GDT Employee Spotlight: Mya Koko

How long have you been with GDT, and what does your role entail?

Mya: I have been with GDT for a little over a year. My role primarily involves managing the onboarding and offboarding processes, as well as refining our HR procedures.

After a new hire signs their offer letter, I reach out to them, collect all their new hire information, and even meet with them before they start. When you are starting somewhere new, it can be nerve-racking. So, meeting with new hires before they start really helps welcome them to our organization and gives them someone they know at GDT from before they even start. Overall, I ensure new hires feel welcomed and supported even before their first day, which helps ease their transition into our organization.

We’ve made a lot of changes to onboarding this year, and you’ve made such an impact! So, where did you grow up, and what brought you to your current city?

Mya: Initially, I grew up in Yangon, Burma, until I was around the age of 7, in a small village away from the city. It was a neglected area with a broken education system. The schools did not have activities and cafeterias; they just gave you books to memorize, recite, and study without any expression of your ideas or thoughts. Overall, the broken education system led me not to see a future for myself.

After that, I moved to Boston for a few years, and everything was mind-blowing for me, especially the education system in the U.S. It was very humbling to see the school system here and the things that students don’t appreciate, even something such as a mechanical pencil. The way I was raised really impacted my appreciation and work ethic.

Shortly after, we moved to Dallas, where I went to middle school, high school, and college! I did have plans to move to London, but I received a job, and that really helped give me an initial place and purpose in the professional workforce.

Wow, that is a great story and journey. What drew you to Human Resources, and how did you get started?

Mya: I always knew I wanted to help people, and surprisingly, I wanted to be a teacher up until college because of my upbringing. I was thinking of my future and building a foundation for myself. So, I looked at my options, and I chose to move forward with business.

I am a first-generation high school and college graduate, so I didn’t have anyone in my family to reach out to for advice on my career or what to study. HR came naturally to me, and I started to get more involved and joined organizations within and outside of college, like SHRM. I then realized there are so many areas within HR that you can be in, and there are also so many areas in HR where you can help make a difference, such as DEI and promoting justice in the workplace. Doing something as small as onboarding here at GDT helps employees see they have someone in their corner.

That’s amazing. I can truly feel your passion for HR and helping people. Can you describe your team and its dynamics?

Mya: I would say my team is reliable. We are always willing to help out, even if it’s not our job. We ask what we can do to help one another or just offer to be a listening ear. For example, if we have a presentation, you will see our HR team in the audience supporting one another. Most of us tend to be quiet and heads down at times, but we are able to connect and laugh and lean on each other. If one of us is struggling, there will always be someone there to lift you up.

I always appreciate it when you are there for me, Mya! What professional accomplishment or project are you most proud of so far?

Mya: I would say getting my bachelor’s degree, and I am currently working on my MBA. Again, I am the first generation in my family to go to high school and college. I have people from my village reaching out to say how proud of me they are and how I’ve made a change for our generation. I feel very proud that I am making a difference here in America.

The second thing is my recent promotion here at GDT. I always dreamed that when I graduated, I would continue my education and grow in my career, which is happening now. Believing in myself is making it all happen!

That is awesome, and it has been such a privilege to watch you grow in your career here! What do you enjoy most about working at GDT, and what motivates you to come to work every day?

Mya: I would say I have an amazing team that always has my back and encourages me, which means a lot. Being surrounded by our team and leadership, and even just walking down the hall and talking to employees, motivates me. Even as we are busy, people still take time to invest in you and celebrate your successes.

Finally, the new addition of the Women in Tech (WIT) group of interest has been exciting. Having a group of women to go to and relate to helps younger women, such as myself, navigate a male-dominated industry.

What other aspects of our organization’s vision, mission, or values resonate with you?

Mya: The value that resonates with me is how GDT gives back to the community. Eventually, I want to travel the world and underprivileged countries and give back, so that was really important to me when I was looking for companies to join. Things like volunteering, helping Veterans, and Angel Tree are important to me. I was actually an Angel Tree child at one point, so it brings me so much joy now that I can give back by adopting an angel here at GDT.

Wow, that is amazing, Mya; I have goosebumps! What’s a fun fact about you that most people may not know?

Mya: A lot of people don’t know that I am a big reader. I know people say that they are readers, but when I was growing up, I lived in a very restrictive household. My social life revolved around books! Books are my best friend and a chance to escape from reality. I feel at peace reading a book set in a different world. I’d love to have a library one day!

What is your favorite genre?

Mya: Fantasy and romance are my favorite genres.

Where is your favorite place to be or travel to?

Mya: I haven’t been, but I would love to travel to Europe. I don’t have a specific place in mind, but I just want to travel to every country there! I want to visit places like Italy, Paris, the Netherlands, and London—all of them! Like I mentioned, I also want to travel the world and give back to countries that need water or food in the next 10 years or so.

I just went to Europe for the first time, and I want to travel the rest of it too! What advice would you give someone just starting their career in your field?

Mya: I would say, in general, be optimistic and remember your time will come. I would set myself back seeing things happen for other people, but your time to shine will come. When it comes to HR, join the SHRM organization either in or out of school to really start networking and create opportunities. The UNT SHRM actually led me to GDT. I was always shy growing up, so I had to overcome networking and public speaking. I’d say put yourself out there, know your weaknesses, and work on them!

Thank you for getting to know Mya! Mya’s journey to the US, becoming the first-generation family member to graduate, and now her professional journey and contributions to not only GDT but everyone she meets is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing her continued growth and impact within our organization and on the world! Learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore our career options by visiting Life at GDT.