Jodi Mizerka was presented with the award for Integrity at the January Administrative Assistants team meeting. This award was timely as Jodi also celebrated 18 years with Service Alternatives in January. One of the criteria the awards committee considers when reviewing the nominations is considering if the examples in the nomination seem to span a length of time versus one instance. The nomination for Jodi represents the years of service Jodi has brought forth integrity in her work every day.

It reads:

Integrity is defined as possessing the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. This exactly describes Jodi Mizerka. I have worked with Jodi for over 16 years, and she has never once faltered in her honesty and moral values.

Jodi exhibits this every day in her work: from trying to help solve a problem in any way she can (even if it is not in something she is directly involved in), to listening to her peers talk about any issues that come up throughout the day with the kindest heart and unwavering support, guiding them in the right direction along the way. She also cares deeply about making sure that staff are supported to the best of her abilities. When she receives phone calls or emails from staff, she will do her absolute best to get them the accurate information they need or walk them through processes (onboarding, petty cash, etc.) that take time and care. Even if she can’t help them, she is honest about that, and still supports them by researching who can help/where they can go to for guidance.

Administrative Assistants often end up being a central point where people vent about problems, issues and even rumors, and Jodi is no exception. Although she is the most supportive person as I have mentioned, she knows exactly when to redirect someone away from any harmful talk and will make sure to follow up with that individual or a supervisor. She does this in a way that is both positive and professional and I have often looked to her for guidance when these types of situations arise for me.

When you talk to Jodi, she makes you feel like you are the most important person and I have spoken with others who feel the exact same way.  She has been a guiding light for many all these years, always directing us back to the values that we at SA hold dear. She is the type of person who makes you want to be better, and I am grateful for her each and every day.

Thank you, Jodi, and congratulations!