AvePoint Employee Spotlight: Nerissa Villamaria

Get to know members of the AvePoint team across the globe in our Employee Spotlight series!

 

Nerissa Villamaria, Manager, Project Management

Location: Jersey City

Joined: 2013

 

Where were you working before AvePoint, and why did you come here?

Would you believe I worked in construction as a project manager? I coordinated clients’ technology infrastructure – data center, IT room, and security and audio visual systems – with architects, contractors, electricians, and consultants. While it was an amazingly challenging job with an opportunity to meet a diverse group of people, it was time for a change.

When presented with an opportunity to work once again with a colleague I respected, in an office in walking distance from home, I came in for an interview. I met with the Product and Project team on a Friday afternoon and was offered a job the following week. I retired the hard hat and have been walking to work since 2013.

What is your favorite part of working for AvePoint?

The variety of intelligent, fun-loving and quirky personalities. I’ve worked at various companies (museum, public relations, and advertising) where everyone’s personalities were quite similar. AvePoint consists of a great group of folks who make it fun to come to work. Even on your most stressful day, there is someone nearby who can cheer you up or provide you a snack… you folks know who you are!

When you’re not working, what is your favorite hobby?

Can eating be considered a hobby? I realize most people might say cooking but I’m not so great at that! I enjoy trying different restaurants and am so excited by the new places in Jersey City – Talde, Razza, and Porto just to name a few. To expand on my “eating hobby” I have also been blessed with a husband and loads of friends who love to cook. Even my daughter enjoys cooking – and she’s only three years old – so maybe I’m set for life!

If you could impart one fact about the United States, what would it be?

The US is such a diverse country. From state to state you can experience gorgeous and diverse landscapes, activities, and people.

Even within states there is so much to enjoy! The loveliest beaches New Jersey has to offer are less than a two-hour drive away from our Jersey City office. If beaches aren’t your thing, you could also go on a tour of Bobolink Dairy Farm and feast on cheese made from their very own cows! Have I mentioned that I enjoy food?

If you come to the United States, I urge you to explore what you can because there are so many adventures “just around the corner.”

Of our five core values – passion, drive for excellence, teamwork, innovation, and industry leader – which one do you identify with most and why?

Drive for excellence. Day to day it can be challenging to achieve, and in complete honesty I’m not always successful – I am human, after all! Regardless, I always look for ways to improve and strive for the best in both work and life.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Surround yourself with smart people.”  Know that you are not always the smartest person in the room. Being around talented people allows you to learn more as well as give you a fresh perspective on life – all of which allows you to continue growing personally and professionally.

If you could give one piece of advice to new AvePoint employees, what would it be?

Continue to challenge yourself in all you do. Over time, challenging scenarios help you grow, learn, and see other perspectives. You may even be surprised at just how truly resilient you can be!

Want to join our team? Visit our careers page to browse our current openings and find your next opportunity!