Makpar’s Thanksgiving Gratitude Challenge Spotlights Appreciation for Family, Creativity, Lemon Trees, Travel and Mom’s Cooking

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of gratitude is “the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” For Makpar’s employees, gratitude is definitely a quality that many posses, and the reasons for their gratitude are wide-ranging and inspiring.

In November, Makpar launched its Gratitude Challenge, where we solicited feedback from employees – based on a series of questions – about the things they are most thankful for in their personal and professional lives. With Thanksgiving happening this week, we have decided to spotlight five responses that certainly caught our attention.

Jessica Volt

User Experience Designer

What is something that makes you unique that you are grateful for?

“Twelve years ago I was feeling uncreative in my day job as a graphic designer. So I started a ‘sketch-a-day’ practice. As a result, I have a sketchbook for each year and it's amazing to see the evolution and growth that 12 years brings.”

Julie Huntsman

Data and Communication Manager

Who is someone that has helped you that you are grateful for?

“My family. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. My entire family supported me when I made the choice to go to college at 30 after being a stay-at-home mother for the majority of my adult life. I had a third baby while enrolled and still had support. My mother, mother-in-law, as well as my niece and sisters, all helped my husband and me with our kids and the house – while I studied and at times, even when I was hospitalized. My brother supported my husband with several projects and tasks. My husband also helped take over the household and managed many things I used to do. And my kids, who have special needs, have pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. I couldn’t have done it without all of them pulling together to support me.”

Fareeha Khan

Marketing and Communications Manager

What is your favorite food?

“My favorite food is my mother's biryani. You all may not know this, but Seema Khan (Makpar’s CEO) is one of the best cooks in the world!!! Whenever I try to recreate her dishes, it's just not the same. Nothing like mama's home cooking, am I right folks?!

Elle Newman

Marketing and Communications Intern

What is a favorite memory?

“One of my all-time favorite memories was this past March during my spring break abroad! Our first stop was Paris, a city I had dreamed about visiting since I was a little girl (fun fact: I took French for 5 years!). One of my best friends and I stumbled across this beautiful overlook of the Eiffel tower during sunset and there was a rainbow directly to the left of it. It was BEAUTIFUL! At the same time, there was a singer singing "Hey There Delilah," which created a moment that I could not have scripted better myself! It was such a beautiful and surreal moment that my best friend and I started crying! It’s a memory that I will never forget and will always hold close to my heart.”

Dan Montagna

PMO Manager

What is something that has helped you that you are grateful for?

“There are just too many people that I'm grateful for in my life, but this is a good reminder to make sure they know it! I'll choose a 'something' for the challenge, and a simple one, a hobby. While I do garden in the warm weather in MA, I also keep a few plants and trees through the winter. I have a few small lemon trees, and they actually produce delicious lemons, unlike those I find at the store, that are a bit sweeter. Once a year, right around this time, they bloom. The flowers haven't opened yet, but when they do the whole house smells absolutely amazing for about a week. If you've ever been around an orange grove during bloom, you know the scent. I'm grateful for the tiny, but mighty, lemon tree blooms once a year, reminds me of spring, just a few short months away.”

We would like to thank Jessica, Julie, Fareeha, Elle and Dan for letting us publish their amazing responses to the Makpar Gratitude Challenge! The entire Makpar team wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!