As a family-owned and operated business, Gills Onions has always prioritized the well-being of our employees. With our company growing over the years, it’s essential to bring in team members who share this commitment to our workforce. Ana Lopez, our Human Resources Manager, embodies this mindset perfectly. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and respectful work environment ensures that every employee feels valued and heard.
We recently sat down with Ana to learn more about her story, one filled with perseverance, a true go-getter attitude, and to celebrate her invaluable contributions to the Gills Onions family.
A True Appreciation for the Agricultural Industry
Ana grew up in the heart of Oxnard, California, a vibrant agricultural hub where her life has always been intertwined with the produce industry. Her stepfather, a longtime employee at a produce company and now with a local avocado company, and her mother, who worked at various strawberry, lemon, and avocado packing houses, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the industry. Surrounded by this agricultural backdrop, Ana developed a love for fresh fruits and vegetables, which were a staple in their household.
“I didn’t envision myself working physically in the ag industry because I do remember how my stepdad would work 15 hours [a day] rain or shine and I know it was a very tough job,” Ana said. “I have so much respect for anyone that works in the ag industry and then my mom also. She would come home tired and then she still had to make dinner.”
With her parents’ work ethic instilled in her, she knew one day she would have a career in agriculture, but in a role more behind the scenes working with people to help them find jobs.
Diving into the World of Human Resources
Simply put, Ana’s professional journey with Gills Onions began by chance. While working as a recruiter for a local staffing agency, Ana often handled high-volume accounts, which happened to include Gills Onions. Originally introduced to Gills around 2017, she soon built strong relationships with the managers and employees. When a position in HR opened up at Gills in February 2019, Ana felt she was already part of the team. Adding to it, it was a prime opportunity to get back into the industry she’d always envisioned being involved in.
But the path to get where she is today has not been easy. Ana became a mother at 18 and put her education on hold to raise her children. Once her kids were in preschool, she returned to school by enrolling in business administration courses at Santa Barbara Business College.
Alongside her education, Ana juggled seasonal jobs, including a stint at a local fruit processing facility in quality assurance. After completing her schooling, she joined a local staffing agency where she soon discovered her passion for human resources. Ana loved the multifaceted nature of HR work – recruiting, coaching, conflict resolution, and making a positive impact on employees’ lives.
“I like helping employees and like you’re making a change in their life,” she said. “Like when you hire someone – I helped someone get a job and it makes me happy.”
Her approach to HR is marked by an open-door policy, treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their position. Ana’s empathetic and approachable nature makes employees feel comfortable seeking her assistance, whether through email, text, or face-to-face meetings.
Having one-on-one conversations with fellow employees was one thing, but she knew she would have to address the more than 300 Gills employees on a regular basis, something that seemed daunting at the beginning.
“When I first started, it was very challenging to get up and speak in front of 300 employees, but I just kept trying and practicing,” she said. “I even took a toastmasters [to hone my public speaking skills].”
Her dedication paid off as she became more confident and effective in her role, ultimately finding her voice and emerging as a strong leader within the company.
Even after several decades since Steve and David Gill founded Gills Onions, employees like Ana keep the business grounded in its foundational values, no matter its size. Ana’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of passion and a commitment to continuous growth. Her unwavering dedication to her work and colleagues makes her an indispensable member of the Gills Onions team and an inspiration. With employees like Ana, the future of Gills Onions is brighter than ever.