Rosirene Calvo Garita - Inspired to enhance people's health and wellbeing

I have always been passionate about staying active and embracing the outdoors. There is something incredibly rejuvenating about moving under an open sky. At the same time, I proudly consider myself a foodie. Travel for me has become an adventure in culinary tourism where I seek out new flavors, savor every delicious discovery, and celebrate cultures through their food. Balance is key, so I indulge joyfully and embrace moments of exercise with equal enthusiasm. It is a rhythm of life that brings me immense fulfillment.

I draw deep inspiration from women leaders, especially those who are also mothers. In today’s world, balancing the relentless expectations of the market with the profound responsibility of being present for our children is no easy feat. Watching these women lead with strength, grace, and resilience motivates me to strive higher every day, both professionally and personally.

My Career Journey

I am an engineer with nearly 15 years of enriching experience. My professional journey began in the metallurgy industry, a tough demanding environment that taught me resilience, discipline, and perseverance. Later, I transitioned into consulting, a world that allowed me to "sample" various industries, from manufacturing to services, and broaden my horizons in ways I had never imagined.

Afterward, I served in the Government of Costa Rica with the Ministry of Security for seven years. It was a period where I honed my skills in leadership and strategy. Yet, a part of me yearned for a new challenge, one where my contributions could have a direct, visible impact on people's lives. That longing led me to Roche.

In 2021, I joined Roche as a Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) and Security Officer. It was during one of the most uncertain times in recent history—the pandemic. Despite the challenges, it was a season of tremendous learning, evolution, and growth. Over the past 4.5 years, I have not only grown into my role but have come to realize that this is just the beginning of an exciting journey with endless possibilities.

Whenever I speak to friends or family, I tell them: "I’m still in my honeymoon phase. My love for Roche has not faded… it has deepened.” The culture and the purpose fuel this love. Roche’s culture creates a work environment that inspires and energizes everyone who steps into it. Within the SHE space, there is a genuine commitment to prevention, valuing every employee, and investing meaningfully in their development.

Working in SHE has gifted me countless moments of joy and fulfillment. I love the dynamism of our work. One moment we are evaluating a high-risk task, and the next, we are supporting a colleague’s mental health journey. At the core, we enable our people to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients, without costing them their health, well-being, or the planet itself.

When I reflect on memorable moments from my time here, I realize there isn’t just one. Each heartfelt "thank you" from a colleague, each milestone reached like the inauguration of the Wellness Center at the One Roche Costa Rica Building - a space I nurtured from idea to reality, has left an indelible mark on me. Creating a sanctuary for employees to nurture their health and happiness has been one of the proudest achievements of my career.

Understanding the ripple effects of our work makes every effort worthwhile. A recent example might seem small but carries deep meaning for me. A Period End Closing leader once asked me to find a safe space where his team could rest for a few hours during an intense closing process. It was a simple request, but knowing that our support helped sustain operations, ultimately ensuring that life-saving products reached patients, filled me with profound pride and purpose.

Every day brings new challenges, especially when working closely with people as emotions and complexities often intertwine. But I have found motivation in every difficulty. I choose to view my work through a lens of gratitude, thankful for the opportunity to touch lives and be touched in return. It is in these everyday acts of service, resilience, and compassion that I find true inspiration, and it is what drives me to keep striving for more.

• Prioritize wellbeing: Take care of your mental and physical health by utilizing resources such as the Wellness Center or participating in wellbeing initiatives. A healthy work-life balance can enhance your overall satisfaction and performance.

• Build strong relationships: Foster meaningful connections with colleagues, mentors, and leaders. Interpersonal relationships can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and valuable insights that enrich your career journey.

• Embrace continuous learning: Take advantage of the many learning opportunities Roche offers. Participate in training programs, attend workshops, and stay open to new experiences and knowledge.

• Seek diverse experiences: Look for opportunities to work on different projects or in various departments. This can broaden your skills, expose you to new challenges, and keep your work interesting and dynamic.

• Stay passionate: Continuously remind yourself of the impact your work has on patients and the community. Staying connected to the purpose of your role can keep you motivated and excited about your contributions.

My RSS High-5!

Without a doubt, my people leader Catalina Bogantes has trust in me and continues to believe in my abilities. High-five for those moments of frustration, stress, burden, sadness, and many more challenging times, which I now look back at and say, “We did it because we are a team! And high-five for all the moments ahead because as a team, we will overcome them together.”