A New Start As A Volunteer - A Transition that Changed a Life

Alma CalderonVolunteering at the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race

Growing up in Mexico City, Mexico, Alma Calderon was raised to develop a compassion for others and value education. She completed her college studies with a Bachelors of Engineering in Biological Pharmaceutical Chemicals and soon found herself employed by Unilever Mexico, a global manufacturer of food, home care and personal products.

Since 1997 Alma has collaborated in research and development innovation. Unilever provided her with several opportunities to travel to Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Egypt and London to research and develop new formulations in personal care and lead projects for Latin America. On many occasions, an opportunity would open to collaborate closely with the American team. Alma politely tried to decline, fearful of certain stereotypes. Despite her international experience Alma was afraid the American people would treat her differently because of her nationality and underdeveloped English speaking skills. Upon her return from Egypt, Alma was notified of Unilever’s decision, provided with a tourist visa and Unilever North America work visa. She was then sent to Unilever’s global Technology Center in Trumbull, Connecticut to develop a regional project for Latin America.

Alma arrived at her hotel in Shelton, CT during the winter months, two days before her project began to do some sightseeing. This was, in fact, her first time seeing snow and in trying to photograph some of the conditions she slipped and broke her camera. Not knowing what else to do she took a cab to the Trumbull Mall in search of a replacement. When the cab did not return she was left stranded until a “beautiful stranger”, as Alma refers to him, offered to help. Eric, now Alma’s husband, offered to bring her back to her hotel. After accepting the conditions to notify the hotel that he will be driving her, Alma accepted his help. Alma and Eric kept in touch throughout her business trip, as well as Alma’s mother, who never left the two alone.

Eventually Alma and her mother returned to Mexico with Eric’s promise to marry her someday. Alma’s mother was not too happy with the idea but never thought it was a serious statement. Coincidently, not much time went by before Eric and Alma married in Mexico and were living in Cuernavaca. Alma learned of another projected under development back in Unilever North America and decided to take it and live in Connecticut. She had to wait one year to obtain her green card and go through all the proper residency procedures.

It was in that time that Alma wanted to make some changes and keep herself busy in her time off. She began attending Sacred Heart University and various public libraries English programs to improve her language skills and actively searched for other ways to become more fluent. Alma came across Valley United Way on the internet through Volunteer Solutions (https://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwvalley/volunteer/). After speaking with C.O.O. Jack Walsh, Alma agreed to write feature stories on people that would be known as “Faces of United Way”. Not only did she become more comprehensive in her studies but she was also performing a great service to the Valley community by volunteering her time and effort.

After obtaining her full citizenship Alma began work at Unilever again and also started to further continue her education. “I’ve had 10 years experience in the research and development field,” Alma said. “I asked myself, ‘Is this what I really want, to continue with chemistry on the innovation side? What more can I do with my international experience in the personal care business?’ I thought it would be best to bridge the R&D side with business so I started taking classes for my executive MBA at the University of New Haven.” Continuing Alma said, “It’s challenging, but with my husband’s love, enthusiasm and unconditional support everything is easier.”

“I am blessed with my husband, family and in-laws. Thank you to Valley United Way for giving me the opportunity to give back to the community that I now consider mine. Even though I was afraid to come to America and afraid of the differences in nationalities, there was one thing in common – the need for help.”