“There are no limits.
It's up to you.”

Isabel

Foodservice Director
FLIK
Cleary Gottlieb

1992 Cashier
1997 Office assistant
1999 Night shift supervisor
2002 Café manager
2005 Foodservice director

I've been with Compass Group for 19 years.

I'm from the Dominican Republic. My first job in the United States was as a cashier with FLIK.

I didn't know the language, but I was so eager to learn that Luann, my manager, took the time to teach me English. She would sit and work with me in the afternoon. I'd study every night even though I had three kids to take care of.

From the beginning, I was very curious about what went on in the office. I jumped in there all the time to learn. Luann showed me how to input data and learn how to do time cards, payroll—things like that.

In 1999, I was transferred to Cleary Gottlieb. My new manager, Adam Freed, challenged me every single day. He taught me everything—paperwork, how to run the place, how to do marketing, how to run a café.

My biggest challenge was in believing that I could do it. You know, I came from being a cashier to become a foodservice director. It's really because of my associates and managers that I am who I am in my job today. I'm not afraid to ask questions, and they chose to take the time to teach me.

My executive chef taught me everything about food; my catering director took the time when I was struggling with English to help me. And my VP, Roland Eichers, is always there to answer questions. He makes me feel that he trusts me and is confident that I can do the job.

Sometimes you don't even know what you're capable of. Or you're afraid to ask for help. I was lucky to have mentors who helped me see my potential. Now as a mentor, I have the privilege to guide others and help them find their real path.