Employee Spotlight: Anne Pienciak
Tell us a little about yourself and what is your role at Acertara?
I am a Customer Service Representative here at Acertara. I returned to the workforce about 5 years ago after having raised and homeschooled my children. My extended family has a lot of engineers and computer scientists, including my dad, my husband, and my oldest daughter (who earned her PhD in ME.) So, I really feel at home around engineers.
My focus in college and work life has been on people and relationship building. At the same time, I love the mental challenge of problem-solving and analysis. I found that this has made me a natural fit for customer service. I get a lot of satisfaction from using my skill and talents to help others. I also love to learn, and I have been doing a lot of that since I started here in February.
What do you like most about Acertara?
There are a couple things I really like about Acertara. I like the culture of excellence and learning, and the fact that I am encouraged to ask questions. I like working with people who are nice and supportive of each other. I am also proud to be part of a company that is contributing to technological advances in their field. When I first heard of Acertara, I was impressed to learn that Acertara’s technical team has more than 40 patents and provides R&D engineering services to other companies. I wanted to work for a company like that, so I’m glad for the opportunity to be part of the Acertara team.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I love the outdoors, and Colorado is a beautiful place to be outside. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, camping, and rock climbing (though not as often these days.)
My husband and I are avid gardeners. Between the two of us, our yard is full of flowers, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, and berries. Being able to share that with family and friends gives us both a lot of enjoyment.
Music has always been another important part of my life, both playing music and writing songs. Before the pandemic I enjoyed performing at local “open mic” nights. I also love singing silly songs with my grandchildren.
Genealogy is a way for me to connect to the past and understand the stories that have shaped my parents and my own life. I enjoy the meticulous and detailed sleuthing it takes to uncover, and document forgotten ancestors and family history. I also took a deep dive into World War I history to learn more about the grandfather I never met, who served with the 16th Engineers and the 145th Infantry.
What is one thing you could not live without?
Oxygen. But seriously, time with my family is very important to me, and even more so since I became a grandma.
What is your favorite movie/book?
I do love to read, especially Sci-Fi/fantasy. The Lord of the Rings is an absolute favorite. The movies too!