Woman Led: Meet Sophia, Operations Manager in Colima
Women Making a Difference
Organics Unlimited is a proudly woman-owned and woman-led company. We believe that through diversity and inclusion in the workplace we can foster creative collaboration and empowerment that strengthens our communities and economies. To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month we’re highlighting the women leaders that make us who we are.
A Logistical Leader
Sophia is the Operations Manager for Tropipack, our sourcing and logistics partner in Colima. Her first role on the team was as an intern at one of our farms.
In 2020 she joined the Tropipack Team as Logistics Coordinator where she immediately stood out as a quick thinker and hard worker. She grew quickly on the team, garnering the trust of her teammates through her honesty and advocacy. In 2021 she took on the role of Operations Manager, supervising small grower relationships, and overseeing the timely and proper packing and transport of GROW bananas from farm to border.
Sophia is a serious boss lady, during her tenure on the team she has already improved internal processes and driven efficiencies throughout the operation. Her team knows her as a capable leader and avid problem solver who advocates for her people.
Q & A with Sophia
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Sophia: As a young girl I was surrounded by agriculture since most of my family is dedicated to the production of different crops. Because of this, the love, respect, and appreciation for nature and everything it gives us was instilled in me at a young age. I find no better way to honor all of my memories as a young girl on the farms with my family than to collaborate in making it possible for Mexican produce to reach other families across the globe.
Who has inspired you/who is your role model?
Sophia: The person who has helped shape me, my values, and principles, has been my mother. I am inspired by her perseverance and determination, and by the way in which she’s overcome the obstacles she’s faced throughout her life.
What are your hobbies?
Sophia: Reading, research, and learning new things. In my free time I am collaborating on a masters thesis on the development of microorganism based products that significantly improve the absorption of nutrients in plants, and promote resistance against pathogens or even directly counteract the pathogens.
What piece of advice would you give a woman who’s just started her career?
Sophia: Never stop doing what you’re passionate about, this is how you honor who you really are. Even when the journey is difficult, never stop moving and learning. It doesn’t matter if it feels like it’s moving slowly because at a certain point you’ll look back and realize how much you’ve accomplished, you’ll see all of that effort rewarded and will feel proud of yourself for everything you’ve achieved and learned in the process.
What values are most important in a leader?
Sophia: Responsibility, respect, communication, empathy, and trust. These are the basis to being a great leader because when you exemplify these values in serving your team, so too will your team be guided by these values in serving the company.
Woman Led: Meet Nicxi, Farm Manager
Women Making a Difference
Organics Unlimited is a proudly woman-owned and woman-led company. We believe that through diversity and inclusion in the workplace we can foster creative collaboration and empowerment that strengthens our communities and economies. To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month we’re highlighting the women leaders that make us who we are.
From Nature Lover to Natural Leader
Nicxi is a Colima native. Her final college year internship and subsequent first job after graduating was at El Tesoro, the primary farm Organics Unlimited sources from. Her work ethic and dedication enabled her to quickly grow within her role to become Assistant Manager.
After moving to a neighboring farm to master the processing and packing aspects of the operation for a couple of years, she returned in 2021 to become El Tesoro’s first female manager. This achievement is significant in a society where a sexist mindset still prevails. It is no small feat to gain the trust and respect as the leader of an operation such as this one. Today, she oversees the organic production of over 150 hectares of banana farmland. From soil and plant nutrition, to harvest planning, and managing a team of over 100, she is a total super woman.
Nicxi’s love for the plant is immediately sensed whenever you talk to her. She has an absolute respect and sense of wonder for Mother Nature. She is an active member and advocate in women’s organizations in the region.
Q & A with Nicxi
Why are you passionate about what you do?
Nicxi: The career I chose is one of the most beautiful, I am in touch with with nature. I am an Agricultural Engineer and I’m passionate about food production as an art form because it is not manufactured, it is grown and nourished. If we do this in a conscious manner within our society, incredible things happen.
Who has inspired you/who is your role model?
Nicxi: My greatest inspiration are my parents. My father is a coffee farmer and lover of nature. He is a disciplined hard worker, from whom I learned that if you dedicate yourself to what you love, it’s a pleasure to serve.
My mother, a woman who knows no limits when it comes to her goals, instilled in me the power that we have as daughters, mothers, and individuals.
My role model is Dr. Marco Buenrostro, a professor from college who taught me not to doubt my goals and that nothing is impossible. If you believe it you can create it and the limits are only in your mind.
What are your hobbies?
Nicxi: I like to visit new places, especially places where I can experience nature, new cultures, walk on the beach, and see the stars.
What advice would you give a woman who’s just started her career?
Nicxi: Believe in yourself, don’t give up. Think big and visualize your goals, dreams, achievements, etc. Discipline, consistency, and perseverance are tools required to reach your goals. We must believe in ourselves as warriors, as magical, loving, brave, bold, intelligent, strong, and capable leaders.
What values are most important in a leader?
Nicxi: Honesty, service, responsibility, and respect.
GROW Scholar: Meet Cintya
Opportunities for Women
The reality is that economic conditions in growing regions can often result in family pressure for girls to drop out of school and help at home. The GROW Program offers girls and young women the resources necessary to continue their education, from middle school through college. Because of this they are able to follow their dreams and help break the cycle of poverty in their communities.
Aspiring to College
Cintya was born in Tecoman, the youngest of nine kids. She grew up and studied in Cerro de Ortega and later went on to Colima to earn her college degree.
She began her college studies in 2008 but in 2010 it was difficult for her to continue her education due to her economic situation. Through the GROW Program and Project Amigo she was able to finish her studies and had a place to live while she finished her school semester.
“Being part of the program gave me the opportunity to meet extraordinary people and the tools that aided my personal development. I had the opportunity to travel abroad and participate in noble projects such as the vision clinic.”
The program had such an impact on her that the friendships she made transcended the length of her participation in the program and continue to this day.
She finished her studies with a master’s in education with a specialty in the administration of centers for learning. Today she is the proud mother of a seven-year-old son and works as a Technical Pedagogy Advisor in special education.
What’s Next for Cintya?
“I still have a long way to go. The process of empowerment has not been easy. I have faced many obstacles but none of them impossible to overcome.”
Cyntia recognizes that at times work can demand so much of women, she shares that it is important to give ourselves room to let off steam and recharge our batteries so that we can keep working toward our goals.
And she isn’t done yet! She hopes to be recognized by her peers for her contribution to centers of education, to establish a non-profit association that supports women victims of domestic abuse, and most importantly, to guide her son in becoming a great part of this next generation.
Way to go Cintya, we’re so proud of you!
