Here's the 8th Edition of the Simply Camden blog series celebrating 13 inspirational Camden women. We were recently named #13 on Fortunes List for Best Workplaces for Women, and in this feature, we get to know Emily Walker in Apex.

Camden is Home

From day one with Camden, the culture became very clear to me.  It’s actually the only job I have ever had since college which is funny because it was not something that I actually planned on sticking with. But over time everyone and everything about the company just grabbed me and I didn’t want to let go. This job has been so rewarding because I’ve been able to help people grow. To watch that growth in others and to be a part of it is incredible because that is exactly how it was with me in the beginning.  I have never at any point not been with a fun group of people who are also like-minded. We bring the best out of each other - it's the culture here and it truly resonates with my personal journey.  My number one focus has always been to create team unity, over all good morale, and a great place to work, because once that is established we all work as a single unit and provide the best possible experiences for our customers.  I know because of how far I’ve come, Camden shares the same sentiment and it’s a wonderful feeling. 

Camden is Family

Family is the most important thing to me. My husband, Patrick, and I were high school sweethearts and married in 2007.  We have two children. Ella Grace, our sweet, humble and kind seven year-old little dancer, and Wes, our all boy, little firecracker of a four year-old who has me completely wrapped around his finger. They are honestly my world. I have an extremely close family so being able to call the people I work with family and really mean it is the most amazing feeling. The most difficult period of my life happened last year when I lost my younger brother, Nick, to cancer. So many of my coworkers, near and far, and even ones that didn't even know me, reached out and let me know they were here for me. When I started a foundation in Nick's honor, Smile More, Complain Less, a lot of those first orders were placed by coworkers, which was not only supporting the fight to cure cancer but it supported me in ways they will never know. When I say Camden is family, I don't say that lightly. These are friendships that will stay with me forever and I'm grateful every day that I get to work with a company who has my back.

Motivated by Camden Values

I wouldn't want to leave every day to go to a job I felt didn't value the same things as me. My children are my reason for everything and why I work so hard. My drive to be an example for them, as a strong woman and mother is what pushes me each day to be a better version of myself than the day before. Working for a company whose values align with mine allows me to leave each day with confidence that I am doing the right thing by family and myself. Camden allows me to have this incredibly rewarding career and also have time for my family. It's the best of both worlds. I love working for a company who gives people a home. I love the fact that everything we do each day is in an effort to provide people with the best possible living experience. 

Every Day is the Best Day Ever

We have so much fun. Every. Single. Day. It's my favorite thing about Camden - how much fun we have. It makes each and every day the best day ever. They aren't kidding when they say laughter is the best medicine and boy do we laugh - til we cry! And I don't laugh with just the ones I work with each day...it's everyone all over the country. From our Management Conferences to our Budget Camp Meetings - we all know how to have a good time. When you spend most of your waking hours at work, it's important to have those hours filled with as much fun as possible - and the Camden crew definitely delivers. 

Read all about more of our 13 featured women, Ena Duarte, Kim Feliciano Ramirez, Lexi Gibson, Connie Farr, Lisa Roman, Elizabeth Bryson & Kristen Peterson.