By Taylor Duffy
“Balance is a feeling derived from being whole and complete; it’s a sense of harmony. It is essential to maintaining quality in life and work.” -Joshua Osenga
Rachael Orzenchowski worked for a large, defense contractor in Dahlgren, Virginia right after she graduated from college. It was there she fell in love with the work she did, as she supported the ballistic missile defense program and performed system testing. After she had children, she realized being a mother was the work she loved the most and decided to be a full-time mom. Once her kids went off to receive their education at a private school nearby, she regained the desire to go back to work. In her career path, she thought she would have to choose between her family and work. This was until she found out about SimVentions.
She ran into a fellow parent from her children’s school who came to work at SimV, saying it was the best company he ever worked for. Another one of her friends also started working at SimV. Because of these connections and how highly they spoke of the work environment, she decided to apply. Shortly after, Rachael was hired and was allowed to work part time during her transition back into the workforce. She was shocked that she could get the best of both worlds: the opportunity to fulfill her duties as a mom and also do the work she loves.
What she appreciates the most is that SimV has such a family friendly culture, which allows her to be involved in her children’s school and community service. Additionally, working at SimV gave her the ability to send her kids to a private, Christian school where they can flourish.
Rachael says, “SimV is unique because of the emphasis placed on the whole employee. No company is perfect, but we are trying to be the best we can possibly be. We’re learning how to create this culture along the way, together. SimV values interests, family, community, and open dialogue.” The leaders are personable and create a space that she feels comfortable enough to go and voice her concerns to the president of the company.
After starting out as just a part-time employee, she is now a project manager for multiple projects and is leading 8 people. Because of her passion and her love for SimVentions, she is finding that there are endless opportunities and resources, and she is discovering success both in her business life and her personal life.