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Watch the full interview with Mariana Rosa.
When Mariana Rosa joined Simms & Associates, the company was still in its early stages — a small team of fewer than 30 people, balancing both in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work.
Her journey into the company didn’t follow a straightforward path. Initially applying for a role in sales, she recalls how her conversation with Amanda “just clicked”. Even after being told the role might not be the right fit, she stayed in touch, checking in regularly until the right opportunity came along.
“It just felt like the company I wanted to be part of,” she explains.
From the very beginning, Mariana’s first impression was shaped by the people around her. She remembers feeling both inspired and slightly overwhelmed by the level of talent across the team.
“Oh my God, everybody here is very, very smart,” she recalls — describing a mix of admiration and intimidation, especially as she was still new to the world of workforce management.
Over time, that initial feeling evolved into something deeper. The sense of respect remains, but it’s now accompanied by strong relationships and a shared sense of connection, even across a distributed, global team.
Growth, change and learning along the way
Mariana’s career at Simms has been defined by continuous evolution. Starting in sales, she moved through multiple roles — from customer advocacy to application consulting, support, and eventually project delivery. Today, she combines her responsibilities as a Solution Consultant with her role as a Team Lead.
Looking back, she describes her journey as one of constant change.
“It’s always changing,” she says — each step bringing new challenges and opportunities to grow.
One of the most defining moments in her career was the transition from sales into professional services. Moving into a completely new field pushed her outside her comfort zone and required her to develop new technical and interpersonal skills.
“It was completely new for me,” she explains, “very different from anything I had done before.”
Despite the challenges, it’s a transition she looks back on with pride, recognizing how much it has shaped her both professionally and personally.
Beyond technical knowledge, Mariana highlights unexpected areas of growth — particularly in self-confidence, mental well-being, and the importance of a supportive working environment.
“If my 16-year-old self saw me now, she wouldn’t believe it,” she says, reflecting on how far she has come.
Culture, support and a sense of belonging
For Mariana, what truly defines Simms & Associates is teamwork.
“It’s teamwork,” she says simply. “You never feel alone.”
Whether it’s tackling complex challenges at work or simply needing someone to talk to on a difficult day, she emphasizes that support is always there. This sense of having people “on your back” goes beyond professional collaboration — it reflects a deeper culture of care and connection.
Despite the company’s growth over the years, she believes that this culture has remained unchanged.
“We are much bigger now,” she explains, “but the culture feels the same as when we were 20-something people.”
That consistency is one of the key reasons she has stayed. For Mariana, it comes down to a simple but powerful feeling: happiness.
“I’m just really happy working here,” she says.
Even during challenging periods, that sense of fulfillment hasn’t disappeared. She credits this to the company’s investment in its people and a leadership style that prioritizes empathy, trust, and genuine connection.
“There’s a difference between bosses and leaders,” she reflects. “Here, we have leaders — people you want to follow.”
Her experience at Simms has not only supported her professional development but has also played a role in rebuilding confidence shaped by earlier experiences in her career.
“It’s been healing,” she admits — a reflection of the environment the company has created.
Looking ahead
When thinking about the future, Mariana’s excitement is clear.
“Everything,” she says.
Having grown alongside the company, she’s motivated by the opportunity to continue that journey — to see how Simms evolves, adapts, and expands while maintaining the culture that defines it.
To close the conversation, Mariana highlights the next voice in our interview series: Stephanie. She describes her as highly knowledgeable, strategic, and unafraid to challenge others — someone who encourages those around her to step outside their comfort zones and see things from a different perspective.
As our 10th Birthday Series continues, we keep celebrating the people who have shaped Simms & Associates — and those who continue to drive it forward.
One story every week. One year celebrating the people behind Simms & Associates.