Wendy Harman
/Wendy Harman
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by JOHN BUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY
As the Human Resource Department/Onboarding Coordinator at HealthCARE Express, Wendy Harman admits that passing the Professional of Human Resources exam is without a doubt her greatest professional accomplishment. Similar to an attorney passing the bar or an accountant passing the CPA exam, attaining the PHR certification is no easy feat.
Wendy with her pride and joy, Kutter Lane, getting his final Synagis injection on March 23, 2019. Since the day he was born, Kutter had been receiving these shots every three months to prevent him from getting the flu or RSV. They had just weighed him and were trying to get his clothes back on, but Kutter preferred to play peek-a-boo instead.
Although being a career woman is important to Wendy Harman, the title that makes her the most proud is the one of “mom.” At 24 weeks pregnant, Wendy and Justin’s son, Kutter Lane “Lil Tin Man,” was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. In short, the left side of his heart did not develop. “The idea of a baby being born with half a heart seemed too impossible and radical to comprehend. Watching your newborn go through two open heart surgeries (111 days in the hospital) and then a third surgery at 3 years old changes a person,” Wendy admits. “It changes your view of the world and what you thought to be true five years ago. Seeing him now, running around with his friends playing, jumping, and laughing is an absolute miracle. Every second that I get to spend with my son is a second to make the most of ... being a heart mom is not for everyone.” Needless to say, advocating for Kutter is Wendy’s #1 goal in life and just comes naturally to her.
Most certainly, Wendy’s mother, Aggie Butler, has been her biggest influencer. “She always roots for the underdog, thinks everyone is hungry, and does everything in her power to make the world a fair place,” Wendy acknowledges. “She is the hardest working and most humble woman I know. Even when I was a kid and would have friends come over, she felt like feeding them was the first thing on the agenda. Today, she still sends everyone home with a doggie bag.”
When she isn’t at work or at home with her family, Wendy can often be found serving others in the community. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana, Twin Cities Toastmasters, Junior League of Texarkana, Texarkana Chamber Ambassadors, Dancers Against Cancer, Junior Achievement, Tri-State SHRM, and HandsOn Texarkana. She also encourages young women who are struggling with day-to-day stresses. “Being forgiving and being a doormat are two totally different things,” she advises. “Forgive as often as you can but don’t forgive the same person for doing the same thing multiple times. Draw a line for yourself, and then stand up to it.”
“Be sure to taste your words
before you spit them out.”
- Auliq-Ice
The way Carmen Engledowl sees her
Wendy is the most selfless person I know. She is a full-time business woman, mother, wife, and community volunteer. Her son was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which has meant lots of hospital visits, feeding pumps, injections, special diets, tracking everything, etc. Wendy has handled all of that “extra stuff” in addition to the “normal mom stuff” with strength and grace. Her son is a happy, talkative, tractor-loving, country boy who will surely grow up to do something amazing because of her parenting.
Wendy always looks for ways to create magic in other people’s lives. She regularly volunteers in the community and does fundraising for special organizations. She still finds time to cook and share with her neighbors, write books, and hit the gym every day. She is generous, has a spirit of servitude, and is an ongoing inspiration to me.
FUN FACTS
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“My favorite snack is raw spaghetti noodles, and I’ve never watched ‘The Little Mermaid’ all the way through.”
If you could have dinner with one person, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
“Heather Higgs.”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle?
“Anything/everything that I can dance to including, but not limited to, ‘The Wheels on the Bus.’”
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up?
“An attorney.”
What is the last gift you gave someone?
“Woody from ‘Toy Story.’”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment?
“Crème brûlée at Twisted Fork.”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“Sally Field or Emma Stone.”