#HeraeusPeople Story
A fingernail on the hand
Ana Fabiola Calvo Dormond, Training Technician, Heraeus Medevio
"When I started my first job in the medical technology industry, I had no idea where this journey would take me. Back then, I commuted every day to the Flexipark facility, which was later acquired by Heraeus. We were only a small group of employees. Today, there is a large manufacturing site in Cartago. “It has been something very special to witness this growth from the very beginning.” But it was not only the company that changed. I found my own path as well.
When a dream becomes a goal
My first responsibilities were in Human Resources. Today, I work as a Training Technician in Guidewire Production. At some point, however, I had a new dream. I worked closely with our engineers and became fascinated by what they did. The idea stayed in my mind. Eventually, I knew: “I want to do that too.”
At the same time, I had doubts: “Can I really do it?” For a long time, I kept that dream to myself because I was afraid of failing. When I finally spoke about it, I received support instead of skepticism. Heraeus Medevio showed me new possibilities, encouraged me to pursue my goal, and today even supports my studies in Industrial Engineering through a scholarship program. I am currently studying Industrial Engineering at university. My goal is clear: I want to continue working at Heraeus Medevio in the future – as an engineer. And one thing has never changed: “I enjoy coming to work every day. I truly enjoy what I do.”
When I never felt alone
Three years ago, my life changed overnight. I had to undergo surgery, spent time in intensive care, and was unable to work for forty-five days. In Costa Rica, a long medical leave often creates financial challenges, because statutory benefits are lower than a regular salary. Naturally, I asked myself: “How am I going to get through this?” But Heraeus did not leave me alone. The company made sure that my financial situation remained stable. At the same time, my supervisors and colleagues stayed close. They checked on me, asked how I was doing, and visited me. “I never felt alone. I felt that people truly cared.” To this day, that sentence best describes what Heraeus means to me: gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to start a career in medical technology. Gratitude for the support during a difficult period in my life. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue new goals. And if I had to describe my connection to Heraeus with a single image, it would be this: “If Heraeus were a hand, I would be a fingernail on that hand.” Maybe I am only a small part of the whole – but I belong here. And that is exactly how I feel at Heraeus Medevio."