Teresa (Luz) Flores

We are the manufacturers of possible: Career movement equals a New Adventure

For nearly 14 years, Teresa (Luz) Flores has proudly called BD her work home. She began her career with the organization in Mexico as a contractor and today, because of an opportunity within an ISC site, she considers Columbus, NE her residential home.

Luz transferred to the U.S. in early 2022 as one of the first associates within BD to move into the country after the lifting of Covid travel restrictions. Her successful transfer paved the way for additional associate movement to the Columbus ISC Site, as it set the example for visa processing, vaccine mandates, and post-quarantine relocation processes.

For Luz and her family, they consider the move to the U.S. an adventure.

“When we were back in Mexico City, we had our home and everyday things that we relied on,” explained Luz. “And then we get to Nebraska for our first couple of months and we are having picnics in our living room with takeout food because we were not quite settled, which we took in stride. We called it an adventure because my family and I had not been to the U.S. together before this. My husband and children are quickly learning English and continue to learn new things about where we live and life in the U.S., which so far has been great.”

Another element to the move that was essential for a positive experience was the support and guidance of the BD Global Mobility Team – particularly Mauricio Chavez, senior manager, BD Global Mobility.

“I don’t know how I would have made the move without the help of Mauricio. He was proactive and helped me through every step – understanding the house renting process in Columbus, how to register my son and daughter for school – everything is so different than how it works in Mexico,” she explained.

“The support I was given by my manager Robbie, our HRBP Shawna, my new team in the U.S. and all my colleagues at Columbus felt like a warm hug during the start of my story in this new adventure,” she emphasized.

Chemical Engineer passionate about process

Coming out of school as a graduate of the Universidad Technologica de Mexico in 2009, Luz quickly found BD and a contract role as a validation analyst. She was hired full-time by BD in 2011 as an R&D Engineer. And from 2011 to 2022, she would go on to hold roles of increasing responsibility in the R&D space as an R&D engineer and projects manager.

Currently, Luz heads up the digital transformation in Columbus, otherwise known as EDHR or Electronic Device History Record, which are paperless, electronic systems within manufacturing systems that enforce production processes and ensure documentation of all information associated with the manufacturing of med tech devices.

“I am passionate about process and documentation of how we manufacture our products. It’s so critical to our processes overall. We used to rely on a lot of paper records, so shifting to a digital mindset is really helpful,” said Luz.

The adventure continues …

Luz is excited about how much more she will contribute to the Columbus site, and how much more she will learn and develop overall. She said one of the reasons she remains positive about her role is the alignment of her personal values to The BD Way.

“My values are super aligned to the company’s, which is powerful. BD cares about its people and I truly love the culture here – we are all just helping each other to do the best job possible for the end patient. It’s so humbling knowing how much impact we have on people’s lives around the world with the products and devices we bring to market,” said Luz.

When reflecting about the top attributes someone needs to succeed at BD, Luz instantly calls out adaptability and resilience. “BD may provide you with a lifetime of career opportunities if you keep learning, growing, and challenging yourself. I firmly believe that the most successful people at BD are those who are leaders, doers, and solutions oriented.”