Spotlight on the Women of Bristow: Christina Girard

In honor of Women's History Month, Bristow is shining a spotlight on the women who make Bristow soar. This interview features Human Resources Business Partner Christina Girard from our Lake Charles, Louisiana operations.

Talk about your role at Bristow and what are you currently working on.

I have been with the company for more than eight years. I am a Human Resources (HR) Business Partner supporting Maintenance, Fleet Support, Ground Operations and Supply Chain. I am the primary recruiter for the Gulf of Mexico, and most of my role hinges around supporting team members, managers and the organization.

What is a recent success you're particularly proud of?

I was selected to speak at the Heli Expo Mil-2-Civ workshop on resume writing. As a veteran, I feel passionate about helping soldiers navigate the transition to civilian life. This organization is close to my heart because I remember the transition from military to civilian life, and it can feel daunting to undertake alone. After speaking at the event, I made connections with potential applicants. I helped them increase their chances of finding employment by updating their resumes to highlight their skills and experience so that a civilian recruiter could understand.

Who inspires you (work, personal, and / or historical)?

Our team inspires me daily. Every day, our team brings Bristow's core values to life, and it is exciting to be part of that. After the hurricane, so many team members lost everything. The team and the company came together to help those in need. All were helping even though they had very little to give. It was incredibly inspiring to be part of these efforts.

What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers?

Find a mentor willing to provide accountability and encouragement for personal improvement professional growth and one willing to advocate on your behalf. I was late to the game when it came to finding a mentor, and it has provided me with valuable insight that I wish I had been privy to earlier.

What is unique about your journey to your current role?

My first degree is in photojournalism and design. I was a wedding photographer for almost ten years, and my work was featured in The Knot, Southern Bride, and I was a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association. Once my daughter was in school, I decided to go back to school for my management degree. I decided to pivot my career back to HR during that time. I spent most of my military career behind a desk performing HR duties, so it was something I knew, and I was excited to get back to my roots.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy off-roading with my family and traveling with friends. We travel to Utah, Arkansas and Tennessee to go rock crawling in the Jeeps. I am also active in several community organizations that support local charities. I am a member of a local Jeep club, and we partner closely with Ainsley’s Angels every year to raise money, buy racing wheelchairs and sponsor teams for the race. I am a member of the Lake Charles Junior League. The Junior League is an organization of women promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the lives of children. I currently serve on the board of a local Mardi Gras krewe. Every year we adopt a family in need and sponsor them throughout the year. We provide back-to-school clothes, meals, Christmas presents, and other household items families need.

What is your motto?

Keep moving forward. The full quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. is: “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

This quote reminds me that no matter what your circumstances, you have the power to choose to keep moving forward.

What book are you currently reading?

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek