Staff Snapshot: Mary Kirkman

17 September 2015

At YWCA Canberra, we’re really proud of the vibrancy and diversity of our staff team. We’ll be bringing you regular Staff Snapshots so you can meet our team and find out a bit more about the people behind our programs and services. Today, meet Mary Kirkman Human Resources Officer.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at YWCA Canberra?

I’m a Human Resources Officer, working with the People and Capability Manager. My role is really varied. I make up all the new starter letters help out with induction and answer questions. I’m still pretty new to the role, and seem to do something new every day.

What is the scariest thing you’ve done in the past year?

I went to Thailand on a university scholarship – completing a semester of university work over three weeks which was pretty scary!

What’s on your current playlist?

Mumford & Sons, Indigo Girls, Courtney Barnett, Macklemore and Patsy Cline!

What is the most out-there job you’ve ever had?

It was probably my volunteer role as a rural fire fighter.

If you had to choose a single thing about the Y that makes you proud to work here, what would it be?

I love the values of the Y, and the way the organisation lives them.

When you’re not at work, what’s your relaxation activity of choice?

I am happier outdoors – I walk, play with my dog and camp. I have just started a photography course and am really looking forward to getting into that. I also love to cook crazy vegan food.

Who’s your favourite inspirational woman?

I just read Zoe Daniel’s autobiography, Storyteller. She was the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent for South East Asia and worked out of Bangkok during the red shirt protests and covered the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in Myanmar.

Tags: community, staff snapshot, YWCA Canberra team