Cheers to 15 years, Myra!
Director of Human Resources Myra Falteysek reflects on a deeply rewarding 15-year career at Bridging
Q: What’s your “typical” day as the Director of Human Resources at Bridging?
A: It’s busy, but deeply rewarding! My role is a constant balancing act of thinking strategically while managing the day-to-day needs of our team. I see HR as the heart of the organization, helping our people thrive so they can help our clients thrive.
No two days are alike. I might be helping an employee navigate a personal challenge in the morning, reviewing upcoming state and federal law changes over lunch, and planning benefits renewals in the afternoon. Much of my work looks months ahead, sometimes a year or more, making sure that our policies, benefits, and processes will serve our people well into the future.
The growth of Bridging has kept me challenged and engaged. There’s always something new to learn, someone new to support, and a new way to make an impact.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: Hands down, it’s the people. Being able to help someone feel supported and valued is the best part of my job. I’m fortunate to work with staff and volunteers who bring huge hearts to our mission every single day. I love helping people understand processes, navigate benefits, and know they have a safe, judgment-free place to come for advice, whether personal or professional.
Q: What’s special about Bridging?
A: Again, it’s the people, both staff and volunteers. Everyone here has a heart for the mission, and that shared passion creates a culture you can’t replicate. There’s a sense of teamwork, care, and purpose that runs through everything we do.
Q: Why is the mission important to you?
A: Providing household goods and furniture to those pursuing housing stability is basic human kindness in action. It’s hard to imagine not having a bed to sleep on or a table to eat at, but that’s the reality for many of the people we serve. We have the privilege of meeting them at a pivotal moment in their lives and helping to make their new house feel like home. It’s not just about furniture, it’s about dignity, stability, and hope.
Q: What are a few of your moments and memories at Bridging?
A: I truly enjoy planning staff gatherings and any opportunity for us to come together, build relationships, learn, and grow as a team. These moments of connection matter.
One memory I’ll always cherish is with our founder Fran Heitzman. He once asked me to take him to the store to buy flowers, and then to the cemetery so he could bring them to his bride. Afterward, we went to lunch, and he told me the story of how they met. It was such a touching reminder that at the heart of Bridging’s mission is love, care, and connection – values Fran lived every day.
What are you most proud of as you reflect on the last 15 years?
I’ve onboarded nearly 200 employees in my time here, and I’m proud of the connections I’ve built along the way. It means a lot to me that people, even those who’ve moved on from Bridging, still trust me enough to reach out for advice or guidance, whether personal or professional. That ongoing trust is one of the clearest signs that I’ve done my job well.
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Bridging’s staff members current and past appreciate Myra for her leadership, loyalty, and care. Here are just a few of their reflections:
“Myra is always thinking of others and how she can boost them. I appreciate Myra’s follow-through. She is someone that when she says she will do it, she does.”
– Alyssa Paulson, Client Services Manager
“Myra is an incredibly compassionate person, and funny; I love the balance in that. She is often the first person I turn to when I need advice or help. I really appreciate how she can effortlessly juggle severity and levity, each in appropriate measure to provide both relief to an issue, but also treat scenarios with the gravity they deserve.”
– Harry Bingham, Roseville Warehouse Assistant Manager
“What I appreciate about Myra is that no matter what she is doing, at any time of the day, she will always be there for you when needed. Myra has helped me with so much throughout the eight years I’ve known her. I’m very grateful and honored to have worked with her during my time at Bridging.:
– Rafi Flores, former Bloomington Warehouse and Delivery Team Member
“Every single year, I had the privilege to help Myra set up for the annual staff appreciation lunch. This event was the highlight of the year for all staff, and Myra left no details undone. This event never failed to make people laugh, connect, feel appreciated, and shed a tear or two. My first staff appreciation event after I left Bridging was a hard day – it was probably my favorite day of the Bridging year!
What I appreciate about Myra is she always has your back. No matter what. She is fiercely loyal, and you always felt lucky that she was on your team.”
– Maggie Mau, former Director of Development
Congratulation, Myra! Thank you for your meaningful contributions to Bridging. The Bridging team appreciates you!
