An inspiring story about embracing new opportunities
Sayne Jimenez’s first introduction to UG2 was somewhat atypical. She’d applied for a position with the company, and so had her dad. His interview was scheduled a few days before hers, but Sayne went along with him to serve as an interpreter if needed.
Not only did she interpret and help her dad land the job, but she also met and forged an instant connection with UG2 Director of Operations Rob Ryan. Their discussion took the shape of an interview, and she walked away with an offer, too. And so it was that in August 2018, five months after moving to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, Sayne signed on to UG2 as a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Cleaner.
Along with juggling the full-time position and a long commute, Sayne was also managing coursework as a full-time student in an associate degree program. In both roles, she managed to stand out, earning straight As at school and the growing admiration of her managers at UG2.
Ten months in, she earned a promotion to Administrative Assistance Coordinator.
“Working in administration was new to me and demanded more time and energy, but it worked out as an opportunity to grow professionally,” says Sayne.
With COVID came change, and the customer was forced to end the contract. Sayne was uncertain about her future, but she soon heard from both John Correia and Rob Ryan, with whom she’d maintained a connection since that first interview. In June 2020, Rob offered Sayne a position in the corporate office as an Operations Administrator.
“Things had happened so fast when I arrived, I didn’t have a desk or job description,” says Sayne. She camped out in Rob’s office, determined to organize and learn all she could through the customer files. “I took advantage of that time to research and see how things work. It became about training myself on everything I know today. Once I had a desk and computer, I already had a huge head start.”
Grateful for the help others provided as she adjusted to her new role, Sayne was determined to “become everyone’s right hand,” and that’s exactly what she did. Ten months later, Rob came to her again with the offer of a new position – Human Resources Administrator and Business Operations Specialist for a major new account in New Hampshire.
Sayne excelled in her dual position as HR Administrator and Business Operations Specialist. She did not want to completely give up her position at headquarters, so she returned to the office about once a week. HR is a very specialized field, but Sayne’s skill as a researcher and connections with her colleagues have served her well.
“When I started in HR, I had never done the work before and I was afraid of making a mistake,” says Sayne. “But I researched and built a knowledge base and asked people for help. I love telling people about my path at UG2. You take on things you’ve never done before and make them yours. It’s about growth in yourself and in who you can be – who you really want to be.”
In addition to her full-time HR/business operations role, Sayne was simultaneously completing her associate degree in graphic design. She has always been drawn to art and design all her life.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a very visual person, which allowed me to connect with my creative side,” Sayne tells us. “Creativity allows us to see the world in a new light and be inspired.”
Sayne made a lasting impression with several colleagues in the corporate office. Kathleen Luce, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, noticed Sayne’s stellar work ethic first-hand in the corporate office and when she heard that Sayne was pursuing a degree in graphic design, she was intrigued since the marketing department didn’t have a graphic designer.
After sitting down with Sayne and learning about her plan to pursue a graphic design career, Kat saw her potential and told her that she should consider staying with UG2 and joining the marketing team when she graduates.
Sayne was formally offered the position in May of 2022, which aligned with her graduation. She was excited to put the skills she had learned into practice in this newly created role.
“For me, graphic design is a way to capture a message that words can’t always convey,” Sayne explains.
Sayne continues to shine in her role at UG2. Her journey has provided her with a unique familiarity with many aspects of what we do, both out in the field and within our corporate offices.
In addition to producing stunning graphics, Sayne also excels in a variety of pillars including project management, photography, and video production. Her creative mindset and attention to detail are invaluable assets to the team.
“Having been in a variety of operational roles, it has been challenging but exciting to begin my journey in this newly created position, and to explore ways to bring UG2’s brand identity to the next level.”