#Duckumentary - Atiya Hardnett

What did you do before your time at EDA?

Before I joined EDA, I worked as the Administrator at a union commercial electrical contractor.

What brought you to the construction industry?

What brought me to the construction industry were the endless opportunities for growth and expansion.

Can you briefly explain what you do at EDA?

My duty here at EDA is to ensure that money continues to flow in. This happens by making sure all active and/or completed projects have invoicing submitted for the work our field crew and Project Management team has accomplished.

I also assist our AP Operations department to ensure all vendor/subcontractor invoicing is entered in the accounting database. This allows project materials and service labor to be paid timely so that projects can continue to operate.

What are some things that most people don't know about you?

Something people may not know about me is that as girly as I may look, I played basketball and ran track for 10 years.

If you weren’t in the construction industry, where would you be today?

If I wasn’t in construction, I would probably be working for the government in the Compliance/ Tax department. I’m kind of a bookworm, so I enjoy learning and educating people about regulations and laws the average citizen might not know.

If you could work in any other trade or department here at EDA, where would you be?

If I could work in any other department or trade here at EDA, I would choose Compliance or Risk Management.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced in work? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been socializing. I’m not shy when it comes to a work challenge, but I’m super shy meeting new people. EDA is a huge company, and sometimes it’s overwhelming for someone like myself who came from a smaller company.

I have started taking the opportunity to have one-on-one sit downs with coworkers when the opportunity arises naturally. It allows me not to feel so overwhelmed and put on the spot. It also gives me the opportunity to really get to know the person with no other influences. I’ve talked to a lot of great people here at EDA so far!

What has been the best part about your experience working with EDA?

This best part about working here at EDA is the management. I have one of the most talented, knowledgeable, and supportive management teams a person could ask for. This for me has been the best part of this new career journey.

What is your favorite EDA value, and why?

My favorite EDA value is Smile, Laugh, & Enjoy Life. Being in this field it can be stressful and intense, and sometimes we can get trapped in that mentality. So, when I see one of teammates following this value, it reminds me to do the same. It makes everything worth it at the end of the day.