In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, Gills Onions is devoting the entire month to sharing the stories of four extraordinary women within our team. Join us this week as we delve into our next employee spotlight, where she’ll share her experiences and the pivotal role she plays as a woman in agriculture.
We’re firm believers in providing distinctly different care to produce a better onion and this commitment extends beyond our agricultural practices – it encompasses the entire process. As our onions make their way into our production area, we rely on the discerning eye of production foremen like Angelica Rodriguez. A Gills Onions team member for 26 years, she leads a team of nearly 30 individuals on our night shift.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Angelica to learn more about her story as a valued Gills Onions employee.
From the Beginning
After learning about a job opening here through a friend, Angelica joined our team as a member of the sorting line. Over time, she steadily progressed and eventually assumed the role of the slice department supervisor. Four years ago, though, she transitioned once again into her current position as a production foreman. Drawing upon a wealth of background knowledge and years of firsthand experience, Angelica has excelled in her leadership role and now serves as a source of reassurance for her team.
As a member of our night shift, her hours are a bit unconventional with her workday starting at 2 p.m. Until she and her team leave around midnight, their efforts ensure we’re able to reach customer demands for our diced onions.
A key factor in this is the implementation of modern equipment. Not only does it increase our overall efficiency, but it has minimized the amount of waste per onion. Cleaner cuts and better utilization all play a part in our focus to be sustainable.
Proud and Empowered
A mother of three, Angelica understands the balancing act that comes with leadership and she leads by example both at home and at work, demonstrating incredible determination and dedication in all she does. Personally, she serves as a role model for her 25-year-old daughter. By showcasing the qualities of a hardworking and responsible mother, Angelica instills in her daughter the importance of respect, commitment, and perseverance in her professional and personal pursuits.
Towards the end of our chat with Angelica, she shared with us just how proud she is to be a woman in agriculture, saying, “I’m proud of how far I’ve come and all that I’ve been able to accomplish makes me excited. It was hard to make the transition from Mexico.”
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Angelica’s story exemplifies the strides made in creating an inclusive and diverse environment at Gills Onions. We take pride in recognizing the significant contributions of women in agriculture and understand the pivotal role they play in shaping the industry’s future. Through continued investment in dedicated individuals like Angelica, we not only accelerate progress but also inspire a culture of inclusion that transcends conventional boundaries.
Did you miss our first employee spotlight for the month of March? Dive into Eddyth’s incredible journey and discover the achievements she’s made along the way. Make sure to join us next week for a new story featuring another Gills team member.