In recognition of International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the women who are integral to our Company’s operations.
DonnaMaie Butterfield: Receptionist, Customer Experience
DonnaMaie has been with BELCO for ten years as a receptionist at the Company’s headquarters and says she has recently developed an interest in the Communications Department.
As far as her favourite part of the job, DonnaMaie says she loves her work, and added: “I enjoy being able to meet and greet customers when they come in and being able to help with customers’ queries. I also love that the Company offers opportunities to go and do community service and help within the community with different organisations.
DonnaMaie has never felt held back because of her gender and says her greatest asset is being a people person.
She said: “That helps me tremendously in this role. It is not always easy but sometimes you have to meet people where they are to be able to assist them. I deal with a lot of customers who may have lost a loved one and may be coming to close their account or something of that nature and I enjoy being able to help them, and just lend a listening ear. Sometimes you have people with a lot going on and just being able to help them get through it may make a big difference to them.”
DonnaMaie attended Elliot Primary, Whitney Institute and Bermuda College where she attained a diploma in Culinary Arts. She has also completed Introductory Training for Children with Autism with The Geneva Centre for Autism, and Customer Care and Receptionist training with the London Receptionist Academy. The most important things in DonnaMaie’s life are her family and having true friends – people she can depend on and being true to oneself. Outside of work, DonnaMaie enjoys walking, baking, cooking, plants and gardening, relaxing, crocheting, drawing and sketching. She also enjoys travelling, being out in nature and shopping. She used to volunteer as a Reserve Police Officer and as a tutor and with the Bermuda Red Cross.
DonnaMaie says one of her mentors was her aunt, Victoria Manning, a retired nurse who she said was always very encouraging and supportive. Outside of work DonnaMaie has been recognised as a Parent of Excellence by the Ministry of Education.
As far as words of advice to other women, DonnaMaie said: “remember your greatness – always go be great and be true to yourself.”
In the future she sees herself as simply being happy and says she would like the opportunity to experience different areas of the Company’s operations.