Curiosity is Maria Melendez’s middle. No, not really. But it should be.

“I am naturally curious,” she says.

For example, Maria is currently taking online classes about commercial real estate construction and development so she’ll better understand KDC’s business.

“I always want to learn something new or try something new,” she adds.

Maria’s job as a Job Cost Specialist for KDC is a good fit because it’s full of new challenges and keeps her on her toes. “I’m never bored at KDC, and if I need help with something, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand,” she explains.

Maria has been with KDC since 2018. Her current responsibilities include data entry, bank reconciliation, invoice and payment processing, and financial report preparation for the rest of the accounting team.

Maria has nine years of accounting experience. Before landing her first job in accounting, she spent 10 years teaching pre-kindergarten. While she enjoyed her days with children, the job started to take a toll emotionally because she got too attached. After taking some accounting classes at Richland College, she made the transition from teaching to accounting.

Maria grew up in Dallas. She has four children—two sons and two daughters—but only one is still at home. [Interesting fact: her oldest child, Anthony, works for State Farm in one of the towers KDC built.] She also has a one year old granddaughter, Reylan Mariah.

Maria has always been fascinated by European history, particularly royalty. She enjoys visiting museums, listening to classical music, and attending the opera. She also likes musicals including Phantom of the Opera and Wicked.

Maria spends most of her free time doing “me” stuff. She likes to pamper herself with manicures and go for solitary walks in Springfield Park to recharge her batteries.

In the future, Maria hopes to take more out-of-town trips. She’s never visited the beach, and that’s at the top of her bucket list, along with swimming with nurse sharks.