Time travel. A K-Pop band. Cup noodles. And empathy. What do these things have to do with Katie Y.’s Five Questions feature? Read on to learn how these things connect.
What do you do at MELE and what’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I am the HR Generalist at MELE. I am responsible for onboarding the company’s workforce, managing the talent evaluation process, and assisting with the administration of HR-related operations, like benefits and compliance. The most rewarding part of my job is being the first point of contact for new hires after they accept their offer. I enjoy guiding them through the onboarding process and helping them feel prepared and excited to start their new role.
What’s an important responsibility managed by the HR team that might surprise someone outside of your department?
HR plays a key role in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, serving as a trusted point of contact for employees. We strive to be a reliable resource they can turn to for guidance and assistance. HR is often seen as policy-driven, but at its core, it’s deeply rooted in empathy. We support employees through personal challenges or life events, career transitions, and difficult conversations that require understanding, discretion, and genuine human connection.
Where did you grow up and what do you miss about this place/time?
I grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. I went to Walter Johnson HS. I had a few friends that lived close to my house. When we got off the bus after school, they would all come down to my house because my house had the good snacks (chips and cup noodles). I also grew up going to Old Georgetown Club (pool) over the summers. That is where my many years of diving started.
Would you rather be able to time travel into the future or back to the past? Explain your answer.
I would rather be able to time travel back to the past. I’m a millennial who is a sucker for nostalgia, but also as I get older, I wish I could go back and fully appreciate the time I had growing up with my family (and before I was an adult with responsibilities).
What was the best concert experience you’ve ever had and why?
This past summer, I saw Stray Kids (K-Pop group) at Nationals Park in DC. It was probably one of the best and worst concert experiences I’ve ever had so far. Worst because it was during the awful heat wave, but best because they still put in effort to put on a good show despite the weather. Since they are from Korea, I felt like my chances of seeing them live were slim, so I was excited to even get this opportunity. I lost my voice for the next few days following the concert.
