Meet a Colleague: Anza Harker

Meet a Colleague: Anza Harker Anza Harker serves as director of compensation with the Office of Human Resources.

W&L News Office
August 5, 2026

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I've only been with W&L for a few months now.

Q. What is the favorite aspect of your job at W&L?
It's the people! I enjoy being in a role that serves those who serve others.

Q. If you chose a different path, what other career would you have?
In elementary school, I would have said an art teacher. During my senior year of college, I took a couple of sign language classes and loved it, so perhaps a career in ASL.

Q. Where did you grow up?
Middletown, Ohio.

Q. What was your favorite subject in school?
I absolutely loved art and thought I might become an art teacher one day. But I was good at math, so that led me down the path into compensation.

Q. What three words describe you best?
Resourceful, dependable and resilient.

Q. Name one person from history you would like to spend a day with and why.
Growing up, I lived with my grandmother who was a ray of light - always ready to greet guests who walked into our home with a plate full of food. If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be sitting on the front porch of my childhood home in Ohio with my family and Mamaw Lucille on a cool fall day, laughing and enjoying a bowl of her renowned vegetable soup. She would have loved to meet my husband and two sweet girls … who would have undoubtedly left with a belly ache from all the cookies she'd have baked for them.

Q. Who is the most famous person you have met and where did you meet them?
Al Gore came to my high school while on his campaign trail. I thought that was just the coolest thing getting to hear him speak.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Please use your turn signal.

Q. What do you like to do away from work?
My family has been enjoying exploring local restaurants, parks and nature. We've met the best neighbors and are in the cul-de-sac keeping up with a neighborhood full of kiddos. During warm months, you can find us out on the lake with family and friends.

Q. What is your least favorite chore at home?
Changing sheets - especially on bunk beds. Ugh!

Q. What is your favorite family holiday tradition?
Christmas Eve eggnog and watching Christmas Vacation. Thanksgiving feasts at the Emanuels. Summer holidays at the lake and Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
I grew up in a small town, so when I had the opportunity to study abroad in college I jumped on it - and it was life changing. No smartphone, no GPS and I didn't speak a lick of French. Talk about stepping outside of your comfort zone! But what a way to learn, stretch and grow. I had the best time studying in the foothills of the Pyrénées, trying to navigate a small, historic city (Pau) full of charming retirees, most of whom did not speak English. My worldview broadened in a way I couldn't have anticipated. It's a dream of mine to take my daughters there and look back at how far that semester abroad has taken me.

Q. What do you pretend to hate but secretly love?
Crunch time I suppose. I'm a planner, but sometimes a tight deadline helps mix it up and just get the thing done.

Q. What is your all-time favorite food or food dish?
So many things. The buffet at a small Indian restaurant near Raleigh, Skyline 3-ways and chili cheese sandwiches and the buttery crisp scallops my husband makes.

Q. Where would you choose to build your dream home?
It's crazy to say, but I'm living in it! We were fortunate to find a lovely home in Mount Vista and have been treasuring the sunrises and sunsets ever since. My husband has also been building a getaway cabin nearby that truly reenergizes us and offers the best escape into the woods.

Q. What is your all-time favorite book?
The story of the mustard seed brings me such joy. At the moment, the book on repeat each night is "A Bargain for Frances." My daughter is on the hunt for the full collection, so let me know if you're willing to part with any. I know a 7-year-old who would be thrilled to receive them.

Q. If you could choose one series to binge-watch, what would it be?
"Seinfeld." Also, "The Wire" and "Game of Thrones" - minus the last episode of GoT. Talk about a letdown.

Q. What is your all-time favorite movie?
"Christmas Vacation" because it brings back the best holiday memories watching it every Christmas Eve - that is, if I can manage to stay awake through the end.