Just like cold brew and cold foam...
Why did you choose 'cold brew and cold foam' as your pairing?
Arnela: We chose this as our pairing because we both love coffee, specifically cold brew. Whenever Alyssa and I work together in person, there’s usually coffee involved. Cold brew and cold foam are the ultimate pair because we work well together and we’re always better when working side by side!
Alyssa: They're both our go-to coffee shop drinks. Cold brew is smooth and mellow, while cold foam adds extra indulgence, making it the perfect combination.
How long have you worked together?
Arnela: Since March of 2026.
Alyssa: We're fairly new coworkers and have been working together for about seven months. We also share similar backgrounds, including being Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni and having previous roles in HR within health care.
What have you learned from each other?
Arnela: Alyssa has been an incredible mentor. When I joined the Bravera team, she helped learn our culture and HR processes. She remains calm under pressure, and I have already learned so much from how she navigates any situation that comes her way.
Alyssa: Arnela brings expertise in HR topics that I'm less familiar with, like work visas, the Americans with Disabilities Act and union relations. She also has qualities that make her an admirable HR professional. She is a skilled public speaker, a great listener, enthusiastic and always cool, calm and collected.
What makes your partnership work?
Arnela: Our partnership works so well because we’re both open-minded and love brainstorming together. Since we share the same role across different regions, we have similar experiences that we can draw from. If one of us faces a new situation, odds are the other has navigated something similar and can offer perspective and support.
Alyssa: Communication is one of our strengths. We're both comfortable bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating to find solutions. We also both focus on balancing what's best for the company while considering what's best for employees.
What makes Bravera a great partner for customers?
Arnela: Bravera is a great partner because we really care. We care for our employees, our customers and our communities. We’re far more than a bank; we’re a connected community resource dedicated to supporting our customers with whatever they may need to succeed.
Alyssa: Bravera employees know their customers, care about their success and work hard to find solutions that support them.
What's your favorite thing about your community?
Arnela: My favorite thing about this community is how we all support one another when it's needed. Call it North Dakota Nice, but that really rings true here. People really care and it is great to be a part of that.
Alyssa: As a new parent, I appreciate the variety of family-friendly activities and events available in the Dickinson community.
What are the best parts of your job?
Arnela: The best part of my job is helping people. Whether it’s answering a quick question to put an employee's mind at ease or being a steady support system during a tricky situation, I enjoy making a difference. I take a lot of pride in knowing I'm always just a phone call away whenever our team needs anything.
Alyssa: One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping shape an employee's experience, often starting weeks before their first day and continuing through retirement. I also enjoy the variety in my work, solving problems and being involved in many fun and meaningful moments, like service awards, retirement celebrations, promotions, new employee events and more.