Meet Alicia Bowen, MicroAge’s Associate of Q1

1. What brought you to MicroAge/why did you want to work here?

Our Human Resources Director, Joelle Fosco was my manager at a previous employer. Four years ago, when the HR manager role came available at MicroAge, she called me immediately. I learned a lot from Joelle and I still do—she’s a great mentor.

2. Tell us about what you do every day in your role:

What I love most about my role in HR is that every day is different. I manage everything from recruitment, and benefits and payroll to organization-wide culture initiatives, ADP, Employee Relations, New Hire Training, Employment Law, and supporting our HR Director in everything that falls into these areas.

3. What do you love about working at MicroAge?

The #1 thing I love most about MicroAge is absolutely the people. I tell our prospective candidates that at MicroAge, we are truly an organization built on camaraderie and teamwork. Our associates genuinely want to see each other succeed and will help each other reach their goals. I value the fact that we all value each other.

4. We know every team member makes more possible. How are you making a difference?

I’ve always wanted to change the way people view HR. Don’t be afraid of us, we are a great resource and want to see our associates happy and successful while also moving the organization forward. MicroAge is a great organization that actually cares about the associates, we are not just a number. MicroAge is a phenomenal place where I can be effective in making positive change and get to see the value everyone brings to the table. I have a seat at the table and a voice that is heard. I feel like I matter here, that is so valuable to me.

5. Which of our MicroAge values resonate with you most and why? (Add value to everything we do  •  Respect our relationships  •  Act with integrity • Make things happen  •  Do it right the first time •  Have fun!)

The top two for me are Make Things Happen and Have Fun. As I mentioned before, I am at MicroAge to make a positive change for our associates and the future of our organization… and have fun doing it!

6. What is your best MicroAge memory?

I have a few, but one that stands out was our last in-person Awards dinner with the Hawaiian theme. It was such a fun night to be around our associates, meet their friends and spouses, have great food, wonderful entertainment, and celebrate their many successes.

I am happy that our MicroAge culture built on camaraderie continues in our remote workplace through Stay Apart Together. I look forward to the day we’re all celebrating together in person again.

7. Who inspires you and why?

It isn’t just one person, it is the many people who I have had the pleasure of meeting, knowing, and working alongside. I admire anyone who has overcome adversity, stands up to do the right thing, and makes a difference in their world (whether big or small). Those types of people inspire me every day.

8. What do you enjoy doing most outside of the office?

I can talk about food and travel all day. I love it so much I created social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok with the name The Happy Foodie Traveler. My favorite hashtag I’ve seen is #cameraeatsfirst. I appreciate the patience of anyone who dines with me and allows me to take quick pics before they eat.

As far as travel, the world is my bucket list. I plan to visit all 50 states (have ten more to go) and all seven continents (have four more to go). I’m always looking for an adventure and good, authentic, unique food!

9. What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

The best advice I was ever given was to “know your audience and adapt.” It’s important to remember when technology and the way we work are both changing so rapidly.