Can you introduce yourself and explain your role at SIM Switzerland?
My name is Angelika Figura. After spending several years in Switzerland, I recently returned to my home region of Thuringia (central Germany). I now work for SIM Switzerland from home and have two areas of responsibility.
As an Executive Assistant, I take care of administrative tasks and support our director in his role. I am also responsible for the day-to-day "paperwork" for our employees (e.g., certificates, intervention reports) and organizational tasks (e.g., during SIM events).
What was your career path before joining SIM?
I first studied social pedagogy, then worked for several years in this field (for example, in closed youth care with refugees, in clinical social work, and in education). From 2019 to 2022, we were on a mission in the Philippines with our family. I then worked in a children's home in Switzerland.
Why did you decide to work at SIM?
I really enjoyed my work as a social educator. However, for various reasons, I wanted and needed to devote myself to another task. In search of meaningful work, I consciously asked God to guide me and that very same day, I received a response from SIM Switzerland. This confirmed to me that God wanted to use me here, so I began working at the SIM office in Biel in the fall of 2024.
What motivates you most in your work?
It is the desire and conviction to help others learn about the God of the Bible and the Savior Jesus. From my own experience abroad, I also know how important and valuable the "behind-the-scenes work" of office staff is. That is why I want my work to help our employees around the world to concentrate fully on their many tasks in their countries of assignment.
At SIM Switzerland, each person contributes in their own way, with their own skills and experience. This interview marks the start of a series of profiles on the SIM Switzerland team. Other faces will follow to show the motivations and contexts that bring SIM to life on a daily basis.