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Kimberly McCalmont Alpha Rho - Ohio Wesleyan University
Human Resources Generalist, Central Ohio Transit Authority
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Generosity
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan, I started my professional career as an entry-level recruiter. I can thank Delta Zeta for preparing me for this role, as I remember during my interview, discussing how filling vacancies is similar to filling empty spots in my chapter, that the effort has to be exponential. Though my degrees were in Dance and Genetics, after falling in to recruitment, I learned how much I love doing so in a professional sense. My initial plan was genetic counseling, but after learning more about recruitment, and seeing how much I can help others and organizations, I knew that HR is where I wanted to stay. My passion for recruitment and helping others allowed me to grow professionally, as I was promoted to a senior recruiter and then to a recruiting manager in the span of a few years. It was an honor to be in these more complex roles after being recognized for my work ethic and the results I delivered. With my current employer, being able to say that I was a part of a team that has contributed to increasing bus service levels in the central Ohio area is an honor in itself. I love what I do, the people I work with and the mission we are behind. When I first started with Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), the impacts of COVID-19 were still being felt, but through the efforts of the team I am on and the organization, we have been able to increase service every trimester since 2023. Knowing that my work directly contributes to this means so much to me. My supervisor and other leaders in my department have praised me numerous times for my work. I love what I do, which I think makes it easier to show up, put in long hours and contribute as much as I can.
Outside of my professional career, I volunteer with Delta Zeta as a CCD for my chapter at Ohio Wesleyan. I love being able to support the collegians members.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
My current supervisor has been my mentor from the get go! She gave me the opportunity as an entry level recruiter. Once I got to work with her more closely, I had numerous opportunities to shadow her and work with her on projects. When she departed the first company we worked together at, I was actually promoted to replace her position. I was entrusted to lead our team because of her mentoring and guidance. After a year apart, I was presented an opportunity to work under her leadership again at our current employer. She is an outstanding supervisor and mentor. She provides immense support, guidance, and is always looking for ways to help me learn and grow. Learning how she leads has impacted my own leadership. Watching her be a resource and a support to others has impacted me forever, and has inspired me to act the same in both my professional and personal settings.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
I discovered my passion for recruitment in college, while being incredibly involved in the recruitment process with my collegiate chapter. I initially thought I wanted to go to graduate school for genetic counseling, but after applying for an entry-level recruitment job in healthcare, I found that I absolutely loved the field of talent acquisition. Because someone took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to learn and grow, I have been able to expand greatly in the talent acquisition field. These opportunities have allowed me to discover my love for data analytics as it relates to recruitment, I’ve been able to take courses related to this and work on projects for the team I am on.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I plan on always incorporating generosity, as I feel that it resonates so much with me. All of my professional endeavors have required me to be generous with my time and effort, and ultimately, has impacted the lives of others. I truly enjoy being helpful to others and I hope I can continue to be a resource and create an impact no matter where my career takes me.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
One of my best friends from my chapter has been with me every step of the way. She encouraged me to apply for my initial HR job, at one point managed me, and has always been a huge support for me professionally and personally. She, also, is in the HR field, and I know that I can call her for advice or guidance on situations she has encountered. I have learned so much from her as she has grown herself throughout different areas of Human Resources.
My community has also helped me professionally. I remember seeing the amount of support the alumna from my chapter had provided. With networking events or just overall connections with older sisters, it was always comforting to know that I could turn to any of them with questions about the professional world.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
To me, empowerment means being able to provide someone with the support, guidance, resources or time to grow, whether that be emotionally, professionally, etc. I have worked to empower others in my career by always being a resource and a person they can come to with questions. I provide the help and resources they need so they can handle situations on their own someday. In my personal life, I think being a support to my friends and family is huge. I always try to lift my friends up and provide them with that they need so they can grow in whatever aspect they need. With chapter advising, I try to provide the best guidance and support I can to the members, so they feel they can handle whatever comes their way.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
An environment of belonging is huge. When people find a space where they feel that they are wanted is a large factor of retention in the professional world. With our careers, knowing how much time we spend with one another on a daily basis, I think it’s always important to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. In my personal life, creating spaces where people feel the same way is crucial and is the foundation of friendship. I carry this as I actively try to welcome everyone in both my personal and professional life.