Sunni Sanchez’s story at Timmons Group is one of growth, robust knowledge, selflessness, and vibrant spirit that permeates the company’s culture. Sunni can light up a room with her effervescent personality while simultaneously being the ‘get stuff done’ go-to person. The way we describe her sounds overzealous… But if you know Sunni personally or professionally (and some reading this likely do), you’ll know that we’re not exaggerating her character traits!
For 15 years, Sunni has been an integral part of Timmons Group’s success. Starting as a part-time administrative assistant, Sunni has grown into a role where she partners with other administrative assistants throughout the company, plans companywide transitions, and builds out office spaces in support of Timmons Group’s expansion.
Many folks at Timmons Group could say they’ve replied to a question more times than they can count with, “Oh, did you ask Sunni? She’ll know.” But — If you actually ask Sunni, she’ll tell you that much of her role is based on a passion for supporting her admin teammates and helping them build their careers at Timmons Group.
Sunni began working at the firm in 2008 when she joined the administrative team in support of our Richmond engineering division. “I started as a part-time administrative assistant for the Water/Wastewater engineering team,” Sunni recalled. “I loved the group, and I loved that I could have both a career and time with my children.”
After many years assisting the engineering team with technical support, like spec formatting and coordinating monthly project financial reports, Sunni’s role transitioned from a group-specific resource to a companywide resource. Her focus has been on multi-tasking like a pro and pushing the boundaries of what works.
In her time at the firm, Sunni has managed countless companywide events, employee onboarding sessions, office space revamps, and process overhauls to see what works best. “I love the fact that the firm has allowed me the opportunity to try new things,” Sunni said. “If my ideas are good and they make sense for Timmons Group, I’ve always been told ‘go for it.’”
Sunni carries this mindset with her throughout her role. “At some companies, administrative assistants are seen as a support role, and we are,” Sunni said, “but at Timmons Group, everyone really appreciates our opinions, thoughts, and professional knowledge. We are valued asset to this company,” she continued.
Having made a devoted effort to be a mentor to the admin team (which is made up entirely of women at the time of writing), Sunni said she was originally inspired by Shannon Hayes, Director of Human Resources, to pass along her knowledge and help bring women up alongside her at the firm.
One of the things Sunni loves most about her role is the chance to support the other admins. “I love standing beside them, problem-solving, or working together to come up with better solutions. And I love watching us grow into our positions and making a career out of Timmons Group.”
But Sunni also notes that the career path of an administrative assistant isn’t always the frontrunner when people initially decide what field to consider. “I don’t think people go into their careers dreaming of being an admin assistant. And I think the fact that I’ve been able to make a good career and also work in an area that I can be proud of and feel accomplished in what I’m doing—I know that all of the admins here have that ability,” Sunni said.
Sunni’s commitment to supporting her colleagues extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities. She is known for spearheading many initiatives, including Timmons Group’s annual Go Pink Fridays during the month of October, for which employees wear pink to recognize breast cancer awareness.
At the heart of Sunni’s story is the unwavering support and appreciation she feels from everyone at Timmons Group. She believes that her role, and the roles of all administrative assistants, are crucial to the firm’s success, and she’s reminded daily how much these women support the company in various ways.
“I think women oftentimes take a lot on their shoulders personally and professionally and we just tend to learn how to balance it,” Sunni said. “I feel like one my biggest goal is to make sure that they always know how appreciated our administrative staff is and to try to find ways to help them balance their lives.”
It’s no secret that Sunni has made a successful career of being an integral part of the firm, but one of the most impressive ways she does this is by being a reciprocal mentor to the teammates she is surrounded by.
Want to learn more about how women at Timmons Group continue to lift each other up? Check out our inclusivity and belonging values here.
