Staff Spotlight: Maricel Deloria

Next up for our staff spotlight is Maricel Deloria!

Maricel is our QA / IFS Coordinator at ALP, which means she works hard to ensure our IFS PACsecure certification requirements are followed properly, as well as mitigating any quality issues. Maricel is a valued part of our team, and we're so lucky to have her!

1. How long have you worked at Associated?

I was hired in May 2017, so over four years! 

2. Describe your journey at Associated so far.

Before moving to Canada, I was a chemical engineer with 16 years of experience in flexible packaging quality control. I started at ALP as Quality Control in our Flexo division. Given my background, I moved to Quality Control for lamination and finishing in Flexible Packaging after a little over a year. I was able to witness the transformation of our Flexible Packaging department as we moved into a new building once we’d acquired more machinery and testing equipment.

In November of last year, I was asked to assist our Plant Manager with Quality Assurance and overseeing the everyday implementation of our IFS PACsecure certification.

3. How would you describe the work environment?

Although it's not a perfect work environment, I work with fantastic empathetic and accommodating people who help each other. I can confidently say that I am in a facility with a clear vision and strong and committed leadership.

4. What is your favourite thing about working here?

The people, who make me feel like I am at home. I’ve learned and grown so much here, and I’m passionate about my work. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills and knowing that I’m contributing to the success of our organization through teamwork.

5. What's been your best day at work so far?

Every day is a good day when I’m productive, contributing to improving internal processes, helping mitigate any quality issues, and, most importantly, when I can encourage someone or positively influence them.

6. What are you most proud of since working here?

Since my first day, I’ve felt proud knowing that ALP hired me for the Quality Control position without me knowing anybody from this company and only trusting the words that I put in my resume.

I wanted to reciprocate the expectations and trust they gave me from the beginning by doing my best in every role I’ve been in to prove that they made the right decision to hire me.

7. What is the biggest challenge you've had since working here?

Communication! Sometimes I feel that I might say something that could sound negative or be misinterpreted by others and would rather not say anything. Now, I am working through this with proper training and education and with my manager's support.

8. Do you have a particular moment or memory at Associated that stands out for you?

It is the heartwarming culture and sense of belongingness that I’ve felt since I started here. When you walk through the different departments or the facility, everyone is friendly and will always say hello.

9. What does a typical day look like for you, and what are you currently working on?

A typical day for me starts with checking my email to see if there are inquiries or feedback from our Sales department or anything that requires an immediate response. Next, I check the status of incident reports, check-in on the production floor, and update my manager on my task status.

I am still working with my manager to ensure our secondary buildings are all IFS-compliant, working on internal processes projects by filling quality gaps and assisting with customer compliance.

10. Describe the advancement opportunities here.

Opportunities at ALP are endless and open to all deserving people who are up for a challenge. As ALP grows, they continue to expand in the label and flexible packaging world, and the opportunity also applies to its people.

11. How does Associated support professional development?

ALP is very much open to supporting professional development to those who are interested in furthering their expertise. Their support is overwhelming. I am more than halfway through my post-secondary certificate for Quality and Process Management at BCIT. Also, all supervisors and key personnel are enrolled in a 1-year Crestcom Leadership program, webinars, and in-house technical training.

12. What is on your wish list for the next 5 years?

With the help of my manager, I hope to come up with an established Quality Management System program that can fill any gaps we currently have.

13. Given the chance, who would you be for a day?

I prefer to be me! I know what my strengths and weaknesses are; I am a woman of substance, I’m fierce, and I’m always looking back on my journey of progress.