Mar 11, 2024
Employee Spotlight: Kathy Krajkiewicz
Retail Associate
Years of service: 22
JOIN US in celebrating Kathy Krajkiewicz as our Employee Spotlight Feature. As retail associate and donation door attendant, Kathy embodies dedication and infuses joy into her work every day. Employed at Goodwill for 22 years, Kathy expresses, “Goodwill is the only place I’ve ever liked working.”
For Kathy, Goodwill isn’t just a workplace — it’s her second home. Through her employment at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Kathy has achieved the dream of homeownership, remarking, “Not everyone is able to get a place of their own.” She eagerly anticipates retirement in two years so she can spend time with her beloved dog, Gibson, and cherished cat, Jackie. Kathy’s infectious laughter and smile illuminate every room she enters, and she advocates, “Be kind to other people. You just have to. There’s a lot of sadness out there.”
Kathy draws inspiration from her friends: Linda Kruse, Gloria Bailey, and her current supervisor, Ludington Store Manager Carmen Stehouwer. Linda, initially Kathy’s teacher when she relocated from the Mt. Pleasant Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities, not only taught her to read and write but also became a lifelong friend. Gloria, Kathy’s first supervisor at Goodwill, has provided continuous mentorship and support over the years. Kathy expresses profound gratitude for Carmen’s leadership, stating, “I wouldn’t trade Carmen for the world. She is very important to me. Carmen and Gloria are both two of the nicest bosses I’ve ever had.”
Kathy competed three years in a row in the Special Olympics National Games in New Orleans and in Minnesota, participating in various sports including track and field, swimming, basketball, poly hockey, bowling and tennis.
Kathy’s guilty pleasure? Sweet pickles and onions, which she insists, “taste so good on a lunchmeat sandwich!”
In closing, Kathy shares her wisdom: “Find a job and get something you like – like I have at Goodwill.”
Thank you, Kathy, for your unwavering dedication and inspiring presence!
Why Work at Goodwill?
- Caring and inclusive culture
- Family-friendly hours
- Closed on major holidays
- Earned time off (ETO)
- Medical, dental, vision coverage*
- Retirement savings plan*
- Employee discount
- Mission-based organization helping our West Michigan community
* Full time
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Goodwill is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is actively engaged in creating an organization and culture where every person feels welcomed, seen, and important.