Maria Rangel Helps Elevate Employee Experience at Gilead

Q: Tell us a little bit about your professional journey at Gilead and your current role.

I started as a contractor in 2002 and transitioned to full time in 2004. I’ve participated in many projects and roles across different functional areas in Facilities, gaining hands-on experience from all different levels as I was promoted. It’s amazing to see how much my department and the company have grown, and I’ve been very fortunate to grow alongside them.

In my current role as a Facilities Manager with Event Services, I help oversee and coordinate support for high-level and site-wide company events in Foster City. I also manage various campus service vendor amenities such as interior plant services, breakroom services and the new state-of-the-art fitness center located in our wellbeing center for employees. We help provide the resources, amenities and experiences for employees to have a productive, safe and functional work environment.

Q: How would you describe the company’s culture? How has it evolved since you joined Gilead?

We’re fast-paced, passionate, collaborative and inclusive. Our Core Values are embedded into our culture and enable everyone to be themselves. The growth during my time at Gilead is mind-boggling, not just from a footprint or headcount perspective, but more importantly from an employee wellbeing standpoint.

Due to the collaborative efforts between so many different departments and across the globe, there’s also plenty of opportunity for career development and growth. I love what I do, I love the people I work with and I can’t wait to see what new future opportunities Gilead holds.

Q: Tell us about your most memorable day at Gilead. What made it special?

One of the most memorable experiences during my career with Gilead still makes me tear up to this day. While I was participating in the 2013 AIDS Walk with Team Gilead, a stranger approached me asking if I worked for the company. I replied yes and he burst into tears and told me his very moving personal story. He and his partner were diagnosed with HIV in the early 2000s and his partner lost the battle with AIDS a few years later. This man said a turning point for him was gaining access to one of our company’s medicines, and he told me he hoped every person working at Gilead understood the impact they had. He said, “Every person associated with Gilead is directly contributing to healing the world.” This moment will live with me forever.

Q: What do the company’s efforts to prioritize equity, inclusion and diversity mean to you?

It’s very comforting to know Gilead has an overall commitment to creating a healthier world for all people. As a Latina woman, I’m proud to be part of a company that acknowledges, embraces and celebrates these values, and that has leaders who are willing to support and engage with our ERGs.

I joined one of our ERGs, Gileados, as a board member representing the Events pillar. It’s wonderful being part of a group with others from similar backgrounds who have experienced some of the same challenges in their personal and professional lives. Together we can combine forces to help educate, support and celebrate the Latinx community internally and externally.

Q: What have you gained throughout your time at Gilead?

Gilead has helped me grow professionally and personally. I’ve learned to believe in myself and to speak up when needed. I’ve also learned that it’s acceptable and expected to advocate for yourself – that you should never feel guilty about making yourself and your wellbeing a priority. I’m looking forward to working on projects that will continue to develop and elevate the overall employee experience at Gilead.