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HR Duo Fosters Caring and Supportive Environment: Mya Smith and Wendy Stopinski
Mya Smith (right) and Wendy Stopinski
Mya Smith and Wendy Stopinski are two vital members of Roberts Wesleyan University, and they create a caring, supportive environment that makes Roberts Wesleyan University such a special place to work. They are teammates, and compassionate people, in our Human Resources (HR) department.
Mya Smith has been working as the Benefits Administrator since 2021. Wendy Stopinski has been working as the Payroll Administrator since 2016.
Explain your job in your own words.
Wendy: I always say “I’m everyone’s favorite person every other Friday,” haha. I am in charge of all things payroll. I keep all the information up to date, including personal, department, pay rate, supervisor and position information. I review timesheets and process payroll.
I also provide reporting information to various departments within and outside of RWU. I assist “Financeland,” as I affectionately call our Finance department, with anything related to payroll.
Mya: So, in a nutshell, as the Benefits Administrator, I take care of all things benefits, from signing up for health insurance, dental, vision, retirement and more.
As changes are implemented throughout the year, I make sure our payroll system has the most up-to-date information and that we are complying with state and federal laws. I manage employee leaves, workers comp, and other annual reporting pertaining to benefits.
I also manage our company’s internal newsletter, “The Bulletin Express” and assist wherever I’m needed in HR to keep things running smoothly.
What drew you to Roberts?
Wendy: I’ve worked in HR and payroll for over 25 years (maybe I shouldn’t actually say it was that long), and I really enjoy what I do and helping people.
I have an accounting degree, and my first job in Albany was a combination of Human Resources and accounting responsibilities. I realized I liked the Human Resources side of the job much more than the finance side. When I saw an opportunity at Roberts which was close to home at the time, I took it. I loved that it was a great Christian environment.
Mya: I'm relatively new to HR, as I worked for a law firm after graduating from college. I realized I didn’t like that type of work, so I got my Master's in Human Resources Development. When I saw Roberts was hiring for this position almost three years ago, I took a chance, and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s nice because HR helps me stay connected with the legal side of things, too.
As an introvert, I find it very ironic that I'm in this field because it is not something that I would naturally do. But in previous jobs, where HR wasn’t really present, I saw HR often got a bad reputation as being there only for the company. I went into HR to change that perception. I want people to know that HR is here to serve employees as well.
We try to ensure that our work is equitable across the campus. That’s what drew me here—helping people feel like those they work for genuinely care about them.
Mya and Wendy with HR team members
What’s one of your hobbies?
Mya: I got into film photography in high school. Even though I’m a novice, I love processing film, working with the chemicals, and working in darkrooms. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I was able to really dive back into it during the pandemic. And I still have a bunch of film at home that I need to process!
I also really enjoy spending time with my family as evidenced by the photos I chose to share. My mom has 12 siblings and my dad has 10. I have four siblings and too many aunts, uncles, and cousins to count! We are very big on getting together as much as possible and every time is just as memorable as the last.
Husband Billy, Georgia (left dog) and Harlee at Stony Brook Park
Wendy: I enjoy taking walks and spending time outside, especially with my dog, Harlee, a German Shepherd (I guess this is where I say my husband Billy too, haha). We love Stony Brook Park in Dansville. There’s a big stream where you can take your shoes off and the dog likes to go in and cool off.
Two years ago, I started walking the Greenway Trail with my previous dogs. I called them our “bucket list walks.” We’ve covered 80% of the trails from Rochester down to the PA border and am looking forward to completing the last 20%. Once that is complete, I’ll be looking for some new areas to explore and walk. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
I also really love to travel. I have been fortunate enough to go to some really beautiful places. I love putting my feet in various bodies of water. My goal is to put my feet on every continent and in every ocean. If you have ever been to my office, you have seen some pictures of one of my travels.
Wendy cheering on Brynn King at the 2024 Paris Olympics
What’s your favorite thing about working at Roberts in general?
Mya: When I first interviewed, the process was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It was refreshing. Knowing it fit my faith background was a big deal for me, and I live really close to campus, which is wonderful.
I love my HR peeps! We have such a great dynamic and trust in each other, and there’s a lot of grace extended here when we’re trying to solve things. People are understanding.
Wendy: My answer is very similar to Mya's – the environment is just so positive and enriching compared to the corporate world. Everyone is supportive of each other and graceful when things don't always go the way we want them to.
There's just a warm feeling about coming to work. It’s a comfortable feeling because you know that nobody will be yelling at you every day. I used to see that in other workplaces and it doesn't make things fun or comfortable, so I really appreciate the change.
Mya, what’s one of your favorite things about working with Wendy?
Mya: Wendy and I sit right across from each other, and honestly, that’s one of the best things. If I have a question, I can just yell over the wall or walk over, and she’ll help me figure it out.
We’ve all stepped up to help each other so we don’t get overwhelmed. It’s nice to know that we’ll grind it out and get the work done.
Wendy, what’s one of your favorite things about working with Mya?
Wendy: Mya’s positivity. Anytime something doesn’t seem to be going right, Mya always finds a way to turn it into something positive. I tease her about it, but it’s really something great to have around. When you feel like something is dragging you down, her positive spirit lifts you up.
We all work together as a team, and you constantly hear any one of us say, “Is there something I can do to help?”
Mya (middle) and her sisters
Favorite quote or verse? Why?
Mya: “I got your back.”
I text or say this so often to my HR teammates and I really mean it. We really do have each other’s back and no one is on an island trying to figure things out alone. Though we each handle our respective roles, it’s nothing for someone to step in and assist without giving it a second thought. I enjoy that for us!
Wendy: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.” - Barbara Bush.
Work/life balance is important. This is a quote I use to encourage myself, my team, and my coworkers.