural problem solver. This is a blessing and a curse as it can be hard to “turn off” my brain when I am in the depth of process solutions.

What are you most proud of at Harris?

All the team members with whom I have worked. Each and every person I have worked with has brought not only ingenuity and intelligence but also kindness. Also, there is a plethora of projects that Harris is associated with that are on the cutting edge of design. Harris is just a remarkable place to work.

What is one thing Harris employees wouldn’t know about you?

Unless you have previously spoken to me, you would not know that I am from the South, Mississippi, specifically.

What drew you to this industry?

Harris’ impressive constructions projections. After researching the company prior to starting, I remember thinking; this company is so remarkable. Every day I learn something new that Harris is part of that is innovating our industry, and I am thrilled to be a part of that.

What do you wish the public knew about Harris?

The culture at Harris is genuinely unique. Team members support one another, and we are provided tools so that each of us will succeed. Harris’ leadership style also provides autonomy and space for individual growth.

What inspires you? What motivates you?

What inspires me is the drive for a solution and knowing that every day is another day to learn something new! What motivates me is my thirst for knowledge and problem-solving. Also, I love to see others happy, so it is the reward when one of the solutions makes someone else’s life easier.