When Seija joined Matern Staffing nearly two years ago, she wasn’t just stepping into her first office job—she was stepping into a whirlwind. One large manufacturer was closing their plant, another was ramping up, and the pace was intense. Matern needed someone sharp, steady, and ready to learn fast. Seija was all that and more.
In this post, we reflect on Seija’s journey—from jumping right in to building powerful connections and growing into a confident, capable professional. While we’ll miss her deeply, we’ll cheer her on as she continues making an impact.
Seija’s Background
Seija settled in the Spotsylvania area after being born and raised in Puerto Rico and moving around to support her husband’s military career. She joined Matern in 2023. Before that, she dedicated her time to caring for her two children, both of whom were navigating complex medical and therapy needs.
As a full-time mom Seija put her career on hold without hesitation. Then, she leapt back in with determination—earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration in June 2023. Matern’s trustworthy reputation and engaging social media posts immediately caught her attention. She subsequently applied for her first office job and officially started in September 2023, jumping right in!
Jumping Right In
From the start, Seija tackled challenges with grace, grit, and an eagerness to grow. She jumped into her role during a hectic time—her first office job, and right in the middle of a major client transition. One account was closing while another was ramping up, bringing a constant flow of employees, tough questions, and high-stakes issues like missed punches, system crashes, and shifting schedules.
“On her very first day, we asked for help with a tough assignment — communicating to spanish-speaking employees about a shutdown announcement at a local manufacturer. She didn’t hesitate, jumped right in, and showed her heart and dedication from the start. Since then, she continued to shine, constantly learning and growing with Matern Staffing,” exclaims Kelly Roth.
Seija reflects on those early weeks with great appreciation. “Thankfully, the entire team had my back. They understood how tough this job was at the particular moment and really supported me through it all. They walked me through every process, step by step, helped me navigate tricky situations, and took me on-site to tour the client’s location. It was definitely a whirlwind, but I had an amazing group guiding me through it. It really pushed me to grow.”
Building Connections
One of Seija’s favorite parts of her role at Matern was the chance to connect—with job seekers, coworkers, and clients. She loved interviewing candidates from all walks of life, from warehouse workers to engineers, and learning about their unique backgrounds and experiences. As she gained confidence, she sharpened her skills in sourcing and navigating job boards. Simultaneously, she maintained close communication with clients to make sure their staffing needs were met.
Among those client relationships, one in particular stood out. “At first, I found the client pretty intimidating,” Seija said about a manufacturing account that required weekly visits. “But once we built a good connection, I actually loved spending time there—whether it was a full workday or just half the day. They started feeling more like friends, and I honestly wish I had more time to strengthen that connection.”
That growing bond became a defining part of her experience at Matern—and a reflection of what Ginni says, “One of our clients hosted a going away party in Seija’s honor—a true testament to the relationships she’s built and the trust she’s earned. That kind of partnership goes beyond just doing a job; it reflects who Seija is.”
Growing with Every Step
Seija’s time at Matern was marked by incredible growth—both personally and professionally. When she first joined, she described herself as shy and unsure. In the time since, she’s built lasting relationships with coworkers and clients, mastered tough systems, and discovered a passion for Human Resources that’s now guiding her next chapter.
“I gained confidence, learned how to navigate tough conversations, and developed strong employee relations skills.” – Seija
Over time, Seija became more adept at handling challenging personalities, leading employee counseling, and strengthening her communication and organization. She also sharpened her critical thinking and built practical tools, like Excel trackers, that are now used across the team. Her experience not only gave her a deeper understanding of staffing and administration—it helped her become a more well-rounded, confident professional.
Charting a New Path in Human Resources
As Seija heads into her next chapter, she does so with a clear sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for her time at Matern. What began as a leap into the unknown has led her to discover a bright future for Human Resources. With new skills, lasting friendships, and a stronger sense of self, Seija is excited to continue her journey in HR—and grateful to Ginni, Kelly, and the entire team for the trust and support that helped shape her path forward.
As she moves forward, she leaves us with wise words:
“One of the most important lessons is learning to take accountability. Mistakes happen, and how you handle them will define your growth. You can either let them weigh you down or use them as an opportunity to improve.” – Seija
We’re so grateful for Seija’s willingness to learn, patience, and the impact she’s made on the employees and clients.
Now It’s Your Turn
Are you ready to take a leap into something new? Check our Jobs page to learn about our open opportunities–both skilled and entry-level.