Katherine Giunta Honored by Positive Behavior Support Community Foundation

Katherine Giunta, Jessica Wilke and Roy Lebel enlarge

Katherine Giunta (center) is congratulated by Jessica Wilke and Roy Lebel on her award from the Positive Behavior Support Community Foundation.

Katherine Giunta of Brookhaven Lab's Quality Management Office (QMO) has been named the 2017 recipient of the Mary Margaret Spirit Award from the Positive Behavior Support Community Foundation (PBSCF). This award is presented to individuals who, through their actions and spirit, promote inclusion in their communities.

Giunta joined the Lab’s Quality Management Office (QMO) in 2011, and is described by many as a trail blazer.

Roy Lebel, QMO Manager, said, “Katherine works hard and when she sets out to get something done she gives it her all. She has overcome many barriers and is an amazing person on many levels.”

Before coming to the Lab, Giunta worked for American Eagle retailers and CVS Pharmacy, but she was determined to develop new skills and work in an office setting. That dream came true when she was offered a job in the Lab’s QMO office as an administrative assistant. During her time at the Lab, she has become proficient in Microsoft Office and other computing programs. She is also responsible for scanning documents, assisting with personnel tasks, ordering office supplies, and helping with various QMO projects. She believes volunteering is very important, so she also participates in the Lab’s events for the United Way of Long Island.

Katherine Giunta and Alena Stavitski enlarge

Katherine Giunta (left) and Alena Stavitski at a car wash fundraiser for the Lab's campaign for the United Way of Long Island.

“This is my dream job,” said Giunta. “I love what I do and everyone here has been helpful and kind. I’m very lucky.”

Giunta's community spirit and determination don’t come to a halt when the workday is over. She volunteers as an assistant dance teacher for toddlers; takes ballet, tap, and lyrical dance lessons; and has attended the National Down Syndrome Conference at the United Nations. She also volunteers for PBSCF activities, and has given talks at local high schools and colleges.

“We’re fortunate to have her on our team,” said Quality Representative Manager Jessica Wilke.  “She is a hard worker and the perfect example of someone with community spirit.”

For more information on PBSCF: http://pbscommunityfoundation.org/who-we-are/about-pbscf/

2017-12631  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom