Empowering Careers and Making a Positive Difference: Tabatha’s Journey at Cummins

Tabatha has always been a natural caregiver and — though it was not straightforward — followed a career path that allowed her to share this gift. After starting college on a nursing track, Tabatha soon realized she was “far too emotional for that” and changed her major to business. Then, life happened.

“When I was 23, my mother passed away, leaving my seven-year-old sister behind,” Tabatha says. “My husband and I had only been married for six months at the time, but we gained custody of my sister, so things got real, fast.”

Tabatha had quit college but realized that she needed a stable, full-time position to support her sister.  Growing up near Columbus, she was very familiar with Cummins Inc. and knew many people who worked there, but she had resisted what she deemed the status quo. However, Tabatha’s father-in-law eventually convinced her to apply, which changed her life in several ways.

Tabatha joined Cummins as an administrative assistant and supported the Marketing, Sales and Finance functions. During this time, Tabatha went back to college with the help of Cummins tuition assistance because, she says, “I realized I couldn’t tell my sister to go to college if I didn’t finish.” She completed her degree in business management and said that, through financial and emotional support, “Cummins played a huge role in me achieving that goal.”

In 2014 she moved into Corporate Human Resources at Cummins.  In January 2022 Tabatha transitioned to support the Cummins Midrange Engine Plant (CMEP) and found her new home. As a Senior Line HR Generalist, Tabatha begins most days on-site at 6:00 a.m. as part of the early shift. In her opinion, the most important part of her work is maintaining the right environment for the plant.  

“I think some people see HR as only being around when something bad needs to be addressed,” she says. “But I view my job as a way to make a positive difference, whether at the business level or in someone’s life. I’m seeking trust and connections and offering guidance to employees in need.”

There have been multiple times when Tabatha has created and contributed to what Cummins calls “moments that matter” for Cummins employees. Tabatha strives to provide a positive experience to employees during their lifecycle with Cummins, from being recruited to switching job roles to helping them transition to retirement. 

“Just knowing I’ve had a small hand in helping them gives me purpose,” she says. “I look forward to coming in every day knowing that what I do matters.” Tabatha knows that helping people sounds cliche when it comes to HR. “It’s the cop-out answer, but it’s the truth,” she says. 

Like many Cummins employees, when asked what she loves about her job, she points to the people. “I’ve never worked with such a diverse and caring group of people,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to work and build relationships with amazing people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences. The things I have learned all tie back to the work here, the culture and our values.” 

Tabatha says Cummins puts work-life balance first because they know employees cannot be their best without it. Allowing employees the flexibility and time to rest and be with loved ones means they will be focused — not distracted by the responsibilities or dreams they need to accomplish off the clock. 

Another part of the job Tabatha enjoys is supporting an “anything is possible” work environment. At Cummins, choosing your own path is part of the culture. 

“The opportunities are endless. If you want to stay in the US or if you want international experience, the company is so huge and diverse, we have that,” Tabatha says. “If you say, ‘In five years, I want to be here,’ the company will work with you and develop you to get you there. I’m in HR today. I could say I want to be a manager on a manufacturing floor tomorrow and the company would help me close those gaps to become an area manager in the future.” 

In the end, Tabatha found a career in caregiving where she could help others succeed. She loves that she works for a company that empowers every employee to choose their path and build on their natural talents. 

"There is just no better place to work,” she says.