Meet Our Operations Administrator: Interview with Harmony Healthcare’s Andrea Martinez
Around the Harmony office, Andrea is known for wearing many hats – and for helping us keep our heads on straight.
She’s also quite the globe trotter, adventuring to international locales rich in culture and diversity. When she’s not seeing the world, you can find her participating as a krewe member during Tampa’s annual Gasparilla events, fostering dogs in need through local rescue organizations, and devoting time to her family.
Without further ado, here’s Andrea in her own words.
What does a typical day look like for you here at Harmony?
I’m an Operations Administrator and have been with Harmony for nearly 4 years. I have many responsibilities in my role, as I support each of the departments in various capacities.
Some of my duties currently include booking all travel for internal employees as well as external consultants and handling all aspects of drug screens and background checks for new hires. I also run multiple reports for the account executives and recruitment teams, send out client invoices, and handle the logistics for conferences. No two days are ever the same.
Who is your favorite fictional character and why?
I’d have to say that Thor is my favorite. He’s strong, powerful, loyal, funny, and smart.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last 5 years?
About 5 years ago, my mom suffered a severe stroke. One minute she was in a class learning the “Thriller” dance, and the next minute she was being rushed to the hospital.
My husband and I were in Niagara Falls at the time and received a phone call from my sister with the news. We cut our vacation short and flew home the next day. For the next 6 months I spent morning, noon, and night at the hospital at her bedside along with my sister and father. My mom was unconscious for about 3 months in ICU. Seeing her lie there being unable to move with all those tubes and machines was terrifying. We didn’t know if she would pull through or what her condition would be if she did.
It’s quite eye opening to see someone you love in such a condition. You hope for more time. You regret any time you wasted. Many things you once believed to be so important no longer matter. You’re challenged to reexamine and realign your priorities.
I am beyond grateful that my mom woke up! After 9 grueling months in the hospital and rehab facilities, she is back in good health, and we are ecstatic to have more time to make memories with her.
This experience taught me that family must always come first. They are irreplaceable. Don’t take the time you have with your loved ones for granted. Don’t assume you will always have the time to spend with them later. Later is not a guarantee.
Shonda Rhimes sees pop culture potential in your life story. She wants to turn it into her next TV series. Who plays you, who plays your closest confidant, and why?
This is a tough one. I’d say Kirsten Vangsness would play me because she does quirky, witty, sometimes awkward, and shy really well. My confidant would be played by a talkative, girly actress with no filter to even us out.
Create the soundtrack to your life in 5 songs.
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
- “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
- “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
What phobias do you have?
Interviews and public speaking.
How do you define success?
If you have obtained or achieved your goals in life and are truly happy with what you do, I would consider that a success.
If you could pick one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would say teleportation. I love to travel and see the world. It would be amazing to be able to zip around the world in a flash. It would bring weekend getaways to a whole new level.
