Martha Argotte is wildly friendly. Outgoing, energetic, always on the go, this Lourdes Hospital Human Resources Generalist will go to great lengths to make the day better for someone. She formed a Diversity Council to celebrate and embrace difference among hospital staff. She teaches religion and Spanish. And this seriously hottie mother of a 15-year old is not just a soccer mom – she’s the coach! Martha Argotte, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! What brought you to Paducah?
I was raised in Long Island in a very close family. When my brother moved to Crystal River, Fla., my son and I moved to St. Petersburg to be close to his family. Then he moved to Paducah, and we followed him here. We’ve been in Paducah for four years and love it. It’s relaxed, friendly and everyone is so pleasant!
Wow you must really like your brother! Who is he?Dr. Alex Argotte (right). He’s a vascular thoracic surgeon specializing in weight loss surgery. I helped him establish his practice at Lourdes.
Rock on! So you moved from his office to your own office at Lourdes?
Yes. I fell in love with Lourdes and the people there. After getting Alex established with all his policies and procedures – his practice is thriving – it seemed like the perfect move. I have a passion for the hospital’s mission and what it stands for.
Describe that for us.
We extend the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the health of our communities with an emphasis on the poor and underserved.
So as a Human Resources Generalist, how do you fit into that healing ministry?
We’re the catalyst for employees. We help them with any issues they may have – whether it’s benefits, compensation, teamwork issues or management. We do all the interviews and training. And a lot of behind-the-scenes projects. We help staff members reach their career goals.
Tell us about the Lourdes Diversity Council. That was your idea, yes?
Yes. I started the group in May 2005. I believe that regardless of what a person thinks or how much money they make, the color of their skin, their religion – we’re all created by the same person.
It’s important to learn about our differences and to grow as individuals. So I formed the Diversity Council to promote that philosophy. I have an awesome council that helps make my job easier.
How often does the council meet?
We meet once a month, and we also have special activities like our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. And we have career days for high school students and a diversity fair and lunch-and-learns where people can learn about the music and food of different cultures. It’s the part of my job that gets me up and going in the morning.
I also spend a few hours a week teaching Faith Formation (religion) and Spanish at St. Mary’s to middle school students. And I often interpret at the hospital for our Hispanic patients.
Speaking of Spanish, where is your family originally from?
Ecuador. And according to the last census, there are 74 Ecuadorians in Kentucky! I’ve met a few in Paducah – you just never know.
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| Martha, sharing the Mardi Gras cheer at last year’s Lourdes’ fundraiser. |
Año Viejo is a humorous experience on New Year’s Eve. You burn a paper maché figure of a person dressed in a mask and old clothing, stuffed with newspaper. It symbolizes the year that is ending and all the things we want to put behind. You then read a will and proclaim your hopes for the New Year.
Everyone takes a moment to think of what they truly cherish for the coming year. It’s done all throughout the streets in Ecuador, and people compete to see who has the biggest and best creation. Some even stuff it with firecrackers!
I think you should start that tradition here in Paducah!
I don’t want to worry the fire department!
Martha, tell us about your son. He’s a sophomore at St. Mary’s?
Yes. His name is Andrew, and he plays soccer and is involved in Advanced Band at school. Church is also a big part of him. He’s getting ready for a car, and he’s already researching colleges. And he’s dating…
Oy vey!
I know! I have to let go! We have a great relationship, though. I coach his soccer team and try to have some quality time with him, as well. We do movie dates and like to play board games together and with friends.
Excellent! Did you grow up playing soccer?
My dad and my two brothers played, but I grew up in a traditional Hispanic household and wasn’t allowed to play. But when I moved here, my brother Alex suggested I give it a try. Since then, I’ve put together various teams, and I have coached the St. Mary’s co-ed and the boys’ indoor teams as well as a local competitive boys team.
In the summer, I play in a co-ed league in Paducah, and in an indoor league during the winter in Mayfield.
Oh! Paul Signa plays in that Mayfield league. You two should meet! So how is your love life?
I don’t know the meaning of those words…love life! I’m so busy! Someone recently asked me, “How do you expect to find someone if you’re always on the go?” I figure that when I find that special someone, I’ll give up a few things. But in the meantime, I like to fill up my time!
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| The wine, the atmosphere and the friendships draw Martha Argotte and Alyson Harris to Wine Pro’s Friday evening wine tastings. |
I’d like someone who’s laid back and easy going. Someone who enjoys life and has a sense of humor. We could sit at home and watch a movie one day and go out to the lake the next day.
And join you at Wine Pro?
Yes! That’s one of my favorite things! I love the Friday afternoon wine tastings there. I’ve met wonderful people, learned so much about wine and have started my own wine collection. It’s a great way to end the workweek!
Wow, you are on the go!
My own personal goal is try to touch someone’s life in a positive way. Even if it’s just smiling at someone walking down the hallway. You don’t know what that person is going through. To me, a smile is important – a warm sincere smile. A smile might change their day. And it’s wonderful for your facial muscles and makes you feel good inside.
Well Martha Argotte, you are so fabulous that I bet all sorts of men are admitting themselves into Lourdes just to catch a glimpse of your smile! Smile on, Martha Argotte!
