"I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received over the years. I would not be here without Leprino and the supervisors that have believed in me and mentored me along the way. Arrupe played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and Leprino has been an integral part of my journey. I wish more and more students will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this kind of life changing experience as well.”
At Arrupe Jesuit High School, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, and Nayeli Martinez is a shining example of the success that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Nayeli's journey to her current position as an Associate Microbiologist at Leprino Foods has been inspiring, and we would like to highlight her inspiring story and recognize the incredible achievements she has made in her career and her pursuit as a woman for others.
Nayeli's connection with Leprino Foods runs deep. Her father has been a dedicated employee for the past 25 years, which initially sparked her interest in the organization. However, her journey with Leprino began during her time at Arrupe Jesuit High School when she had the opportunity to work there as part of the Corporate Work Study Program. Nayeli worked at Leprino while a student at Arrupe, thanks to the Corporate Work Study Program, spending one year in Marketing and another as a technician.
Nayeli shared, "Right after Arrupe, I was fortunate to receive the Kathy Fortune Memorial Scholarship, where I had the privilege of meeting Craig and Beth Zoellner, who became my mentors." While pursuing a college degree was important, she took some time to focus on building her career experiences. It was during this period that opportunities at Leprino once again surfaced, through her old coworkers, and she seized the opportunity.
She stayed in touch with her coworkers through social media, and when an opportunity arose to return to Leprino, she was recommended by one of her former colleagues. This connection led her back to the company, where she initially worked as a kitchen technician.
While Nayeli started in a different role, her passion for microbiology led her to pursue further opportunities within Leprino. She worked her way up from a Tech One position to Tech Two and Three, ultimately landing the Associate Microbiologist position.
As a microbiologist at Leprino, Nayeli plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of their products. She meticulously tests the cheese and other products for pathogens and bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, yeast, and mold. Nayeli described her responsibilities, saying, "We prepare the media, which serves as food for the bacteria, and we perform the testing. We incubate the samples under optimal conditions and interpret the results to identify any potential pathogens present."
Currently, Nayeli works alongside her father, Miguel, in the same department. It has been a unique and fulfilling experience for them both. She emphasized the importance of professionalism in their specific workplace dynamic, which she learned during her time at Arrupe. Nayeli expressed her gratitude for the support she and her family have received from Leprino, stating, "Leprino has always encouraged me to pursue further education and strive for more. They see potential in us that we might not see in ourselves."
Looking toward the future, Nayeli has her sights set on further advancements in microbiology. She aspires to explore different avenues within Leprino, such as the Genomics Department, which involves DNA identification of bacteria. She believes that her continued growth within the company will present exciting opportunities for her career and her family.
Reflecting on her journey and the impact Arrupe Jesuit High School has had on her life, she expressed that she did not know that this experience would shape her future career path and create lasting professional and personal connections. One of those specific examples is that Nayeli met her husband, David while working at Leprino and he is also currently employed at the organization.
"I want to thank everyone for all the support I have received over the years. I would not be here without Leprino and the supervisors that have believed in me and mentored me along the way. Arrupe played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and Leprino has been an integral part of my journey. I hope more and more students will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this kind of life changing experience.”
Nayeli Martinez's story is a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and the valuable opportunities provided by partnerships like Leprino and Arrupe Jesuit. We are incredibly proud of Nayeli's accomplishments and wish her continued success in her career at Leprino Foods. Her journey serves as an inspiration to current and future students of Arrupe, reminding them that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve their dreams.
