Wimmer Watercooler Newsletter - Blog Connection July 2022

Welcome to the Wimmer Watercooler Newsletter blog connection for July 18th, 2022. Dive into more details regarding our teammates, what's happening in the company, and more!

We recommend that you follow us on social media for the most up-to-date content from Wimmer Solutions:

In this blog post, you will find:

  • Solutions Spotlights: Samat Bukenov & Jodi Anderson
  • Charity Focus: Deanna Johnson For Swedish Brain Cancer Walk
  • Event Recap: Kazakhstan Team - Karaoke Meet-Up
  • Upcoming Event: Virtual Town Hall

Meet our July Solution Spotlights

Samat Bukenov and Phillippe from his time at the Seattle Office

Samat Bukenov

Software Developer

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Samat has been with Wimmer Solutions for over 4 years, with 5+ years experience in iOS App development, 3+ years in UI/UX, and has his Scrum Master certification. His work with the Professional Services engineering team has enabled excellent solutions for our clients, and helped push forward Wimmer Solutions' development and growth in technological infrastructure.

Outside the office, Samat is interested in music, the UFC, classic cars, drift cars, and books (currently Russian classics!) Samat's fun fact is that he has a cat, Audrey, that is dearly loved and loves to give love with full body-to-body hugs and intense kisses!

Samat's favorite hobbies also include:

  • Singing & writing poems (in Russian!)
  • Running
  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • designSport
  • and Coding!

Thank you Samat! We're so happy to have you as a coworker and appreciate all your dedication and hard work!

👋 Join Samat's network on LinkedIn---> Samat's LinkedIn Profile

Jodi Anderson with her son & pups

Jodi Anderson

Infrastructure Program Manager

Microsoft - Reno, NV

Jodi is an Infrastructure Program Manager with Microsoft, and has been working with Wimmer Solutions for 11 months. She has nearly 20 years of experience in tech managing programs, driving process efficiencies, improving policies and solving challenging issues through strong partnerships, program and project management! Jodi is above proficiency and proud of her ability to prioritize what's important in life (both professionally and personally!)

Outside of work, Jodi enjoys spending time with her son, her family, and friends. Having grown up in Georgia, she maintains her Southern hospitality rules, including making sure family and friends get their black-eyed peas on New Years Day. This goes side-by-side with her love of cooking!

A few more hobbies that Jodi enjoys:

  • Anything outdoors
  • Gardening
  • She makes her own skin care products!

🙌 Learn more about Jodi by following her online ---> Connect with Jodi on LinkedIn

Don’t forget to nominate your coworkers for Solution Spotlight! We want to know who needs to be acknowledged for the amazing work they do! >>>> Nominate a Wimmer Solutions Spotlight

July Charity Focus - Seattle Brain Cancer Walk

Deanna Johnson is Wimmer Solutions' Global Director of Recruiting. She nominated Swedish Foundation's Seattle Brain Cancer Walk.

The Swedish Foundation Seattle Brain Cancer Walk is a charitable fundraising event where proceeds go directly to brain cancer research and clinical trials at the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at Swedish. The Ivy Center is currently home to some of the most exciting developments in brain cancer research.

Deanna became involved with the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk and their fundraising in 2017.

"A very close friend was diagnosed with stage two oligodendroglia in her right frontal lobe. It was serious and life threatening. Through her husband’s fast relentless emergent efforts to find the best brain surgeon, it led him to Swedish. They quickly recognized the seriousness of her situation (unlike all the other places he contacted) and through aggressive treatment and surgery they quite literally saved her life. In 2019, she attended the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk as the honoree. She stood in front of hundreds of people at the Seattle Center, with her husband and then infant son, and told her story. It was heart-wrenching."

Deanna and friends participate in the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk

The Walk occurs each May. At the event, an honoree patient is invited to tell their story and share their experience with brain cancer. The participants of the walk often include friends and family of patients that did not survive, but are remembered and celebrated for their part in helping walk forward to find a cure. Deanna noted that what stood out most to her was the "doctor and nurses' connection with the patients at the event. They're committed to saving lives! They take their work seriously and act quickly for their patients. It’s a tough journey for these patients and it’s comforting for families and friends to know they have the best of the best working to support and save their life."

For the 15th year in a row, the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk held their walk to gather donations for their brain cancer research, with the 2022 event being virtual. Brain cancer research funding falls behind compared to most other forms of cancer funding. This is another reason for Deanna's continued commitment and donations.

"You gain a lot of perspective when you have someone in your life fall ill. Learning how you can help to further awareness is huge."

Deanna's friend's tumor was named ' Felicia'. They hold signs that state, "Bye Felicia" to celebrate its successful removal.

Learn more about the cause, meet the doctors, and see a recap of the 2022 Seattle Brain Cancer Walk in their video below.

Wimmer Solutions is proud to be contributing to the 2022 Seattle Brain Cancer Walk. Even though the event was held in May, donations are still accepted. Find more information about their event and the cause on their website.

View the event page at SwedishFoundation.org >>>

Karaoke Celebration Meet- up | Kazakhstan Team

The Wimmer Solutions Kazakhstan Team celebrated Wimmer Solutions' 20th Anniversary with a Karaoke night.

Pictured above, left to right:

Yersain Makazhanov, Azizakhon Kasimova, Samat Bukenov, Zhuldyz Marat, Sabina Bogayeva, Azat Ospanov, Azamat Bekkhozha, and Shynggys Amirkazhiyev

"It was a fun and exciting outing, and I didn’t know we had so many VERY good singers!" Sabina Bogayeva shared.

Cheers to our team! We're glad they could take some time to catch up, make memories, and have fun together (and maybe discover a new extraordinary talent!)

Upcoming Event | Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, July 20th, 12:00 - 12:30 PM PST

Join everyone at Wimmer Solutions for our Virtual Town Hall Meeting!

*Note: This meeting is optional and non-billable (unpaid) for field and contract employees. If you plan on attending, please make sure you have pre-approval from your manager in writing.

What is our Virtual Town Hall about?

  1. State of the Company 💼
    Find out what's happening at Wimmer, including company goals, health of the company, new office locations, and client updates.

  2. Employee Engagement 😎
    Learn about Wimmer Solutions events, benefits, training, and volunteering opportunities!

  3. Professional Services 🛎️
    Hear about our latest service offerings and how we're growing our skillsets for expanded company reach and career opportunities.

  4. Value Add Programs 💸
    Did you know that we have programs that reward employees for business and employee referrals? We will also talk about donation matching to make your support of worthwhile causes go even further.

A calendar invite has previously been sent for this event, but we will be sending out the direct meeting link on the day of the event as well.

If you are unable to attend, a recording will be sent out at the conclusion of the event. Come join us!