Voices of Hiya: Rufina Eldarkhanova

This year we launched Voices of Hiya, a new monthly blog series where we spotlight one outstanding Hiyan in an effort to share more about our team and what it’s like to work at Hiya. Every aspect of our employees, both inside and outside of work, makes our team special.

This month we’re featuring Rufina Eldarkhanova. Working at Hiya has allowed Rufina to grow in her career. She joined Hiya as a Sales Development Representative and later transitioned into her current role as a Customer Data Analyst. She is based in Seattle, Washington, home of Hiya’s U.S. headquarters. Read on to discover what her job entails and what makes her an important part of our community.

Why were you interested in working at Hiya?

After hearing positive feedback from my former colleagues about Hiya, including their commendations of the company, its management, and the overall work environment, I decided to pursue an opportunity as a Sales Development Representative when a role became available. I submitted my application and was hired! 

What is your role at Hiya?

My current role is Customer Data Analyst. I work closely with our sales team and Customer Success Managers on all data-related questions for our potential and existing customers.

How did you get into this role? 

Around a year and a half ago, I started my journey at Hiya as an SDR. During my tenure in that role, I expressed my interest in the data field. I was fortunate to have supportive managers who assisted and connected me with experts in our operations department. This opportunity enabled me to closely collaborate with two highly skilled data analysts, who generously imparted their expertise and provided valuable insights.

How has working at Hiya helped you grow?

Hiya provided me with a remarkable boost in my professional journey. It may sound amusing, but our weekly office lunches on Tuesdays serve as a tremendous source of motivation for me. Being surrounded by colleagues with a wealth of diverse life and professional experiences, and their openness to share their insights, instilled a constant drive within me to achieve even greater outcomes.

What does happiness mean to you?

Personally, for me, traveling with loved ones equals happiness. Every new adventure with shared experiences, laughter-filled moments, and discovery of hidden gems creates memories that last a lifetime.

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

Borsh and Okroshka. I know those might be unknown words to many, but if you have not tried these two soups yet, I highly recommend them! 

What are the qualities of a perfect teammate?

Good team player with a positive attitude and respect for others.

Where is home for you?

During the past years, I’ve moved a lot, but the only place I will always call home is Energodar! This is a small town in Ukraine, where I spent my childhood and made my best friends for life. 

If you had to trade lives with a living celebrity who would it be?

Without a doubt,  I would go with Sir Lewis Hamilton. He possesses a multitude of commendable attributes both in his professional capacities and as an individual, but an opportunity to drive cars that exceed 300 km per hour makes him my top choice.

If you could have a superpower what would it be?

Time travel. I would love to have the superpower to revisit the best memories of my life and see my grandparents again.

When was the last time you took a moment to enjoy nature? What did you do?

I feel lucky to live in the forested area. I  have the opportunity to enjoy nature almost every day.

What makes you genuinely laugh?

My dog. Specifically, when he starts running around me like crazy without any discernible cause.

What are your favorite movies to watch with your friends?

Forrest Gump and Ace Ventura – and Harry Potter with my best friends.

If you could eliminate one thing from existence what would it be?

War!

What was your most memorable day off work?

The most memorable day of my life was at the beginning of this year. Within the span of twenty-four hours, two of my greatest dreams came true. I had an early-morning skydiving adventure on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. And later in the day, I was lucky enough to witness a beautiful whale family.

What’s your dream trip? Or, what’s the next place you want to visit?

Africa is at the top of my wish list. I’m dreaming of seeing the Big 9 in their natural habitat.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Coca-cola. Whenever I hear that delightful fizz and take that first sip, it's like a sweet, bubbly symphony playing in my mouth. It’s my not-so-secret guilty pleasure!

What motivates you to do your best every day?

Competition with myself to be better than yesterday.

If you could have an anachronistic profession/trade what would it be?

If I had to choose, I would pick a clockmaker. When I was a kid, my grandfather would patiently guide me through the intricate process of crafting and repairing clocks. Although it required considerable time and effort, the final outcome always proved to be immensely rewarding.

Stay tuned for next month’s Voices of Hiya, where we highlight another team member that makes up our wonderful organization.

If you are interested in adding your voice to the Hiya team, check out our careers page to explore open opportunities.