Women of Sanctuary Oysters
Although the oyster industry is commonly known as a male-dominated industry, we are proud to have many incredible and talented women as part of our team. Every woman on our team has a story to tell, and we want their voices to be heard. We spoke to five women of the Sanctuary Oyster team who were happy to share with us their experience working in the field.
Ana Elizabeth Ceja Saucedo began working in the oyster industry because her mother had already been working with Sanctuary Oysters. After finishing school, Ana began working at Sanctuary Oysters and now works as a Quality Control Assistant. She is responsible for ensuring all products comply with quality standards for meats, shells, and sizing. She shares that the best part about her job is monitoring the process and sharing important moments with her colleagues.
Living in El Cardon, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Angélica Hernández García had known about Sanctuary Oysters her entire life. She started working at Sanctuary Oysters because she needed a job to provide for herself. Sixteen years later, Angelica still works for the company as a Quality Control Technician. She is responsible for the packing area and oyster selection. Angelica is pleased to be part of a great team of women and happy that the company has entrusted her to be a leader.
When arriving in the community, Zulma Arely Flores Beltran quickly learned about Sanctuary Oysters as her neighbors worked there and she would see them walking to work every morning. Knowing that Sanctuary Oysters was widely recognized as a source of employment, Zulma began working there to provide for her children. As a Pre-growth Technician, Zulma is part of the oyster seeding process, the beginning phase of growing oysters. She shares that the best part about her job is seeing the results of her work. As a woman in the industry, Zulma is proud of all the progress and advancements she has made in her career.
Maria Cruz Sanchez Rojas began working at Sanctuary Oysters because her parents and brothers were already working for the company. Growing up, she looked up to all the women that worked there to help support their families. She left university to stay near her hometown and began working there too. Currently, Maria works as a Production Control Technician. She said the best part about her job is witnessing the great results she and her team achieve every day. Maria is very proud of herself for everything she has been able to accomplish in the industry.
Gabriela Aimeé Almanza Cosio lived in the community and heard about Sanctuary Oysters through a friend who took her there one day. Soon after, she started working at Sanctuary Oysters excited to focus on her personal development. In her day-to-day work, she creates payroll reports and weekly budgets for the company. She feels very honored to be a part of the Sanctuary Oyster team. Every day, she enjoys demonstrating her capabilities in learning what is needed to fulfill her role and growing as an employee and woman at the company.
Aside from sharing their experience, these women gave important advice to all the women who are considering pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry:
“In the face of any adversities that arise, do not let your guard down and fight to follow your dreams. To put your heart in whatever you do and to never feel inferior to anyone just because you are a woman.” - Ana Elizabeth Ceja Saucedo
“Every woman has the ability to perform any job and to not give up when facing any obstacles.” - Angélica Hernández García
“My advice would be that everything can be achieved when having confidence in yourself. Something very important that I have learned is having a love for your work - That you like what you are doing, feel the pride of being able to work with something so important. Everything regarding the oyster industry is so interesting and you never stop learning.” - Zulma Arely Flores Beltran
“To have trust because it is a very good source of income and every day you learn something new.” - Maria Cruz Sanchez Rojas
“They should be proud of being a woman and feel capable of having the capacity, attitude, and courage to get any job done.” - Gabriela Aimeé Almanza Cosio
The entire Sanctuary team feels so lucky to work with such inspiring and powerful women. Thank you to each and every woman who shared her story with us.
Are you interested in learning more about Sanctuary Oysters? Send us an email at info@solazul.com.mx.