Every person has a unique story to tell. Stories about what motivates us and what inspires us are reflections of who we are. Stories of Who We Are takes a closer look at the people in the VMware community by featuring portraits and compelling narratives from the perspectives of our diverse employees from all across the globe.

Dannette Boyd Perez

Benefits Consultant

Austin

“How I became a benefits consultant is a funny story; this is my fourth career. I studied psychology and was a therapist, but I actually made more money in the restaurant business. I was even a general manager for the state capital of Austin. Eventually I thought to myself that I wanted to get a foot in the door in HR, and so I started in staffing at Dell. Soon they asked if I could help with benefits, and I haven’t looked back since.

I am passionate about working for a company that cares about their employees. VMware came knocking at my door about a year ago, and when I looked out I thought, ‘this is where my voice will be heard.’ One great memory here, one that makes me feel super proud, is the Paid Parental Leave program. Employees get to take 18 weeks, the most important time of their child’s life, be away with them, and not have to worry about their finances. I’m a little bit like Santa Claus, right? And everyone thinks it’s all about the moms, but the dads are the ones who send the notes and thank-you calls! They say, ‘I get to stay with my son/daughter and I can bond with them,’ and it’s like they don’t believe it. That’s what makes me think this is the pinnacle; we are offering best-in-class benefits in the United States. I get to enhance the physical, spiritual, and financial wellbeing of employees, and that’s the fun part! We are the unsung heroes who usually only hear about when things break; we’re here at the bottom of the pyramid, raising the other folks so that they can do their jobs. The fact that we can come to resolutions and satisfy not only the company, but also the employees, makes me realize, ‘this is a great job, this is an amazing job.”

Learn more about who we are at VMware:

https://careers.vmware.com/life-at-vmware

https://www.facebook.com/vmwarecareers/

https://www.youtube.com/user/VMwareCareers

Every person has a unique story to tell. Stories about what motivates us and what inspires us are reflections of who we are. Stories of Who We Are takes a closer look at the people in the VMware community by featuring portraits and compelling narratives from the perspectives of our diverse employees from all across the globe.

Eduardo Guillen

Senior Manager Internal Audit

Heredia, Costa Rica

“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009, and later found out that my liver and peritoneal nodes were also affected. After my diagnosis, I made a decision I would not die from cancer. It was a very positive mindset to have, but also a very egocentric and arrogant one. You can’t decide these things on your own, and you can’t fight alone. A year earlier I saw how my mother overcame her own cancer, so she was my role model helping me to overcome mine. Also, my girlfriend at the time (now my wife) decided to support me unconditionally. I immediately started to experience the terrible secondary effects of the treatment, a very strong chemotherapy, and after another 8 months of treatment, I received notice that the tumor in my liver was still there and I had to get surgery. The day I went in, they told me they didn’t need to perform the surgery because the tumor had disappeared. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

I had only one dream in my life and that was to be a dad. Unfortunately, because of the chemo treatment I became sterile however I never lost faith in achieving that dream. I was sure I would be a dad in one way or another, and today I have a son of two years, the second miracle of my life. If there is any message to share it is that winners never give up.

At work, I see myself as a business partner who helps teams to achieve their goals. I couldn’t work for a company that isn’t compatible with my values and principles, and VMware is completely compatible with me. When my son grows up and asks dad, what do you do? I’ll say what I do every day is create better lives for people.”

Learn more about who we are at VMware:

https://careers.vmware.com/life-at-vmware

https://www.facebook.com/vmwarecareers/

https://www.youtube.com/user/VMwareCareers