Our employee-owners are the foundation of Alliant’s success — their innovation, integrity, and commitment drive us forward and make Alliant a top workplace.
Join us for our series, “Life as an Owner,” where we highlight the people who bring our values to life.
Meet Makala Kuivinen, an HR Generalist at Alliant. Based in our Minneapolis office, Makala has
been with Alliant for over four years. While much of her time with Alliant was spent working remotely from the Boston area, she recently returned to Minnesota. Throughout her time with the company, Makala has helped support employees at every stage of their journey, from
onboarding and development to benefits and employee relations. Today, she plays a key role in a variety of HR functions, including onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, and process improvements.
We sat down with Makala to learn more about what inspired her career path, the projects that have shaped her journey, and what employee ownership means to her.
Why did you choose HR as a career, Makala?
I chose HR as a career because of the variety it offers. There are so many different areas within HR, which create opportunities to continuously learn and grow. I ultimately found my place in a generalist role because no two days are exactly the same, while still having consistent responsibilities that keep me grounded. Most importantly, I enjoy being able to support employees directly and help solve problems, which makes my work feel meaningful.
Makala leading a career fair informational meeting
You’ve likely worked on a wide range of projects — can you share one that stands out to you?
One of my favorite projects that I have the opportunity to work on each year is our intern and graduate onboarding program. I enjoy helping create a welcoming experience for new employees and coordinating the many moving pieces that go into their first few weeks. It’s rewarding to see someone start on their first day and then watch them grow, build connections, and become part of the Alliant team.
How has Alliant supported your professional growth or helped you reach your goals?
Alliant has provided me with opportunities to take on new responsibilities, lead projects, and continue expanding my knowledge of HR. Over the years, I’ve been trusted with a variety of experiences that have helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside supportive leaders and teammates who have encouraged my development and challenged me to continue learning.
Makala gathered with HR team
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?
Be open to learning and trying new things. Whether you’re interested in HR, engineering, or any other area in our organization, there is always something new to learn and opportunities to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on challenges outside of your comfort zone. Some of the best career growth comes from experiences you didn’t originally plan for.
If you had to choose, what’s been your favorite Alliant event?
I would say the Holiday party is my favorite! The event is always a lot of fun, with great food, festive sweaters, games, prizes, and lots of laughter. It’s one of the best opportunities to catch up with coworkers, enjoy some friendly competition, and celebrate the holiday season together. I’m a huge fan of the cold months in Minnesota and anything to do with the holidays!
What do you think sets Alliant apart as a place to build your career?
What sets Alliant apart is the people and the culture. Employees genuinely care about one another and are always willing to collaborate and help where they can. I’ve also appreciated the opportunities to grow my career, being trusted to take ownership of projects, and contribute in meaningful ways. It’s a place where you can continue learning while feeling supported by your team.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I love my “grandma hobbies!” Whenever I have free time, I’m most likely embroidering, baking, doing puzzles or playing board games and cards. Last year, my husband taught me how to play cribbage, and it’s now one of my favorite games.
As employee-owners, the work we do every day contributes to something bigger. At Alliant, we’re not just delivering projects — we’re building communities and shaping our future together.
You can be part of it, too. Explore career opportunities and discover what it means to be an employee-owner like Makala.