GeAna Rivera was hired into the plastics industry through a staffing company. During the interview, it was mentioned to her that there was a "great event" being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., that highlighted the plastics industry: NPE2012.
Rivera was lucky enough to attend the trade show prior to starting her new role as customer service representative for Entec Polymers.
"The show was insightful, engaging and informative. I knew I had found an industry that I wanted to be a part of," she said.
Since then, Rivera has held positions such as inside sales account manager, commercial operations, customer service supervisor and now a buyer for Bamberger Amco Polymers. She was the recipient of the Extra Mile Award in 2013 and Ravago Americas' Employee of the Year in 2014.
As a buyer, Rivera handles demand planning, including optimizing logistics strategies, inventory and order management, sales and product support, and general business.
"During my 12-year tenure at Ravago, I have realized the effectiveness of utilizing resources, the value of networking and the importance of professionalism," Rivera said. Entec Polymers and Bamberger Amco Polymers are members of the Ravago group.
"I have also expanded my ongoing drive to be successful while accepting any challenge, learned to appreciate the power of a diverse work background, reinforced the key importance of teamwork, and continued to embrace the concept that obstacles equal opportunities."
In 2017, Rivera attended an exhibition at the Orange County Regional History Center called "Plastics Unwrapped," which featured a 200-square-foot house that showcased energy improvements and a case that contained the amount of plastic used in one surgery.
"The impact hit home immediately when I began to think, 'What if polymers did not exist? Would I want to be scheduled for the next surgery if plastic products were not an option?' I tell this story to those I meet just getting into the industry to emphasize from simply one market perspective, the positive impact plastic has on our lives," Rivera said.
"My path to professional development has been one with twists and turns, not the normal avenue; however, I would not have changed a thing," she said. "The insight that I have gained and the relationships that I have fostered have allowed opportunities to pursue advancement on a commercial career path."