Hilaree Hawkins’ days are dynamic and rarely predictable. As a marketing project manager at KinderCare, her work directly impacts the overall business. This means that prioritizing tasks based on urgency, leaning into open and clear communication, and setting expectations are key to her success. And she’s been able to grow with the company by doing just that.
“I am a true testimony to the growth KinderCare offers,” she tells The Muse, explaining that she kicked off her career in creative marketing project management and started with KinderCare as a marketing associate before making the transition to project management. “When I wanted to pivot back to project management, I had full leadership support and endorsement. The transition was swift and seamless.”
Whether through her career pivot or through everyday stuff that comes up for her as a working parent, Hilaree says she feels supported thanks to KinderCare’s empowering benefits and company culture, which fosters a healthy work-life balance for all employees.
Here, we caught up with Hilaree to learn more about how KinderCare has supported her growth as both a leader and a parent.
What are the biggest benefits of working at KinderCare, and how does the company support working parents, in particular?
The absolute biggest benefit is having a team of people who not only understand the joys and struggles of being a working parent but who also offer such a genuine, family-first mentality. I never have to feel guilty for missing a meeting because my kiddo is sick, like I have at other companies.
Tell us about KinderCare’s Child Care Benefit and how it has supported you or your colleagues in their journeys as working parents.
The Child Care Benefit has been such a financial stress relief. We have moved several times over the last couple of years while I have been employed at KinderCare, so we have actually had our children enrolled in three separate KinderCare centers.
Every experience has been delightful. The teachers are kind and caring, and the curriculum is top-notch. My 20-month-old and four-year-old even know several phrases and songs in Spanish.
What other programs or initiatives does KinderCare offer to support a healthy work-life balance?
Working remotely and unlimited PTO has been a huge help in managing my work-life balance. Eliminating the need for a commute gives me more time back with my babies. When my center is closed for a federal holiday (but my office is not), I never have to worry about running out of PTO to take care of my children.
As a manager, what would you want prospective employees to know about KinderCare’s company culture?
I have never worked for a company that is so authentically concerned with the well-being of its employees. It is such a good feeling to be able to show up as my truest self because I know that my co-workers and leadership are so accepting of all backgrounds and experiences.
How do leaders generally support employees’ need for time off with their families, and how do you support your employees’ need for time off?
Leaders will always, always say, “Family first.” Employees are greatly encouraged to take PTO, as while work is important, it is much more important to take the time to breathe and enjoy life.
How do you manage work-life balance yourself?
It’s always a struggle to find balance, especially when you are a working parent. When I am feeling burnt out, I communicate to my leader that I simply need to take a day for myself, which is fully supported!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work for a healthy work-life balance?
I enjoy exercise, going outside for walks with my kids, and just being active in general. I love reading and trying new restaurants. I enjoy learning about wine, and thanks to some incredible people in my life over the years, they have taught me a lot. I really just love learning, in general.
