All hail the secretaries, receptionists, personal assistants and others who work in the corporate trenches at companies all over the world.
Wednesday, April 27 is Administrative Professionals Day, which is not just an unofficial holiday in the United States, but also a holiday celebrated across the world (although it doesn't often happen on the same day).
The holiday got its start in World War II with the founding of the National Secretaries Association, which recognized the importance of administrative workers. The first National Secretaries Week was held in 1952 with June 4 designated as National Secretaries Day. In 1955, the holiday was moved to the last week of April, and eventually got a name change.
Television has given viewers a lot of administrative professionals to admire, laugh at and look up to. We picked five of the best from television series that are on now to honor the holiday in the way it deserves.
Kara Zor-El (Supergirl)
Supergirl isn't just a superhero, she's also an administrative assistant to Cat Grant, a boss who is certainly not easy to get along with. Kara puts up with a lot of "Go get this" and "Go get that," while being called Kira, and she does it all with a smile even when struggling with multiple cups of coffee. Kara's job is not an easy one, but she manages a good balance between her work at Catco and keeping National City safe.
Pam Poovey (Archer)
Probably the best H.R. director in the history of H.R. directors, Pam Poovey keeps her spy co-workers in line by not only learning their secrets, but exposing them on her blog. She also uses some unorthodox techniques to encourage communication during sessions with those co-workers, which involves the use of a dolphin hand puppet. Yes, Pam eventually became a field agent, but her heart is still that of an administrative assistant. Pam's current position is at the Figgis Agency where she spends a lot of time spinning around in her chair.
Rose Roberts (Agent Carter)
Although Rose turned up as a secretary in season one of Agent Carter, in season 2, viewers learned that she doesn't just know how to answer phones and field questions about the S.S.R's faux talent agency: Rose can also kick butt as well as any of her fellow agents. She's the gatekeeper to the Los Angeles bureau of the S.S.R. and getting past her isn't easy. Watch out, HYDRA.
Karen Page (Daredevil)
Let's forget the fact that Karen Page has zero legal expertise, because this is television and things like experience just don't matter. But what Karen lacks in experience, she makes up for with gusto as legal secretary at Nelson and Murdock. It's just a good thing that she seems to have a talent for research, something she finally realizes in season two of Daredevil. She also never gives up and will uncover the truth, no matter what it might cost her personally.
Kimmy Schmidt (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)
Kimmy Schmidt is so over being a "Mole Woman" and is ready to start her life, but to do that, she needs a job. Fortunately, she lands herself a position as an assistant to the wealthy and demanding Jacqueline. Even after Jacqueline's divorce and subsequent destitution, Kimmy stays on to help Jacqueline navigate the world of being "not quite poor." Sure, Kimmy isn't getting paid, so it's a good thing that she got a second job working retail at a Christmas store.
