Being part of the ND Dining family for 25 years is an amazing accomplishment, one that Kia, a monitor at North Dining Hall, has been working toward since October 2000. Kia leads every day with a genuine smile and truly embodies the guiding principles of Notre Dame Dining. She makes everyone who walks through the dining hall doors feel welcome and invites them to share a meal in a space that’s meant to bring people together.
We sat down with Kia to ask her a few questions about her time with ND Dining, and her answers further portray her passion for Notre Dame and its students, as well as her strong work ethic. She states, "I've never been late to work, not even once, over the past 25 years, I always try my best no matter what, I’m passionate about providing for my family, and I really value the opportunity to share a smile with the students that walk through the dining hall doors.” Kia truly encompasses community & connection in the dining halls, with students, guests, staff and fellow coworkers alike.
Kia doesn’t take the opportunity to positively impact students' days lightly. Not only does she take careful responsibility for creating memorable moments for everyone that visits NDH, she also appreciates how much the students teach her. “Learning from the young has been one of the most interesting aspects of my job,” states Kia. In addition to leading her people-centric role with a grateful heart, Kia really enjoys a challenge, especially when it comes to technology. As technology consistently evolves in the dining halls, Kia is responsible for learning new systems. She tackles these challenges with determination and appreciates the chance to learn something new.
Aside from her day-to-day responsibilities in NDH, you can find her crafting “clean” and “simple” meals, as well as enjoying her favorite spot on campus, The Log Chapel. She often visits this iconic campus scene for moments of quiet reflection. She also frequently enjoys a stroll around The Lakes, especially when the weather is nice!
We are so appreciative of Kia’s service longevity and look forward to her smile every day. Thank you, Kia, for your sincere contributions to the ND Dining family!