A Champion of Workplace Culture

Zuri Walker

Administrative Assistant, NDD

Zuri is an Administrative Assistant by title, but in actuality she is in charge of Office Culture and Employee Engagement.

When she started at NDD five years ago, Zuri began to think of ways to increase employee engagement. Her first idea was to simply put post-it notes on a person’s workstation or office when it was their work anniversary or birthday. Next, “Fun Fridays” became a time for the NDD family to celebrate special occasions of the month with lunch from one of the staff’s favorite Newark eateries.

Over time, working with the CEO and executive assistant, employees now have their birthdays and work anniversaries off with pay. “These programs are more than mere fun, they are key for retention and motivation,” Zuri says proudly, “and they are now in the company manual, so they are officially part of the NDD culture.” 

“These programs are more than mere fun, they are key for retention and motivation.”

Working for a not-for-profit means Zuri gets to do a lot of different jobs, which suits her just fine. Her background includes editorial, public relations and nonprofits. She would advise anyone beginning work at the NDD to “bring a pen and a pad. There is always something going on here.” In 2019, the company was without a marketing manager, so Zuri stepped into the void to help plan that year’s NDD Annual Stakeholders Reception. With the theme of Hats On!, the NDD invited guests to don their best hat and spend the evening listening to a live DJ, dancing, enjoying delicious food, and participating in the NDD’s first “Hat Contest.” The night was a huge success.

Zuri has always had a lot of enthusiasm for her job. A few years ago, pregnant with her second child, she went on maternity leave. But she wasn’t due for a week, and she was feeling fine, and she didn’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the NDD’s 20th anniversary with her coworkers. So she decided to join in the festivities: a huge outdoor concert at NJPAC. Zuri was on her feet all day, enjoying the music, socializing and celebrating. 

Her baby was born the next morning at 6 a.m. Zuri just chuckles, “I felt fine the whole time. I enjoyed myself.”

Could she describe NDD in one word? She answers right away. “Impactful.”

Zuri’s favorite hang: 

Dutch’s in the Tryp hotel – great drinks and live music.