My Great Day Story — Erika DeJesus

At Great Day Improvements, we believe that every employee has a unique story to tell, reflecting not just their personal growth but also the values and culture that make our company special. In our series, "My Great Day Story," we are proud to feature the journeys of employees who have built their careers within our company and its many brands. Twice a month, we will highlight a different team member's experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights and lessons learned along the way.

Through these stories, we aim to inspire and support others on their career journeys, showcasing the diverse paths that can lead to success within our organization. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we hope these stories resonate with you and provide valuable guidance as you navigate your own journey.

This month, we are excited to feature Erika DeJesus. Erika started her journey with Englert at the age of seventeen! Her dedication and positivity are a shining example of our Great Day mentality.

Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and how you initially joined the company?  

My journey with Englert began in 2002 when I was just 17 years old. I was hired as a front desk receptionist while taking college classes in the evening. My boyfriend at the time, who worked in the Stamping department, helped me get an application. Growing up in Perth Amboy, working locally was convenient, and I joined to support myself financially while pursuing a career in nursing. However, I quickly fell in love with the company and the people. Being the youngest employee, I was surrounded by colleagues with incredible experience and wisdom, which helped me grow tremendously. I also embraced the mentality that "your first customers are the people you work with," which shaped my approach to every role I've had since.   

What motivated you to pursue a career within the company?  

What initially started as a job to pay the bills quickly became a passion for the company and its values. I loved the people, the culture, and the opportunity to contribute across multiple departments, from A/P to Marketing and HR. Over time, Englert became more than just a workplace. It became a community that aligned with my values of collaboration, growth, and service.   

Can you share a pivotal moment or project that played a significant role in your early career development?  

One pivotal moment was returning to the Englert family in 2018 after stepping away to focus on raising my daughters. Rejoining the company as an Office Administrator with LeafGuard felt like a full-circle moment and a new chapter in my career. Seeing the company's enduring values and family culture reaffirmed my belief in its mission and gave me hope for my professional growth. At this moment, I realized just how much I wanted to grow and contribute here.   

How did you navigate challenges during your early career, and what did you employ to overcome them?  

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of personalities, which has taught me the importance of adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook. My strategy has always been intentionally cultivating positivity in my daily life, as I believe it's the key to staying energized and motivated. By focusing on solutions and maintaining a constructive attitude, I've fostered a productive environment for myself and those around me. This approach has helped me turn challenges into opportunities for growth and build stronger connections with my colleagues.   

As you progressed in your career, were there specific skills that you worked on to enhance your professional profile?  

I've continually worked on refining my communication skills, both written and verbal, while also improving my proficiency in technology and office software. Additionally, I developed strong organizational skills and learned how to manage multiple priorities effectively. My passion for team building and creating a positive environment also grew, eventually leading me toward a career in Human Resources.   

Tell us about the transition from your initial role to your new position in a different department. How did you identify this opportunity, and what steps did you take to make the move successfully?  

After working as an Office Administrator, I began to see how much I enjoyed working with people on a deeper level, particularly in fostering collaboration and inclusivity. This passion led me to explore opportunities in HR. When an HR Specialist position opened up, I knew it was the right next step for me. I confidently applied, highlighting my administrative experience and my bilingual skills, which are essential in connecting with our Spanish-speaking workforce. The transition has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to support and empower employees in meaningful ways.   

Were there specific mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career advancement? How did they influence your professional development?  

Three incredible people stand out as pivotal mentors in my career. Marianne Guerra, the HR Director at Englert during my early days, took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. She believed in my potential and encouraged me to learn and grow, which gave me a strong foundation for my journey. Amanda Opara has also been a guiding force, recognizing my abilities and giving me the freedom to explore and excel. Her unwavering belief in my potential has been instrumental in building my confidence and inspiring me to push myself further. Most recently, Dilenny Sanchez, the current HR Director at Englert, has profoundly impacted my professional development. She constantly encourages me and reinforces her belief in my potential for growth. Her support and leadership motivate me to keep striving for excellence and to embrace new opportunities with confidence. These mentors have each uniquely shaped the professional I am today, and I'm deeply grateful for their guidance and encouragement.   

Looking ahead, what are your future career goals, and how do you plan to continue your professional development within the company?  

Looking ahead, my goal is to deepen my expertise in Human Resources through additional training and certifications, further strengthening my ability to support our diverse workforce. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, with a special focus on empowering our Spanish-speaking employees. My bilingual skills and personal connection to their experiences allow me to bridge communication gaps and ensure every employee feels valued and understood.  

My passion for this work is deeply rooted in my personal journey and heritage, and I see my role as an opportunity to advocate for inclusivity and equity. By continuing to build trust and support across all levels of our workforce, I aim to help our employees thrive and contribute meaningfully to the company's success.   

Any advice for colleagues or individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the organization?  

Be patient, open to new ideas, and willing to embrace new processes. Stay enthusiastic and committed to your growth, even when challenges arise. Remember that positivity is a practice; you need to replenish it daily to stay motivated and effective. Most importantly, build meaningful relationships with your colleagues and mentors; they are invaluable to your journey.  

Thank you Erika for allowing us to share your incredible story!