Meet Aleida Lopez, Inside Sales Specialist, Alpharetta, GA, USA
What’s your career development story, where are you now? What helped you to get there?
I have a Bachelor's degree in International Trade and Finance from the University of Bogotá, Colombia Jorge Tadeo Lozano. I started my career in a pharmaceutical laboratory (La Santé Colombia) as a logistics and import specialist. Before moving to the US, I also worked for DHL Global Forwarding as a supply chain coordinator.
Because of my husband’s job, we had to move to different places in South America. In 2011, he was transferred to the United States. It was really a huge opportunity for us and for our three-year-old daughter. The advantage of raising her in the US with English as a second language was an opportunity that not everyone has. I don’t want to say it was easy, on the contrary, it was hard. Quitting my job, selling my belongings, leaving my family and friends behind for a new life in this country was not easy.
At first, it was very difficult, I didn’t speak English very well, so it was difficult to communicate. I could not work the first two years because of the type of visa I held. We didn’t have many friends, so I started to learn English and plan my second child. When I got my Green Card and work permit, my baby boy was one year old and my daughter was almost 5. Now I was adapted to life in GA, my communication skills had improved and we made good friends. However, I am the kind of woman who believes that having a family doesn't mean you have to stop pursuing your professional goals, so I decided I was ready to work again.
How did you start working at allnex?
I started working for allnex in December 2013 as a CSR (Customer Service Representative) for Latin America. Initially I was interviewed for a purchasing position. Even though I was not selected for the position, due to my Spanish language, HR suggested me to join allnex as a CRS responsible for LATAM, which was a great opportunity for me, although it was a step back in my career, or that was what I thought. The reality is that working for a global company like allnex in the US was already an advantage. During my years as a CSR I was recognized as a great worker, motivated and proactive. After 3 years, an opportunity came up to work in the logistics department as an import specialist. This was my chance to get back on my career path, so I was promoted in 2017 and for almost 4 years I did imports for North America and Canada. This year I had to make another big decision in my life, but this time professionally, I was looking to grow in Supply Chain, however life showed me a different path, so I decided to change my career path and start working in the commercial side of the business as Inside Sales at Radcure, and it was not an easy decision again, but I am happy to stay part of allnex and keep challenging myself.
Why did you decide to work in the chemical industry?
When I chose my profession, I never thought about a specific industry, but working in the chemical industry is something I like.
How would you describe working at allnex?
To me it’s like family, there are great people, cooperation, and a supportive work environment. At allnex safety and family come first, something that makes you enjoy what you do.
What keeps you in the company?
The first thing that keeps me at allnex are the people I work with. They are like family to me. The second place the proximity to my home, which gives me the opportunity to spend quality time with my family after work.