Many employees equate working at Harris County Department of Education to working with a family. It is an organization where no matter who you are or what position you hold, you are greeted with a smile, hug and genuine inquiry into your well-being. That culture is made possible by the Department’s unsung heroes like September Employee of the Month Ashley Barker.
“I think there’s a hidden cape somewhere in her office when she closes the door,” laughed Dr. Tyrone Sylvester, the executive director of Human Resources (HR). “Ashley puts the cape on, flies around the office and does everything. She’s remarkable in that way.”
The Deer Park native comes from humble beginnings. Before becoming a paralegal, her father managed a family auto-part business, and her mom worked three jobs to help support the family. Barker received continuous support from family but described her adult life as happening in reverse.
“Life got me. I had a child, married, had two more children, and then got my degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake,” Barker said. “I graduated at 30 as a first-generation graduate, which I’m very proud of.”
Barker joined Human Resources in 2007 while earning her degree in interdisciplinary studies. She had intentions of becoming a certified elementary teacher. However, life and former HCDE leadership had other plans.
“Natasha (Truitt) pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, I know you want to be a teacher, but let’s talk about that,’” Barker recalled. “She wanted to keep me! She said, ‘Instead of being a teacher, how about we hire the teachers?’”
The decision to maintain her role as a generalist has made ripples throughout the Department. Barker was entrusted with informing employees about various wellness resources and coordinating employee events. She organized several Chili Cook-Off, Picnic in the Parking Lot and holiday events with a dedication that created unforgettable experiences and fostered an environment where staff members felt safe, loved and appreciated.
“I love getting to wake up every day and come here,” she said, getting emotional. “I don’t think I impact students’ lives daily, but I know I can impact our employees, and I’m blessed for that honor.”
Added Patricia Menard: “Ashley was at the forefront of employees’ cultural, emotional and financial well-being, and I don’t think people recognize her enough for that.”
The assistant director of HR has had a front-row seat to Barker’s footprint and has often served as a mentor, encouraging her to strive for excellence. Menard supported her transition from a generalist to compensation analyst, a position that involves creating and maintaining employee records to ensure each person is paid accurately and on time. Barker also works with payroll daily to manually verify or adjust employee paychecks based on promotions, changes in status or medical leave.
“I’m basically telling payroll what to pay people,” Barker said. “They don’t push that button to send the deposit until they know what I want them to pay employees. Many people don’t know it’s a manual system. If you named any staff, I could probably tell you who they are and where they work because I see it so much.”
Her commitment to the job transcends traditional work hours or time off. Barker makes herself available any time of the day to ensure HCDE-related inquiries from employees or external clients and lenders are answered quickly. She also coordinates personal leave and vacations with payroll calculations and dates to ensure no problems arise in her absence.
When Hurricane Beryl closed the Department for nearly a week, Barker and other essential staff went to the main office in the heat to ensure everyone received their pay on time. Because of that loyalty and dedication, Menard nominated her for Employee of the Month.
“Ashley is very selfless and is one of those people who is overly patient and compassionate,” Menard said. “When people don’t understand their pay or a change, she’ll work with them to explain it until they understand it. She’s always available and never complains about it because she knows how important finances are to everyone.”
Despite making herself readily available within her HR position, Barker also finds the time to volunteer with various HCDE divisions. She utilized her education studies by teaching English as a Second Language classes to Adult Education students during the coronavirus pandemic. She also assisted Harris County youth during the CASE for Kids Ecobot Challenge Day, a competition that caters to students with a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Barker is currently studying to receive her Master of Business Administration. She’s expected to graduate from the University of Houston-Victoria in May.
Even with her list of accolades, Barker was shocked to learn she is HCDE’s September Employee of the Month.
“Most people like me wouldn’t get Employee of the Month because employees don’t know what we do,” she said, getting emotional. “HR is given a bad name because we deliver bad news or are responsible for terminations, but that’s not who we are. HR, to me, is the employee advocate, the voice for employees.”
Dr. Sylvester added: “Our team never looks for validation; they seek to be good people who help others along the way. We keep the human in Human Resources. It’s beautiful to have Ashley representing us and embodying the spirit of HR.”