15 Questions with Shannon Araya

How long have you worked at Wake Forest? 

Almost 18 years. It will be 18 years this September. 

In layman’s terms, what is your job here at Wake Forest? 

My title is Director of Benefits and Absence. In my role, I oversee the design, administration, and implementation of our faculty and staff benefits and absence programs—it’s both of those things together. That’s while ensuring that we offer a competitive benefits package so that we can recruit and retain top talent at Wake Forest University.

On a typical day in this job, I’m evaluating benefit plan utilization, cost and savings, peer benchmark data, and what type of benefit programs we could implement to increase positive health outcomes for our faculty, staff, and their families. I also look at policies as it relates to equity, competitiveness, and language. 

I work closely with two important committees made up of faculty and staff—the Fringe Benefits Advisory Committee and the Retirement Plan Committee—so I am usually working on coordinating with them, as well as gathering and preparing content for those meetings.

Compliance is a big piece of my work too. Benefits is one of the most regulated industries, so there is a lot to keep up with as it relates to rules, regulations, laws, and reporting.

Also, I support a wonderful and talented Benefits and Absence team, so I am regularly working with and supporting them.

What do you like best about working at Wake Forest? 

Wake Forest is a melting pot of the most beautiful, intelligent, diverse, and hard-working people that I’ve ever had the privilege to work with and to work for. It’s the people.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus? 

The one place I’m the most fond of is in Reynolda Hall, room 301. When you look out the window, you have a picture-perfect view of the entire quad, as well as Wait Chapel. I enjoy watching the people walking around, playing games, studying, or just relaxing.

The one thing that I like the most is how the lawn is so perfectly manicured. I know that our Facilities staff does an excellent job maintaining every piece of our grounds, from the quad to the roads leading into campus to the trees and the flowers. It’s just picturesque and I find it beautiful. 

Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition or activity? 

Absolutely. My favorite is Hit the Bricks. A few years ago, I got a canopy swing chair. So, every year, I bring it and I just swing and I watch everybody run by. What I like the most is the  energy that people bring. I love the music playing in the background and people having fun. For me, it’s the most exciting event. 

How would you describe your music taste? 

When I am in the mood to listen to music, I prefer music that is quiet and mostly instrumental. 

What book or TV show or podcast would you recommend to our readers? 

There are a few shows that I really, really like. Two of them are “Dateline” and “48 Hours,” as I have always been fascinated by criminology. I also really like documentaries and things that are based on true stories and events. 

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received? 

This one keeps on giving every single day of my life: It is not what you say, but it is how you say it.

Whether we are with our family, friends, colleagues, customers, strangers, or neighbors, there may be a time where we have to tell somebody something that they don’t want to hear or they don’t like. But, how you say it, the words you use, the tone, and how you frame it can potentially soften the impact. 

What is your hidden talent? 

Making floral arrangements. When I was young, I was interested in crafts, and I picked it back up as an adult.

I make both big and small arrangements. I spend most of the time color coordinating the flowers. Also, I typically use different sand colors in the vase to support the arrangement, but to also complement the flowers. 

What brings you joy? 

Food. I like to cook, and I like to bake. I like to make people happy with food.

In my department I am known for bringing in individually wrapped cookies. Some of the favorites are dark chocolate chip, raspberry thumbprints, and lemon cookies.

I’ve also taken them to the Benefits Fair a few times and passed them out when people stopped by the benefits table. 

How did you come into studying criminology and psychology? 

From a young age, crime shows fascinated me, because it was like putting the pieces of a puzzle together. I was originally interested in becoming a forensic pathologist, so I decided to study criminology and psychology. After graduating from the University of Florida, eventually, I realized that forensic pathology wasn’t for me because to be a specialist in that field, you had to go to school for many years. So, I decided that Human Resources would be a great fit for my background, and the rest is history.

Is there something that you’re really passionate about or involved in outside of work? 

I think family time is really important. As I have gotten older, I have realized that time is of the essence and spending time with family is something we need to be intentional about.

Often I find myself asking, “Where did that month go? Where did that year go? Where did time go?” It flies by, so try to enjoy all the moments, big and small, with loved ones. 

Do you have a favorite family tradition? 

Yes, eating with my family. My dad loves to grill. Any time I’m over, he is grilling up a storm. He’s a grill master. And apparently, my brother got that gene too, because they are both grill masters. Aside from grilling, some of the best food we have enjoyed together is authentic Chilean dishes.

What is the best gift that you’ve ever received or given to somebody?

The greatest gift I have ever received has been prayers. Material things come, go, or fade, but prayer changes things.

Is there something that you like to wear on a day where you want to feel good about yourself? 

Yes, there are two things. Wearing my favorite perfume and my favorite jewelry.  like siblings. Whenever we are all together there is a sense of warmth, laughter and connection that fills my heart. Moments surrounded by the people I love most mean everything to me.

---

Do you or a colleague have an interesting hobby or achievement and would like to be featured in an upcoming 15 Questions? Submit spotlight nominations here.