Happy Friday! For this week’s Employee Spotlight Series, we interviewed Alia Saz-Kapteyn. Alia is an Audit Assistant and has been a part of the SpendMend team for two years. When asked what three words she would use to describe SpendMend, she stated, “Supportive, Caring, and Innovative.” A fun fact about Alia is that she grew up in the Philippines in the small town of San Fernando. Alia attended the University of Visayas in Cebu, Philippines for three years. She majored in Banking and Finance because she wanted to help people with their banking needs, and how to conserve money! Alia believes that the Philippines is one of the best places to travel, especially Cebu, Baguio, and Palawan provinces. In Cebu, Alia loves the beautiful beaches and mountain resorts! If you’re thinking about taking your next adventure to the Philippines, make sure to ask Alia for the inside scoop! A hobby that Alia enjoys in her free time is ballroom dancing. She started because her sister is a ballroom and modern dancer instructor. She grew up with her family and friends being very well known in the Philippines for their ballroom dancing. Alia didn’t participate in competitions or performances due to the time commitment, but she loved the beat of the Swing and Cha-Cha, the best! Another fun fact about Alia is she is a dedicated volunteer of “Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry.” She is part of the Worship and Servies volunteer team, and once a month she shares the faith with inmates. Alia’s favorite part about volunteering is that she gets to share hope and salvation with women and men. When asked how has participating in the Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry has changed her perspective on life, she states, “It teaches me to have love for those who feel unloved; it teaches me patience and acceptance for those whom I feel unlovable.” Be sure to read the full interview below to learn more about how Alia became involved in volunteering!
Alia is a great Audit Assistance and valued by her fellow team members! We asked Tracy Reddinger, Auditor, about Alia, and she said, “I enjoy working with Alia this past year. Learning the ropes in a department that covers almost every audit and maneuvering in multiple client systems company-wide can be a challenge. No matter the hurdle, Alia remains positive and willing to assist in any way she can.” Thank you, Alia, for all your hard work!
Interview with Alia:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Audit Assistant
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Two years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Indeed.com
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Supportive, Caring, and Innovative.
Where are you located/from?
I am in Ada, Michigan, approximately a 15-minute drive from SpendMend’s headquarters.
Where did you go for higher education?
I took three years of BSBA, majoring in Banking and Finance, at the University of Visayas in Cebu, Philippines. I also attended Grand Rapids Community College for some general studies.
What did you study and why?
I chose Banking and Finance because I wanted to help customers with their banking needs to the extent of how to save and conserve money in their best interest.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
To help SpendMend generate revenue.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Working at Saint Mary’s Healthcare (now Trinity Health), dealing with Patient Accounts and Registration.
What is one fun fact about you?
I am from San Fernando, Cebu, Philippines.
What was it like growing up in San Fernando, Cebu?
Growing up in the small town of San Fernando was unexciting. But I prefer to live peacefully in a small municipality with less chaos and away from the city’s traffic zone. My house is an hour away from Cebu City. I plan on building a house on either the beachside or the mountainous side.
What is your favorite thing about Cebu, or is there something you miss?
There are several fun things to do in Cebu! The beauty of the beach and mountain resorts is mesmerizing! I am not trying to be biased, but the Philippines is one of the best places to travel, especially in Cebu, Baguio, and Palawan provinces.
Have you been back to San Fernando recently, and if so, how has it changed since you grew up?
Things have changed in Cebu since I visited there February 2023. There are more tourist spots and more infrastructures – it has been developed.
Is there something special about San Fernando you want others to know about?
San Fernando, Cebu, is also one of the beauty pageant powerhouses in the Philippines.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Christian Music, Classical, and Love Songs.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I love singing Karaoke, ballroom dancing, going to the gym, serving the church, and participating in Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry.
How did you first get into ballroom dancing?
My sister was a ballroom dance instructor and a modern dance instructor. I used to watch her and her groups practice and compete in competitions. Our childhood family friends are well-known ballroom dance instructors in the entire Philippines, especially in Cebu and Manila. They are the Ballroom Legends in the Philippines.
What’s your favorite style of ballroom dance, and why?
I enjoy the beat of Swing and Cha-cha.
How did you first become involved with the “Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry”?
Pastor Jeff Manion of Ada Bible Church had a teaching series entitled “Helping without Hurting.” He dives into the story of Ruth and Boaz to discuss how to help those God brings into our lives. As I sat and listened to the August 13, 2023 sermon about proximity, I believe God is calling me to be part of the jail ministry. I then asked my Bible Study Fellowship former leader, who is also a volunteer for the “Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry,” for the process and direct contact information.
What kind of role do you play in the ministry, and how often do you volunteer?
I am part of the Worship and Services volunteer team. Once a month, I share and show Christ’s love to the inmates. Sharing hope and salvation with the forgotten women and men who are incarcerated has a huge impact on my life and the community.
How has participating in the “Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry” impacted your perspective on life or work?
It teaches me to love for those who feel unloved; it teaches me patience and acceptance for those who feel unlovable. I am blessed to show love in the most broken part of our broken world.
Who do you interact with at SpendMend?
Clients
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
I have frequently requested and obtained credit memos that resulted in significant savings for the clients.
What was the best compliment a client or supplier has ever paid you?
Vendors frequently thank me for my patience.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Improving the accuracy of the accounting system will also help improve the quality of patient care.
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
Mostly just relaxing in the lounge room and watching TV.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
Participated in the Bee Brave 5K run/walk.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Tracy Reddinger
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Be honest, work hard, and stay focused.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
I am proud that I am able to help our clients save money while generating revenue for SpendMend. I feel that it is a Win-Win!
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
I look forward to continuing to improve day-to-day processes; and continue to help our clients.