Meet Raul. Originally from Puerto Rico, Raul brings a warm, people-first approach to his role as an HR Generalist at Calista Brice. He came to Alaska in 2018 and built his path into human resources through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. What started as a job in seafood processing became a new career path, a new home, and eventually a role helping others find their own next step.
Today, Raul serves as an HR Generalist at Calista Brice, where he supports recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, career fairs, and day-to-day HR needs across the organization.
But his approach to HR starts with something much simpler: making people feel welcome.
Finding a New Path
Before moving to Alaska, Raul lived in Puerto Rico and studied business administration with a minor in music. He sang, performed, and spent much of his time connected to the arts.
After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, Raul accepted an opportunity with an Alaska-based seafood company and began building a new chapter in Alaska. He started as a seafood processor and, over time, moved into supervisor and manager roles. While working in the industry, he noticed how much employees needed support — and how often managers were trying to handle recruiting, onboarding, and employee concerns without a dedicated HR team.
That experience shaped the way Raul saw Human Resources. For him, HR was not just about paperwork or policies. It was about helping employees, supporting managers, and building trust between both.
Raul went on to finish his degree in human resources and moved into recruiting and HR representative roles. In 2024, he joined Calista Brice and found a place where he could keep growing.
A Friendly Face at Career Fairs
As part of the HR team, Raul’s work covers a wide range of responsibilities. He helps with onboarding, recruiting, employee relations, and more. It is a role that requires patience, organization, and a willingness to learn.
“Shortly after Raul joined Calista Brice, none of us in HR could imagine the team without him,” said Teri Nienhaus, Director of HR and Employee Development. “His attitude, professionalism, and willingness to support the team in any way he can are appreciated by all. If HR were a hockey team, Raul would be center. He manages multiple tasks — from routine to complex — and runs them to the finish line. He is a relied-upon resource for employee verifications, compliance reporting, and solving employee problems.”
For many candidates, Raul is one of the first people they meet from Calista Brice. He helps organize and attend career fairs across Alaska, including events focused on students and veterans. At each event, he meets people with different backgrounds, goals, and comfort levels. Some walk up ready to talk. Others are nervous and unsure what to say.
Raul understands that feeling.
When he first started attending career fairs in a new industry, he worried about having all the answers. Over time, he learned that the most important thing was not knowing every detail right away. It was making people feel comfortable enough to start the conversation.
His advice is simple: smile, listen, and make people feel welcome.
That matters. A career fair booth can be intimidating. A job application can feel like a big step. Raul wants candidates to know there is a real person on the other side who is ready to help.
That same approach helps him connect with candidates and employees in a more personal way. Spanish is Raul’s first language, and he currently supports hiring and onboarding efforts where Spanish communication plays an important role. Being able to help people in their preferred language gives him another way to build trust, answer questions clearly, and make the process feel more approachable.
A Different View of HR
Raul knows HR can sometimes feel intimidating. People may think HR only gets involved when something has gone wrong. That is not the kind of HR professional he wants to be.
His goal is to be someone employees can talk to, ask questions, and trust. He wants people to understand policies, know what to expect, and feel supported before issues become bigger problems.
“I want to be known as that HR partner that says, ‘Let’s sit down and talk about it,’” Raul said.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Raul is deeply connected to music and theater. Since moving to Anchorage, he has performed in local productions of The Wizard of Oz, The Addams Family, and Grease. When summer arrives, he enjoys camping, biking, hiking, and spending time outdoors. At home, he likes relaxing with his partner and their dog, Precious.
That balance matters to him. Calista Brice has given Raul room to grow his HR career while still making time for the creative life he brought with him from Puerto Rico.
Helping Others Take the Next Step
Raul’s path to Calista Brice was not a straight line. It took him from Puerto Rico to Alaska, from music to seafood processing, and from seasonal work to human resources.
That journey helps him connect with candidates who are also looking for change, stability, or a new opportunity.
Today, whether he is answering questions, supporting onboarding, or greeting someone at a career fair, Raul brings the same goal to each conversation: make people feel welcome.
For anyone thinking about applying, Raul’s message is clear. Come with an open mind. Be ready to learn. And don’t be afraid to start the conversation.
Interested in starting your own career journey with us? Explore opportunities at Calista Brice companies and discover where your path might lead.
