As Manager of Global Compensation and Benefits, Jana Bowman might be one of Luminex’s most in-demand team members even though she only joined the company in May. Jana’s career started out in criminal justice, and the common thread of her path has been a focus on helping people. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Sam Houston State University.
Q: What are your responsibilities at Luminex?
A: When it comes to compensation and benefits, I lead day-to-day management but always stay up-to-date with trends in the market and work diligently with our vendors to make sure we are competitive for our employees. I also make sure we have fun, comprehensive programs in place so that employees and their families have an incentive to stay here. Some examples include our wellness initiatives, employer-funded HSA contributions, and employee assistance programs. We also look forward to hosting lunch-and-learns so that employees can learn more about their benefits and become engaged consumers.
Q: What drew you to Luminex?
A: I was intrigued by a conversation we had about employee culture during my interview. When it comes to upper management, their approach gave me a clear picture of being employee-centric, which makes it an exciting place to manage compensation and benefits. The ability to offer good benefits lets me focus on bigger projects for our future. I also noticed that people stay here a long time, so they’re likely very happy. Happy people create happy environments.
Q: Your bachelor’s degree was in criminal justice. How did your career begin?
A: I thought I would focus on criminal justice for juveniles, probably in probation. My degree’s emphasis on psychology was setting me up for that. But after a long-term internship at an alternative high school, I learned that my heart was not the right fit for that job. I found myself in situations where the feeling of not being able to control the negative weighed on me. I couldn’t turn off the worry. I don’t regret that degree, though. The psychology and sociology aspects of criminal justice are a huge benefit in human resources.
Q: What did you do before this job?
A: I’ve been in employee benefits for about 13 years now, recently working with a broker’s office managing benefits and ensuring compliance for many HR departments. Before I started my benefit career, I was a busy college student. You could find me at the local Sonic Drive-In car-hopping for tips and occasionally sporting a pair of roller skates.
Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?
A: I married my high-school sweetheart and lived in California for almost ten years while he was in the military. I’m still a huge fan of the LA Chargers and attend a few games every year. I am very animated in conversation and do a lot of talking with my hands. I also have an affinity for Bloody Marys and tattoos.
Q: If you could solve any clinical or genetic challenge, what would it be?
A: I am a big supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This is something that is near and dear to my heart. I saw cases of that during my early internship, where kids were not getting needed treatment. It stuck with me.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Austin?
A: Music! I’m pretty passionate about live music, so I like to plan my calendar around concerts. If it’s a big name that’s fantastic, but if it’s a small name headlining a bar on Congress on a Tuesday night, we’re there. My home office is covered in concert posters—so many that they’re about to leak out into the rest of the house! I also love to get out and about with our dogs, Johnny and June. We usually find a shady, quiet spot to enjoy the breeze and watch the world go by.
