Portraits of Hope

Portraits of Hope: Administrative Professional Helen Simmons

Helen HeadshotsWith Administrative Professionals’ Day taking place on April 26, we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight one of our own incredibly talented associates. Meet Helen Simmons — a truly exceptional administrative professional.  In fact, Express selected her as the Administrative Employee of the Year in 2012 due to her various talents, flexibility, and strong work ethic.

Helen began working for Express Employment Professionals in 2010 after the economic downturn forced her to close the custom painting business she and her daughter owned in Skagit County, Washington.

Sadly, she eventually lost her home, as well as her business. Desperate for work, Helen remembers calling Express when she realized she had to do something just to cover her basic living expenses.

“They called me back right away and within a few days found me a job,” she said. “I went to work for Express, and I haven’t looked back. Of course, I hope to find that one dream job, but in the meantime, I like the challenge of taking on different positions.”

Some of the other jobs Helen has held include working at a local firehouse as a receptionist and administrative assistant, organizing a dinner and auction which raised $150,000 for a local nonprofit organization, and working for an interior design firm.

What is Helen’s favorite part about being an administrative professional? The people. As Helen says,  “I am a relationship person and so one of the things I enjoy most is getting to meet new people.”

Interested in reading more about Helen and our other incredible associates? Check out Portraits of Hope online.

Portraits of Hope is a book inspired by and dedicated to jobseekers, the hard working, and the individuals who believe that every job, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to rise above and be more.