Did you know that research shows employees with a BFF at work have higher satisfaction levels and feel more productive and creative?
Meet work besties Trimika Hicks-Clements (Executive Director at Purpose Built Boys & Girls Clubs) and Charlese “Cece” Malcolm (Executive Director at Center for a New Generation Club). While the two initially met when Trimika was working at Draper, where Cece’s daughter attended, it wasn’t until the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic that their friendship was born. In April 2020, all the Clubs closed, and the organization was trying to come up with creative ways of providing a cool experience for our Club members. Trimika and Cece both volunteered to be part of a team to create, design, and provide virtual field trips for Club members. Their first one was Centennial Park, and they wound up doing eight in all. But the time spent outside the “normal” work environment was key to forming their bond.
“If we hadn’t had those types of experiences, I don’t think we would have been able to get to know each other like we did,” said Trimika. It was just so much fun.”
Their friendship has since remained strong, spending time together outside work and supporting each other’s professional success. Trimika often calls on Cece, who she regards as being creative, when she needs a good thought partner to pull off projects like a successful parent engagement event. And when Cece has to have a tough conversation with a parent or team member, she leans on Trimika, who she says “is naturally empathetic,” for advice.
Outside of work, they spend almost every weekend together. “We’re very much alike,” shared Cece. “We love colors, we’re a little loud, and both have huge personalities.”
In their personal time together, they are on a quest to find the absolute best hot wings in Atlanta (so far, recommendations include The Tavern at Camp Creek and Hibachi Stop in Cascade). And Cece, a lifelong roll skater, has recently convinced Trimika to purchase her own pair, so they can start rolling together. Have fun, ladies…life looks good on you!