How long have you worked for Chevron?
I have worked for Chevron for 26 years in Marketing and in the Policy, Government and Public Affairs department. I’m fortunate to work for a global company that offers good opportunities to its employees. In 2002, my family and I moved from El Salvador to the U.S. to work in Chevron’s Miami office. The focus of my work was our operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2012, we moved to southern California and I became the Public Affairs and Government Affairs Manager for Orange County, San Diego County, Arizona and Nevada. I was also the Public Affairs Manager for the marketing operations that Chevron recently started in Mexico. I am now very excited for my new role as the Public Affairs Manager for Chevron in Richmond.
Tell us about your background? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador. My father was from El Salvador and my mother is from Madrid, Spain. I went to college and joined Chevron in El Salvador and a few years later, I moved with the company to the U.S.
What do you like best about working for Chevron?
Chevron has such a unique and strong culture which promotes diversity and inclusion. Even though it’s a large, global company, those of us who work here feel connected through our shared values and pride in the work we do. Like any other job, there are difficult days but what keeps me motivated is knowing that I’m part of a company that not only helps provide the energy products we all need, but also cares about the environment and the communities where it operates.
How do you want to approach this new role?
First and foremost, I want to learn more about Richmond and the diversity of the Richmond community. This includes learning from my new colleagues and team members about what it means to be a part of this community. As the new Public Affairs Manager, I plan to explore new ways for Chevron, the City of Richmond, and the community to work together. I will continue to uphold the high standards you expect of Chevron.
What are you most looking forward to about this new role?
Chevron and Richmond have a long history together and I’m excited to be a part of the future that our company and the City will continue building together. Since the scope of my role is managing the Policy, Government and Public Affairs function for the Richmond Refinery, I have the unique privilege of working with people both inside and outside the Refinery. I’m looking forward to creating more connections between our employees and the community we all share.
Do you view relationships as an important part of your job?
Throughout my career, building collaborative and positive relationships has been paramount. I’ve worked with communities on both the East and West Coasts, as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean, and I have managed to build strong and successful partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits and government agencies. Building partnerships is one of Chevron’s foundational values: because we are most successful when our partners and the community succeed with us.
What’s your first impression of Richmond?
To me, Richmond seems to be a mix of many diverse and unique neighborhoods, with a great history, and it is also a fast-growing and vibrant city. I can tell that the people in Richmond are very proud of the history of the city, as well as its incredibly diverse community. I appreciate seeing so many cultures represented here – from the food to the community events and festivals. There is so much to be proud of and to respect. I’m excited to learn more about Richmond and become part of this special community.
Read more at the Real Richmond.
