Access to Advancement: Teresa Angel-Esparza
A decade ago, Teresa Angel-Esparza was working her first job as a prep cook, but she knew she was meant to do a whole lot more to reach her personal goals.
A few years later in December 2018, she joined Sodexo as a part-time employee in San Francisco, California.
In just a few short months, the Sodexo leadership team had already recognized Teresa as a high potential employee because of her positive attitude and strong work ethic. They saw an individual who would do whatever was necessary to get the job done right. She would assist with the food preparation, the dish room and even the porter teams.
She was a natural fit to be selected to take part in Sodexo’s Supervisor Development Plan. Even though Teresa had a full plate, she made every effort to embrace the program to learn and develop new skills.
Sodexo’s HR Senior Manager Maria Enriquez has served in a mentorship role for Teresa since early 2019. She witnessed firsthand what made Teresa special while working in a Unit Clerical position and Inventory Coordinator. She was the most excited when Teresa was promoted to her current role as Production Manager. In this new leadership role, Teresa places orders, ensures that all the staff has the ingredients, equipment, and safety protocols they need. She also handles the financial side of the business.
“Teresa has the perfect attitude and spirit that has allowed her to be recognized by her leaders,” said Maria. “She will step in and help out anyone who is in need and will make sure things work no matter what the circumstance.”
Teresa now serves as a mentor to her team and an advocate for pushing personal limits to achieve more. That drive has motivated her to go back to college and learn more about her new passion – Agroecology. She wants to see where the future of food is going and how Sodexo and her team can help revolutionize the food scene.
Although Teresa has faced some personal and professional challenges along the way, she won’t let anything slow her journey at Sodexo or stop her from achieving her personal goals.
“I have such a good feeling about being at Sodexo and as a part of an amazing group,” said Teresa. “Our leadership team pushes us to be the best version of ourselves and it really motivates me to be the best. I know we have an exciting future.”
Browse frontline jobs that set Teresa on her path to career growth and leadership.