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Publish Date: February 14th, 2023
This time we had to spotlight Alicia Creighton! She’s the HR and Employee Experience Specialist at Namaste Solar and one of the first people you meet when you join our cooperative. She’s been working for Namaste Solar for the past six years, and we’re so grateful for all the ways she supports this company and all of its employees.
Why were you first interested in working at Namaste Solar?
When I left my last job, I was determined to find a company that aligned with my values, and not just a role I was qualified for. Ultimately, I ended up at Namaste Solar as a Payroll Assistant.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Definitely the people I work with. Honestly, my job can be hard and sometimes boring, but it’s so much easier to work through the tougher times when I enjoy the people I’m doing it with.
What’s been one of your proudest moments working here?
I can’t think of one specific moment of pride. I get to interact with almost everyone that works here, and my pride is sustained by lots of small wins, along with making sure everyone gets paid every week!
What’s the most unique part about working at Namaste Solar?
I think it’s that I can speak openly and honestly to colleagues, my team, and to leadership and come out of those conversations feeling heard. I understand that might be unique to my experience and acknowledge that I have privilege based on my role and the people that I work closely with. But, being able to be honest and speak my mind is not something I experienced at any other workplace.
How has Namaste Solar helped you develop your skills and career?
When I started, my role was new to the HR team, so I’ve really been able to build my role and my job into what it is today. If there is something I’m interested in working on and it is beneficial to the cooperative, I feel like I have permission to pursue those new opportunities.
What advice would you give to recent new hires?
Get involved and engage with your fellow Namastaliens! Become a candidate for co-ownership to see firsthand how an employee-owned cooperative works. If you are in an office role, go into the office at least once a week and get to know folks on other teams. If you’re in the field, attend an after-work event or reach out on Yammer to find others with similar interests. Just find ways to connect with people because the people here are pretty awesome.
Where are you from? Why did you move to CO?
I grew up outside of Philadelphia, but I was living in Southern California before I moved to Colorado. I moved here to be closer to friends and to be in a less populated area that was closer to trails and open spaces.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I like to hike, kayak, go to concerts, spend time with friends, and spend time outside in general.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am a certified forest therapy guide. Forest therapy is an embodiment practice that was inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to forest bathing. It’s an opportunity to make connections and build a relationship with the natural world. I’m going on a retreat in Costa Rica later this month to complete my training.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
I’d love to go to Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
What is your favorite song/album/artist right now?
One of my all-time favorite artists is Sylvan Esso, which is an electronic pop group. That’s also the best concert I’ve been to recently, and I’m seeing them again at Red Rocks this year!
One of our core values is “Come as you are” and part of that is working to build a culture where people feel able to be their full selves at work. How have you experienced “come as you are” at Namaste Solar?
I relate “come as you are” to our other core value “frank, open, and honest.” I’m so glad I work somewhere that I don’t have to pretend to be someone else, pretend to agree when I don’t, or pretend to be happy on a day I’m feeling down. It’s so much easier to get your job done and feel motivated to come to work when I’m able to be my whole honest self.
What parts of our mission do you most connect with?
I chose two parts – pioneering conscientious business practices because my role revolves around people and business policies. I think we do a great job of considering fairness and equity when we’re creating and reviewing new policies. I feel it’s one of my unwritten job responsibilities to consider the impact of our policies on multiple stakeholders in our organization.
I also connect with creating holistic wealth for ourselves and our community – one of the things I’m most proud of that we do as a cooperative is our community profit sharing program – we are always finding ways to give back to our community whether its financially or by volunteering our time.
