Class of 1997, B.A. Business Administration
I had two very pivotal experiences while attending Dordt College. One that was most pivotal for me was when I signed up for AMOR, volunteering in the Dominican Republic. It was this experience that unleashed my passion for working with people from different countries and cultures.
Another experience that proved most pivotal for me happened in just one hour of one day. After a Communications class, the Professor asked me to stay back to talk. He asked me what kind of career I wanted to pursue and pointed out some qualities he saw in me, qualities I had no idea I had. I was so surprised that a Professor, who is tending to many other students, would take a special interest in me. It was because of this conversation that I became more focused on my studies and finding a career path best suited to my strengths. To me, it's this kind of experience that sets Dordt apart — Professors and Faculty deeply and authentically care about the academic, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each and every stud ent.
After graduating from Dordt, I worked for Dordt for two years as an Admissions Counselor and then went on to complete my M.A. in Human Resources and Industrial Relations at the University of Minnesota. I then joined Intel Corporation because their global focus matched my passion for working with people from other cultures. I started out in a one-year rotation program to help me acclimate to the company. Since then, I've chosen roles that allow me to work directly with shaping Intel organizations in emerging markets including China, India, and Russia. My roles have varied from HR Generalist and Organization Development roles to my current assignment which is driving the strategic direction and operations of Intel's HR transaction centers in Malaysia and Costa Rica. A highlight of my career occurred when I lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil managing Human Resources for Intel Latin America.
You trade a day of your life every time you choose to get up in the morning and go to work — relentlessly pursue the career you are going to love.
Jeana lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Shane Hawkins, and 4-year-old son, Mason. Outside of traveling for work, Jeana enjoys traveling for leisure, as well as running, yoga, and renovating her beach home on the Oregon coast.