A Q&A with Melissa Uribes
Access Opportunity: Tell us a little about your company.
Melissa Uribes: Trimble is an industrial technology company connecting the physical and digital worlds to help solve complex industry challenges around the world. Trimble is Transforming the Way the World Works through the Life's Work of our customers in Agriculture, Construction, Geospatial, Transportation and many other industries to make work better each day.
We have over 11,000 employees throughout the world. At Trimble, we look to diversity, equity and inclusion to guide the way we interact with one another and with the world, because we see diversity as our strength.
You see, the more different we are, the more we think differently, and thinking differently solves problems. It is this thinking that moves us closer and closer to transforming the way the world works, together.
AO: What is your role with the company and what do you do in that role?
MU: I lead the Talent programs focused on global talent attraction and recruitment, people engagement, people development and diversity, equity and inclusion. In my role, I lead a team of people experience professionals focused on ensuring Trimble is a great place to work where all employees are respected, valued and have the opportunity to grow, innovate and belong. My most important customers are the talented, diverse employees who are transforming the way we work together each day.
AO: Tell us about the different ways Trimble is involved with Access Opportunity. Is there any experience with AO that was particularly meaningful for you or your team?
MU: Our CEO, Rob Painter, became involved with Trimble early on and he recognized the important work AO performs with talented students in the Colorado community. Over the past year we've worked to further strengthen our relationship with AO as not only a sponsor of fundraising but also as a resource of business professionals who want to invest in providing access, mentorship and education for the students in the program.
This summer we participated in a virtual business workshop series where we had the opportunity to share more about teamwork and collaboration in an interactive student workshop. We hope to also engage in job shadowing, mentoring and other workshops in the future.
AO: Why is partnering with Access Opportunity important to Trimble?
MU: Diversity, equity and inclusion are an important part of our business priorities. We know that we need to engage in the communities where we live and operate to increase access for talented, underrepresented students who may not have the same access to resources, experience and education. I personally participated in programs like what AO offers when I was a student, and I know first hand the importance it has on increasing the future diverse candidate pipeline and providing more choices for the next-gen workforce.
AO: Do you have any advice or words of encouragement you can share with AO students?
MU: There will be many times when it feels like you have to work harder than others for the same opportunities. That may be the case, yet I assure you the work and life experiences and resilience will pay off. Life and careers provide many opportunities so embrace the individual path and journey you are on and take advantage of the network of people who offer support and insight along the way.
AO: Thank you, Melissa and Trimble, for your continued partnership and for your commitment to AO and our students!