Meet CB’s New Chief People Officer, Kymberly Garrett

Kymberly Garrett, Children’s Bureau’s Chief People Officer, joined us in December 2018. We recently chatted with Kymberly to learn about the most inspiring part of her job, her favorite books and much more. Continue reading to learn all about her:

Where did your interest in this work come from? 

I had a really meaningful internship while in college that really set my sights on Human Resources Practice. Once I fully understood the responsibility of supporting organizations through its people, I was fully committed and never have had any other kind of work other than Human Resources. It resonated me on every level and I continue to have nothing but passion for the work done in HR! 

What’s the most inspiring part of your job? 

I really appreciate the stories of our staff and the work that they do. To nurture the lives of children in an impactful way is a high calling and one that fully resonates with me. Hearing the amazing work that each of our employees does inspires me to build people-related programs and services that gives our staff the same support that they give our clients. Of equal importance, my HR team inspires me every day. I wish our staff could see how hard they work to make life easier for our employees. There are so many new initiatives that we talk about and are crafting. I am excited about the future of people services at Children’s Bureau! It’s important that we always remember our impact with each of our employees!  

What advice do you have for prospective Children’s Bureau candidates?  

Great question, given that I am still fairly new, as well! Complexities that exist in today’s Los Angeles are vast and many of us are searching for that special place that is more than a job and more than work…a vocation, a calling, if you will. Children’s Bureau can be that place for really special people to make a difference. That will resonate I think for the right kind of candidate. When I meet with new hires, it’s the first thing I ask: Why did you choose Children’s Bureau? The insight that I get from hearing their personal reasons inspires me to  help build and nurture this organization to be the best we can be to validate that decision. It’s an honor to be chosen as our new hire’s next organization and we want to earn that every day.

What hobbies or activities do you like to do in your free time? 

I have four fur babies that I love dearly! Hiking with them is a great stress reliever. I also am an especially avid sports fan so you can usually see me rooting for my favorite teams on the weekend. Additionally, I really love to cook so my garden is full of fun exotic herbs and spices and lots of veggies that I incorporate into some pretty fabulous culinary concoctions, if I do say so myself! 

What are your top 3 favorite Books or Podcasts? 

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child and Simone Beck 

Beard on Food by James Beard  

Good to Great by Jim Collins 

The best career advice you’ve been given is… 

I have two that I try to live by. One is the one my grandmother gave me ages ago: “Leave the room better than you found it.” Another is one that a dear mentor shared with me: “Never forget that you are in an honorable profession and it is always a true privilege when you are responsible for others.”