At Activus Connect, we recognize the invaluable contributions of the women who lead, inspire, and uplift those around them. Their dedication not only strengthens our company culture but also enhances the exceptional customer experiences we provide.

This month, we celebrate incredible women at Activus Connect and the impact they make every day!

Women Leaders at Activus Connect

We are proud to have strong, inspiring women leading the way here at Activus Connect. Their dedication, innovation, empathy and leadership shapes company environment and drives success. In the video below, hear directly from some of our incredible women leaders as they share their experiences, insights, and advice for the next generations of woman trailblazers.

The Power of Representation

When women are in leadership positions, they bring diverse perspective, innovative ideas, and inclusive decision-making that drive success. Representation matters – not just for the women in the workforce today, but for future generations looking for role models who inspire confidence and ambition.

Companies with women in leadership positions are increasingly more attractive to investors, as research shows that diverse teams often deliver stronger financial returns. (Forbes) We believe in fostering an environment where women can thrive, grow, and lead. By supporting mentorship, professional development, and a culture of inclusivity, we ensure that every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

When women lead, industries evolve, workplaces transform, and communities flourish.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring the Next Generation

Over the past decade, we’ve seen significantly more women aspiring to and achieving senior roles globally. (Bain & Company) Empowering the next generation of women starts with creating opportunities, fostering mentorship, and leading by example. When young women see strong, capable leaders who have paved the way, they are more likely to envision themselves in those roles and strive for success.

At Activus Connect, we are committed to supporting women in their professional journeys by providing mentorships, leadership development, and a culture that values their voices. By championing equality and investing in future leaders, we can inspire more women to step into leadership roles, break barriers and shape a more inclusive future for all.

Conclusion

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and resilience of women everywhere. At Activus Connect, we are proud to recognize the incredible women who make a difference within our company and beyond. Their dedication to meaningful leadership inspires us all to push boundaries and create a more inclusive future.

As we continue to champion diversity and empowerment, let’s commit to supporting and uplifting the women around us – not just this month, but every day. Together, we can build a world where every woman has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and inspire the next generation.

Join the celebration! Share stories, experiences, and words of appreciation for the inspiring women leaders at Activus Connect on social media using #ActivusWomen. Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible women who make a difference every day!

The post Empowered Women, Inspiring Futures: Celebrating Women’s History Month at Activus Connect appeared first on Activus Connect.

This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our African American employees who help shape our company with their dedication, talent, and unique perspectives. Through their stories, we aim to honor their impact, both within Activus and in the communities we serve.

Join us as we highlight their experiences, share insights on diversity and inclusion and explore meaningful ways to celebrate Black History Month together.

The Importance and Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace

We believe that diversity is not just a core value, it’s a strength that drives innovation, enhances collaboration and improves overall business success. Embracing diversity in the workplace fosters an environment where employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives come together to create solutions and provide exceptional customer experiences.

Driving Innovation and Creativity

A diverse workforce encourages different ways of thinking, leading to innovation that benefits both employees and customers. When people come from different backgrounds, have a variety of life experiences, and see the world in unique ways, multiple perspectives are brought to the table and gives a boost to creativity. (Forbes)

Encouraging Professional Growth and Development

Diverse teams can be professionally enriching as teammates are exposed to new skills and approaches to work. Naturally, teammates will learn about each other’s cultures which leads to a broader understanding of the world on a much deeper level that filters different perspectives into their own way of thinking, creating new thoughts and ideas. (Forbes)

Building a Strong Company Culture

An inclusive workplace fosters respect, collaboration and a sense of unity. At Activus Connect, we celebrate diversity because we know when everyone feels valued, we all thrive together. We create an environment where anyone – regardless of background – can contribute, grow, and succeed.

Additionally, our Inspiring Forward and Day of Giving initiatives encourage employees to support and uplift diverse communities. While Black History Month is a time for reflection and celebration, we prioritize diversity year-round, cultivating a workplace where every voice is heard, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

SmartVirtual^TM and the Role it Plays in Diversity

Our SmartVirtual^TM model is a remote work solution that assists in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. By eliminating geographical barriers and offering flexible work opportunities, we create an environment where talented individuals from all backgrounds can thrive, regardless of location, socioeconomic status or personal circumstances.

This approach allows us to recruit and retain top talent from across the country, providing career opportunities to individuals who may not have had access otherwise. It also enables individuals from historically underrepresented communities to pursue meaningful careers in customer experience without the constraints of having to be in a physical office.

SmartVirtual^TM also provides employees with access to training, mentorship, and professional development programs, regardless of location. By prioritizing skills and potential over proximity, we empower individuals from all backgrounds to advance in their careers.

Diversity is not just a goal, here at Activus Connect – it’s embedded in how we operate. We’ve built a workforce that reflects the diverse world we serve, ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is reflected in inclusive hiring practices and ongoing training that fosters cultural awareness and equity.

Employee Spotlights

Our employees are the heart of our success, and we take pride in celebrating their unique stories and contributions. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting some of our incredible African American team members who bring passion, dedication, and innovation to our company every day.

In the following video, they share their experiences, insights, and what Black History Month means to them. Join us in honoring their voices and the impact they make within Activus Connect and beyond.

Ways to Celebrate and Learn

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and educate ourselves on the rich history, culture and achievements of African Americans. There are many meaningful ways to participate, from reading books by Black authors and watching films that highlight historical and cultural contributions to attending virtual or local events that promote awareness and dialogue.

Supporting Black-owned businesses, engaging in open discussions, and exploring educational resources are also great ways to deepen understanding. At Activus Connect, we encourage our employees to take this time to learn, share, and celebrate – because fostering diversity and inclusion starts with awareness and appreciation.

Conclusion

As we all celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values we uphold in February but commitments we honor every day. By sharing stories, learning from one another and embracing different perspectives, we strengthen our workplace and the communities we serve.

We encourage everyone to continue engaging in meaningful conversations, supporting diverse voices, and fostering an inclusive culture where we all can thrive. Together, we celebrate the past, embrace the present, and work toward a more inclusive future.

The post Life At Activus: Celebrating Black History Month appeared first on Activus Connect.

At Activus Connect, the holiday season is more than just a time for celebration – it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Giving back is deeply embedded in our culture, and initiatives like Operation Christmas Child allow us to spread joy to those who need it most. Through this global program, our team comes together to pack shoeboxes filled with gifts bringing smiles to children around the world.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there, though! Thanks to our “Inspiring Forward” initiative and programs like the “Day of Giving”, Activus Connect fosters a year-round spirit of generosity. These efforts are driven by employees like Chris, who introduced us to Operation Christmas Child and continues to inspire our company’s philanthropic journey,

In this blog, we will explore her story, the impact of Operation Christmas Child and the many ways Activus Connect strives to give back to communities both near and far.

Inspiring Forward: Built on Serving Others

At the heart of Activus Connect lies our Inspiring Forward initiative – a program that reflects our deep commitment to empowering employees to make a positive impact. Whether through volunteering, donating, or creating change in their own communities, our team members are encouraged to turn their passions into action.

Central to this initiative is our “Day of Giving” program, which provides every employee with dedicated time to support causes that matter most to them. This approach not only strengthens our connection to the communities we serve but also nurtures a culture of kindness, unity and purpose within Activus Connect.

By focusing on the well-being of others, Inspiring Forward allows us to turn collective goodwill into meaningful action, driving change beyond the workplace.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a global initiative by Samaritan’s Purse that is dedicated to spreading joy and hope to children through the simple act of giving.

Since 1993, the program has delivered millions of shoeboxes packed with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and personal notes to children in over 100 countries. Each shoebox is more than just a gift – it’s a tangible expression of love that brings smiles and encouragement to children who may have never received a present before.

Beyond the boxes, Operation Christmas Child also shares a message of hope by partnering with local churches and organizations to uplift communities to provide additional support to children and their families

By mobilizing volunteers and donors from all walks of life, the program creates a ripple effect of generosity, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can have a global impact.

How Activus Connect Was Introduced to Operation Christmas Child

Activus Connect was introduced to Operation Christmas Child through the passion and dedication of Chris Herron, our Project Manager & Head of Operations, whose long-term involvement with the program has been an important part of her personal life.

Chris brought the idea to Activus Connect after years of packing shoeboxes and witnessing the profound joy and hope they bring to the children worldwide.

She saw an opportunity to expand her efforts by introducing the program to her coworkers. She knew this was something that aligned perfectly with our core values since Activus Connect has always prioritized community and giving back.

Inspired by her enthusiasm and the mission of Operation Christmas Child, the leadership and employees embraced the opportunity to contribute, making it a company-wide effort, uniting team members in the shared goal of spreading kindness and creating lasting impact.

Employee Spotlight: A Personal Perspective on Giving Back

Over the years, Chris has packed countless boxes, each one a heartfelt effort to show love and hope to children around the world. Her dedication to the cause runs deep, fueled by the belief that these boxes are more than gifts – they are a message of care and connection. This project has created incredible personal connections, like the inspiring story of two people who met and eventually got married thanks to a single shoebox.

With Chris being the driving force behind the company’s involvement, we interviewed her to learn more about her journey and what inspires her. Here’s what she shared:

How did you first get involved with Operation Christmas Child?

I remember it was Halloween of 2011; the year I gave birth to my son. I got an empty shoebox from a friend who participated in a church collection of these shoeboxes. She told me to pack it full of items that would be of good value to those who don’t have a lot for Christmas or throughout the year. I decided to adopt two children to fill up shoeboxes for and I remember thinking “There is not a whole lot I can fit in a shoebox.”

I know these boxes will go to a deprived area, so I bought things like soap, toothbrushes, crayons, pencils, sketchpads, socks, t-shirts and a few little toys. I filled up boxes and gave them to my friend. I remember feeling like it wasn’t much.

That same friend that gave me the box recently adopted disadvantaged children, and I went to the store with her. It was winter so she bought them a pair of gloves and they were so happy! The first thing they said was “I’ve never felt my hands this warm before.” And it got me thinking, that’s what it is about. Something small like that really made a big difference to somebody who doesn’t have anything.

I will never forget the look on their faces. My friend and I were trying to hide our tears because we were so moved. That’s when it started, that’s when I started researching more about Samaritan’s Purse and what other things they do.

What do you think is the MOST impactful aspect of Operation Christmas Child for the kids that receive the boxes?

I think it’s the message behind it. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization, the mission is to help the ones that are deprived and spread the word of God. I think what is really impactful to the kids is knowing they aren’t alone. They go to places where some of the kids don’t have families, like orphanages, not just remote areas. So, it’s really spreading word that there is love and hope. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have all of the things that most of the world has, but somebody is thinking about you.

Can you describe the process of organizing and packing the shoeboxes?

The first step is to find a shoebox. You can pick one up at Hobby Lobby or designated church that participates in the collection. It is a regular size shoebox so you can even go to a store and get one of those plastic shoeboxes with a white lid and that works too.

The main goal is to pack it before the collection week. Collection week typically runs the week before Thanksgiving. You can start the shoebox at any time of the year, you can start in the summer and get random stuff you find on sale that can fit in the box and fill it throughout the year.

Before you pack the shoebox, check what you are able to pack. Throughout the years, they have limited what you can pack. I used to be able to pack things like lotions and toothpaste but now they don’t want you to pack liquids anymore or any types of candies. Anything that could go bad or burst inside the box.

Then, you’ll select the age group and gender you want to pack a box for and choose what you want to buy. Once you pack it, you must make sure you can close the box. If you over pack it, they will take items out and put it in a different box. You also need to make sure not to seal it. It needs to be able to be opened.

An important part to me is I always write a letter. Most of the time they probably won’t be able to understand what you’re writing but I also insert a recent family photo just to show who it is that is loving on them. I let them know that even though I don’t know them, I know that our hearts are connected now from this little gift.

Then you drop it off at a participating center collecting the boxes. It’s a very simple process that takes little effort to participate in and for anybody who doesn’t have time you can go online and put together a box online or donate to help.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering getting involved for the first time?

No matter what situation in life you’re in, what you’re going through, it really takes little effort and little time to let someone know that someone cares for them. It’s the emotions behind it.

If you’re looking for something that will allow you to feel gratitude and make sure that someone feels supported. Sometimes when you’re feeling down, if you do something good for others it helps lift your spirits up.

Believe it or not, there’s plenty of years where I thought “I don’t think we can financially do it this year”, but you know what? Yes, we can. It doesn’t take a lot to be able to do it.

For anybody wanting to join the cause, just start small. Pack one box. Think about why you’re doing it. What are the emotions you feel behind it, because that’s when it really means something.

How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue your involvement year after year?

The first motivation I had was my son. When we first started this, he was a baby and that triggered it because it felt good if I could start a tradition early with him. That’s really my main motivation but what made me keep going was the structure. I’m all about structure and it’s something I can do every year without having to think too hard about what to do and how to give back.

Also, making it a tradition. It’s something I can pass on of value. I got my church involved and was able to pass on these efforts onto someone else. It can trinkle onto more people to give back. Then I brought it to Activus Connect and they decided to match what everybody else did. I also know a lot of other employees that have started doing it. So, I see it as a tradition I can pass on to others.

Wrapping It Up: The Power of Generosity in Action

Through initiatives like Operation Christmas Child, our Inspiring Foward program and the Day of Giving, we strive to create meaningful connections and lasting impacts in communities around the world. Stories like Chris’s remind us that one person’s passion can spark a movement, bringing together teams and transforming lives. You can see the faces of some of these children whose lives have been impacted by receiving a shoebox on their YouTube channel.

As we reflect on our journey, we’re reminded of the power of generosity to inspire change, one shoebox, one act of kindness, and one connection at a time. Together, we’re not just spreading joy – building a legacy of hope for future generations.

We encourage everyone to find ways to give back, whether through programs like Operation Christmas Child or by creating your own moments of kindness. Because no matter how small, every act of giving can make a world of a difference.

The post The Gift of Giving: Activus Connect’s Culture of Giving Back appeared first on Activus Connect.

At Activus Connect, the heart of success lies in its people. As a company that has built its reputation on providing exceptional customer service, it knows that the secret to satisfied customers starts with engaged and empowered employees.

By elevating the employee experience through dedicated engagement efforts, companies can unlock a deeper level of productivity, innovation, and loyalty.

That’s where the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) comes in – the driving force behind initiatives that uplift employees and enrich their work experience.

Let’s explore how this internal powerhouse demonstrates a commitment to elevating experiences from within, creating a workplace where employees can thrive, even in a fully remote environment.

The Importance of Internal Engagement

When employees are tired, overworked, and uninterested in their jobs, what keeps them going? In many cases, the answer is community.

Investing in employee engagement initiatives is essential because a motivated and connected workforce drives any business and sends the message that employees are valued partners in your organization’s overall success.

A company with a workforce full of engaged employees is more productive, has higher morale and employees are more likely to stay with the company for the long run.

By bringing together representatives from various departments, the EEC unites diverse perspectives.

This committee centralizes efforts by streamlining communication between employees and leadership, coordinating engagement activities, and aligning initiatives with the company’s values and goals.

The Role of the Employee Engagement Committee (EEC)

Our EEC, previously known as Stress Busters, is a task force that works on providing employees with enjoyable releases from the daily grind.

At Activus Connect, it is more than just a team – it’s a catalyst for positive change across the organization who focuses on boosting morale, productivity, company culture, and gives the employees a voice to be heard.

From organizing team-building events to fostering open communication channels, the EEC holds different events each month and comes up with activities that strengthen the company’s sense of community and shared purpose.

Building a Culture of Wellness and Recognition

A key focus of the EEC at Activus Connect is employee wellness, both physical and mental.

The committee regularly implements wellness programs that promote healthy habits and work-life balance, recognizing that a healthy team is a productive one.

From fitness challenges to mindfulness workshops, these fun activities provide employees with the resources they need to stay balanced and energized.

Our EEC also plays a major role in employee recognition. We enjoy celebrating individual and team achievements which provides a sense of pride and motivation for employees to continue performing at their best.

Companies that excel in nurturing their workforce and improving employee experience usually see a direct positive impact on customer satisfaction and customer experience. (Activus Connect)

The Impact on Employee Satisfaction

Our focus on elevating experiences from within has paid off in many ways.

The company has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for 5 years in a row, a true testament to the effectiveness of its engagement strategies.

By fostering a supportive, engaging, and responsive work environment, the EEC has helped improve employee retention, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

This investment in people translates into better customer experiences, as employees who feel supported and engaged are more motivated to deliver exceptional service.

Conclusion: A Model for Success

To sum it up, in today’s world, elevating the employee experience is not just nice-to-have – it’s paramount for success.

By listening to employees, collaborating and driving meaningful initiatives, the committee is key in shaping a positive work environment that benefits everyone.

Activus Connect’s approach to employee engagement is a powerful example of how investing in your team can elevate an entire organization.

Through its EEC, the company has built a culture where employees feel connected, valued, and motivated even while working remotely.

By prioritizing the well-being and voices of its people, Activus Connect continues to thrive, proving that the key to business success is elevating experiences from within.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a more engaged workforce, take a page from the Activus Connect playbook. When you invest in your employees, they’ll invest in your success.

The post Elevating Experiences from Within appeared first on Activus Connect.

In the right role, reservists can earn an impactful living wage while having the freedom to jump into action whenever they are called for duty. For Paul Williams, a member of the US Army Reserves in Puerto Rico, his role at Activus Connect has allowed him to effectively balance his reservist life with a full-time job working from home. We’re proud to share his story here.

Life in the Army Reserves

Paul was 20 when he joined the Army, coincidentally starting his military career on Veteran’s Day. “I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect—I couldn’t even eat that day,” he recalled. “It was pretty nerve-wracking but an unforgettable experience at the same time.”

After his three-month basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Paul took his Advanced Individual Training to become a mechanic, which became his military occupational specialty. As part of the reserves for the 246 Quartermaster Company in Puerto Rico, Paul’s work primarily involves the repair of power generation equipment. He performs drills once a month and annual active duty training for two weeks a year but has also been called to duty for a few operations.

“Our unit deals with mortuary affairs, so we were a huge part of the support efforts during Hurricane Maria,” he said. “We set up in a forensic science building in San Juan to help out, so I had to make sure the building’s generators and refrigeration units were operational, along with some civilian specialists.”

Paul once thought about entering active duty full-time, but he didn’t want to take his family through the stressful life of moving from base to base, so he chose to stay in the reserves and stay close to home.

Job Hunting in Puerto Rico

Like his mother, Paul Williams grew up in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where he lives today. “I was pretty lucky to get a unit here in the west side when I joined the military, as it allowed me to stay involved in my friends’ and family’s lives,” he said.

His unit can put him on active duty orders at any given time. Still, he doesn’t receive any wages outside of these obligations, so he has to perform additional work to support his family. When Paul is called to duty, he puts on his uniform, and there’s no turning back until he fulfills his obligations. The Army provides supporting evidence that reservists can submit to their other employers. Still, not every company understands or accepts it in Puerto Rico, which can cause challenges for some reservists in the country.

Before Paul found Activus Connect, his previous employer laid him off for this very reason, right around when his wife had a baby on the way. Through word-of-mouth that he discovered Activus Connect.

“Unlike any other company I’ve worked for, Activus allows me to stay home, gives me good pay to support my family, and they not only understand and respect my military obligations, but they also embrace it as a key part of who I am,” he said.

Maintaining a Military Life in Virtual CX

Here at Activus Connect, Paul works full time as an Ambassador, taking calls from customers to address their concerns and answer their questions, all from the safety and comfort of his home.

“I had tried work-from-home before, but it’s not easy to find something that pays well and gives you this much flexibility,” he said. “Some companies get kinda cranky when you tell them you’re going away suddenly for military duty.”

After around 60 days at Activus, Paul received notification of being eligible for a full-time position offering additional benefits. This process generally takes about nine months in most Puerto Rico companies. He was so excited that he rushed over to his wife to share the happy news.

“We couldn’t believe it had happened so quickly,” he said. “When I was selected to join Activus Connect, they guided me through everything. My first day of training was even paid, which is uncommon in Puerto Rico. Unlike the other companies I have worked for, Activus has been like a family to me, welcoming me back with open arms after I’m away fulfilling my Army obligations. It’s incredibly refreshing.”

Paul is now on his way out of the reserves to focus on working from home full-time.

“I really enjoyed my time in the military, and I met so many good people. It was a huge honor to earn my uniform and get a feel for what it was like,” he said. “If the time comes to put on the uniform again, I would gladly do so, but for now, I’m focused on my future alongside my family.”

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The post Life at Activus: Balancing Civilian Life with a Military Career in Puerto Rico appeared first on Activus Connect.

With Military Spouse Appreciation Day falling on May 7th, what better time to tell the story of one of our Ambassadors, Jonathan Martinez, whose husband serves as a first-class petty officer in the Navy.

Leaving an Old Life Behind

Jonathan is an Ambassador at Activus Connect, taking incoming calls, answering customer questions, and providing his clientele with a great experience, which he can do conveniently from home, thanks to our SmartVirtual™ platform.

When we asked Jonathan where he’s based, he had to pause a moment to think.

“As a military spouse with a husband in the Navy, that’s a tough question to answer as you’re kind of everywhere,” he laughed. “Right now, I’m staying with my mom in Upper West Side Manhattan, New York, where I was born and raised, but that’s about to change.”

Jonathan’s husband was born in Germany and raised in Texas. They met in 2016 when he was stationed in New Jersey. They later married in August 2019. “Luckily, he spent those first three years stationed in New Jersey, so we didn’t have to move around at all. Once he got orders to deploy to San Diego, I left my job behind and moved with him,” he said.

Jonathan never thought he would leave New York, so traveling to a new temporary home was a shift, forcing him to adapt to a new lifestyle. “Leaving the place that I loved was challenging, but after meeting my husband and understanding his situation, I was mentally ready, knowing that it would happen eventually,” he said. “San Diego was a great place to move to, as it still has that city atmosphere that reminded me of home.”

Looking Towards the Next Adventure

“When the boat arrives in San Diego, we’re shipping off to our new home in Washington state,” he said. “It might be a bit more of a culture shock to live outside of a city, but we’ll see—I might enjoy the adventure. Truthfully, the experience of traveling and road-tripping across the States is incredible. It is helping to explore a different me that I didn’t know was there. It puts me out of my comfort zone, which is a positive.”

With each of his husband’s deployments lasting between five and seven months, they stay in touch through email, text messaging, and the occasional call.

“His availability switches up a lot because of the different time zones he’s traveling through,” he said. “One week, he’s close to Asia, the next close to Hawaii, and his shifts are usually late or overnight, so it’s sometimes tough to pin down a good time to communicate. The hardest part is spending so much time together, followed by not seeing each other for months. It’s difficult to go through such a rapid change when you’re so used to someone being around every day.”

Working on the Road

Jonathan’s husband plans to complete his 20 years of service, so he feels secure in his ability for his Activus Connect career to be a staple for him despite his current address.

“The best part about working with Activus is the lifestyle,” he said. “It’s great to be able to take my job with me, instead of putting in a two weeks’ notice, ramping down, and finding a new job in the next place. Activus is the best employer for the military spouse lifestyle. They’ve been understanding about our next relocation and taking the time to move and settle in. You don’t see that understanding at many other companies.”

Besides work, Jonathan enjoys hanging out with other military spouses to go hiking, bowling, and sporting activities. “I joined a Facebook group for family members of people on the same ship and made loads of friends,” he said. “Pre-pandemic, we had roughly 20 people who would hang out a few times a week. It was nice to create that bond. Several of the families are also relocating to Washington, and it will be nice to have an established group of friends there.”

While Jonathan’s heart is in the school system and working with kids, he knows it would be difficult to attach to one place when he needs to move around so often. Activus Connect is empowering him to remain in the workforce and do great things for other people while still being able to invest time and energy volunteering in working with kids wherever his family happens to reside.

“As a military spouse, you need the strength to go through your own life while setting aside a lot of the emotions that come with being alone for long periods,” he said. “That strength, and the ability to help others in my work, is what keeps me going.”

The post Portable Career as a Military Spouse appeared first on Activus Connect.

Early Life and Adventurous Inspiration

Michelle was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, where she often spent time listening to her grandfather’s inspiring war stories.

“My grandfather was an air force pilot in World War II, so he had no shortage of great adventures to talk about,” she said. “Every time he shared stories with me, I just lit up. He motivated my decision to join the military.”

Although she didn’t become an aviator like her grandpa, she did have the daring experience of parachuting out of a plane during airborne training.

Kickstarting the Military Life

Shortly after her high school graduation, Michelle shipped off to basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. While there, she volunteered to further her training at the Army Missile Command/Missile & Munitions Center and School in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

“I got to learn about every weapon that the United States has in its arsenal,” she said. “For a young woman with a fascination for weapons and guns, it was the ultimate training experience.”

Michelle’s first duty station was Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she was assigned to the 82nd Aviation Brigade. It was thanks to her experience in the 82nd Aviation Brigade what propelled her to complete jump school and become part of an elite Airborne division.

“It was all about the wings, the red berets, the boots, the jump status, and working with the best of the best elite soldiers—it was mind-blowing for a recruit like me,” she said.

Michelle’s first overseas tour was in December 1998, when she served in a unit in Korea for a year. There she had a chance to train with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army and travel around South Korea. “It was truly eye-opening to see things I’d never seen before and meet people from a different background and culture,” she said.

Raising Kids in the Military Life

Right before traveling to Korea, Michelle became pregnant with her first son, Ja’Mir.

“Having him was scary because I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it work,” she said. “It’s not easy being a single mom at the best of times, let alone when you’re in the military. He was the first to experience the reality that mom had to go away regularly on deployments and field operations.”

Despite the challenging times, Ja’Mir’s birth made Michelle stronger and taught her how to focus on quality over quantity during periods of leave. He and his sister, Auria—who now has twin daughters of her own—both grew up in military housing, so they spent a lot of time with other military children, making friends with people of all different backgrounds.

“As the product of two military parents, the kids got to travel a whole lot,” she said. “They lived in a variety of cultures and interacted with many different people, but it wasn’t without difficulties; the frequent deployments and transfers, forcing them to reacclimate to new people and surroundings.”

While the lifestyle was undoubtedly challenging, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, according to Michelle. Her kids would often get excited about moving to a new place, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people, all benefits of being a military brat.

“Where I come from, not many kids are as well-traveled as mine,” she said. “They saw so many places that I wish I had experienced as a kid. Even though we were always traveling, the one thing they could rely on was that their parents would come back to them. I’m just so glad that I was able to keep that promise, as not all those who serve to have the same outcome.”

Military Takeaways

The main things that Michelle learned from her time in the military were honor, integrity, loyalty, dedication, and the willingness to go above and beyond for the mission. Putting family first was another essential learning, as well as teaching people how to become better soldiers.

“Integrity, respect, and loyalty are not only military values; they’re things that I take with me every day,” she said. “You have to remain loyal to yourself, or you can’t show loyalty to anyone else. That carries over to work, to family, and respecting what other people do and say, even if it doesn’t align with your values.”

“I’ve learned to take myself out of situations and put other people before me so I can understand where they are coming from,” she said. “It’s helped me to look at people differently and in a much better light. It’s not always about you, but about what you can do for others.”

Michelle thinks that Activus Connect shares many of the military values she lives by.

“Activus encourages us to take full responsibility for our actions, which aligns with the integrity aspect of military life,” she said. “If we say we are going to do something, then we should always follow through. That’s how we stay honorable with our contributions.”

Second Chance at Motherhood

Michelle now resides in Harker Heights, Central Texas. “I love this area of the country,” she said. “It has so much variety and so many different cultures that it feels like being overseas sometimes. It’s an awesome place to live.”

Michelle first arrived in Texas in 2008 when her superiors ordered a permanent change of station (PCS), relocating her to Fort Hood from Fort Riley in Kansas. After Michelle retired from the Army in 2011, she spent some time in Houston before moving to Harper Heights, where she met her husband. Now she spends much of her time with her daughter, Auria, and her twin granddaughters, catching up on lost time.

“I feel like I got a second chance to be in my daughter’s life fully,” she said. “Part of that freedom comes from working at Activus, which puts its employees first and gives us time for family, which is so important for me, my daughter, and my awesome new grandbabies.”

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Early Years and Military Upbringing

Wendy grew up in Los Angeles, California, but moved to Arkansas, in the early nineties. Her dad was an Army veteran in the Vietnam war before she was born, so Wendy grew up with an understanding of the military through her father’s teachings.

“American pride was huge in our household and the honor of fighting for our country,” she said. “Those core values of commitment, courage, and honor that the military promotes were instilled into my brothers and me at a very young age. Whenever I looked at the military as a child, I always remember thinking it was the greatest thing you could do for your country.”

Enlisting at a Young Age

Like her father before her, Wendy was 17 when she first signed up. She joined the US Navy in 1997 and remembers celebrating her 18th birthday at boot camp in Chicago.

After completing her sea school training in the US, Wendy’s first duty was in Guam, a small United States territory in the North Pacific Ocean. Soon after she arrived, she began a relationship and soon became pregnant.

“I was so young that I was barely an adult myself, and I certainly didn’t know how to take care of a child,” she recalled. “My boyfriend and I decided to take the adoption route, which was a difficult, but necessary decision to make. It was a tough time in my life.”

At that time, the military would not assist with adoptions. Guam was not an adoption-friendly location, so the young couple had to navigate through endless challenges before finding a perfect military couple on the island.

“They had been trying to have children for over ten years, so they were over the moon when we found them,” she said. “We started the adoption process while I was still pregnant, and my daughter was born shortly after I turned 19. I am very grateful that we could reconnect as adults and have recently even met in person. We now keep in touch regularly, and it’s wonderful to be in each other’s lives again.”

Great Achievements and Challenging Times

The Navy sent Wendy from Guam to Texas, where she became one of the first women ever stationed on the USS Kingfisher. This minesweeper vessel had the dangerous job of hunting mines from ocean minefields.

“The Navy was doing a trial to see if they could station women on minehunters, which were predominantly male ships at the time,” she said. “I volunteered and became one of the first four women ever to come aboard, eventually receiving the Sailor of the Year award.”

A few years later, when Wendy was 21, she and her boyfriend—who was also in the Navy—got married and had another daughter together, the year before September 11th, 2001.

“I missed her first birthday because I was sent away to New Orleans during 9/11 and then to Bahrain,” she said. “Luckily, my husband at the time was on shore duty, so he was able to take care of her while I was away. There is a saying in the military that children aren’t issued with your seabag, which means you can’t always be there for them once you sign up to do your service. That’s the harsh but unavoidable reality of having kids in the military.”

Globetrotting Adventures

Wendy left the active service in 2002, choosing to join the reserves for the next two years. She moved back to Guam with her daughter and lived there as a civilian for several years before returning to the States.

“I was a bartender over there, and we spent a lot of time together just enjoying the island life,” she said. “My daughter even learned how to speak Japanese and Tagalog, as her babysitter was Filipino. Wendy wishes that she would have kept up with her daughter on speaking those languages after they moved away from Guam.  It was super laid back and very different from living in the States.”

After leaving Guam, Wendy and her daughter moved back to Arkansas, followed by a move to Texas, where she met her current husband from Jacksonville.

“We’ve lived here in Jacksonville for a little over 12 years now, which is the longest I’ve lived anywhere,” she laughed. “We did a lot of traveling when I was in the military, and I took advantage of that. Whenever I was out of active duty, my daughter and I would experience as much of the world as we could. We learned so much about different cultures and learned to be appreciative of what we have here in the United States.”

Part of the Activus Family

Wendy joined Activus Connect a year ago to lead an essential process critical to the support of one of our valuable clients. In her short tenure, she has utilized her life-long skills to progress her career quickly and is now a Team Experience Coordinator (TEC.)

She tells us how important it is to work for a company that appreciates its employees and wants to give back to the community. Hence, she intends on sticking with Activus Connect for the foreseeable future.

“The way I live my life, approach my career and raise my children are all influenced by the core values I learned from the military, such as honor, courage, commitment, discipline, and dedication,” she said. “The way I dedicated myself to the military is the same level of dedication that I have to Activus. I take pride in my work and find great honor in what I do for a living.”

The post Courage, Honor, Commitment: Life as a Military Child, Parent, and Veteran appeared first on Activus Connect.

Early Life Lessons

When Ruth was growing up, she and her sister lived with her grandmother in Virginia while her dad served in the Navy on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He stayed in the military for ten years, joining when Ruth was five and leaving when she was fifteen.

“Due to a lack of good communication technology at the time, we didn’t hear much from him when he was away, but he would come to spend time with us when the ship was back in port, or we would visit him at the Navy base, which was always a memorable experience,” she said.

Ruth’s father would spend six months away from home every year during that time, but the base was only 20 minutes away from her grandmother’s house. So they would often visit to see air shows and participate in other family-centric events when he wasn’t out to sea.

“I was lucky enough to have a great childhood, make strong friendships, and enjoy school, but my dad’s absence was difficult at times—those six-month tours were pretty hard for us,” she said.

Despite the challenge of her dad’s absence, Ruth learned a lot from him thanks to his time in the Navy.

“On the practical side, aside from learning about preparing dehydrated MREs (meals ready to eat), he taught me to fish—being that they were always on the water—and how to apply a splint to broken bones,” she said. “I also learned a lot about integrity and morals, which were super important when I joined the military myself.”

Ruth believes that if you don’t have morals, you can’t work as a team, no matter whether you’re in the military or a company like Activus Connect. “You’re not in it for yourself; you’re in it to make a difference for others,” she told us.

Raising Children as a Full-Time Sargeant

Ruth was 17 when she had her first child, and she already had a strong desire to join the Army. Joining the military was not only an admirable choice but an adventurous one as well, as she had personally discovered as a military brat.

“When I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to leave Virginia,” she remembered. “The Army was one of the best ways that I could make a better life for her, offering stability and the chance to travel, so I joined when she was six months old.”

Ruth went through basic training in South Carolina, which took three months. She then started advanced individual training (AIT) in Virginia, which allowed her to reunite with her daughter, who was being cared for by Ruth’s mother. When her daughter was around one and a half years old, Ruth gave birth to a son, but her military career was already in full swing by then.

Ruth was a sergeant and would sometimes stand in as the platoon sergeant when needed. “I didn’t consider them soldiers; I viewed them as family. I would treat them as if they were my kin, checking that they were okay, trying to influence good choices, and helping them to learn positive life lessons along the way,” she said. “I would even occasionally bring my kids to the formation with me, have them order my soldiers around, take them to ceremonies and family barbeques. We all had a lot of fun.”

Unlike her father’s long tours away, after her initial training, Ruth’s time away was much shorter, allowing her to be there for her kids more frequently. Ruth served in the Army for ten years, like her father before her. For the first four years of this time, Ruth was married, but she spent the last six years as a single parent, adding a new challenge to overcome.

“Luckily, the Army provides many resources for single parents, and the daycare was great about teaching children things like swimming, CPR, cooking, and other important life skills,” she said. “It was great to have something to keep them occupied while learning while I was working. They also had single parent retreats, like weekends at Great Wolf Lodge, so even the adults had support and an opportunity to unwind a bit.”

Forging a New Path

Ruth was deployed to Afghanistan when the kids were six and seven years old. Towards the end of that deployment, her grandmother got sick, so her mother had to take care of everyone. It was then that Ruth decided to come home. “It came down to me being a mother first,” she said.

Ruth now lives with her two children, 17 and 15, in South Carolina. She joined the Activus Connect family as an Ambassador in February 2021 and is looking forward to her future career with us.

“I feel like the military gave me the skills I needed to shape my professional future, so I’m putting that theory to the test at Activus,” she said. “It taught me how to take care of people, recognize what’s important, and prioritize the right things, which are super important skills for a healthy and well-balanced life.”

The post Shaping Integrity and Morals Through Two Generations of Military Life appeared first on Activus Connect.

Here at Activus Connect, we do everything in our power to help our people stay safe, develop their careers, and feel like an essential part of a growing company that values every employee. For Nitza Cortes, the stability of a job at Activus came at the perfect time for her and her family.

Looking for a Lifeline

Nitza lives in Aguadilla—a town on Puerto Rico’s northwestern tip—with her 14-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.

Before Activus, Nitza spent five years working in technical support for a telecommunications provider on the island. Her job was to troubleshoot internet problems for customers, so she had experience working in a contact center environment. It was only after her daughter’s epilepsy worsened that Nitza’s CX career was put on hold.

“Once we realized that medication wasn’t helping her, we had to travel to Boston to get her evaluated, which was a long process,” she recalled. “My previous employer only allowed us to take a maximum of three months for family leave, but the evaluation process was much longer, so they showed me the door. It was a challenging time for us.”

After her daughter underwent surgery, Nitza spent a few months without work while caring for her daughter. As her health started to improve, Nitza began looking for stable employment that could allow her to continue caring for her kids at home. That’s when she found Activus.

Enhancing CX Quality Safely From Home

Nitza joined Activus Connect in December 2019, starting her career as an Ambassador and eventually becoming a Quality Coach in late 2020. As a Quality Coach at Activus Connect, Nitza spends her day listening to calls to determine how well our Ambassadors are performing and providing valuable feedback to them.

“The idea is to find areas for improvement so we can arrange tailored coaching sessions that focus on those areas,” she said. “As well as maximizing each Ambassador’s performance, it’s important that we verify if they’re saying the right things in the right way to ensure we remain compliant and keep our clients happy.”

Nitza is always on the lookout for long moments of silence, inappropriate tone of voice, or language that could be considered rude. While these issues are few and far between at Activus, they’re a pretty common complaint in the call center industry, which is why we need people like Nitza to keep our teams on track to deliver exceptional experiences.

Finding a Unique Opportunity to Thrive at Work

Nitza was educated at the University of Puerto Rico and completed her studies at Inter-American University, where she obtained a bachelor’s in biotechnology. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any luck finding work in that field, so she hopped around in different jobs for several years before finding her footing in the CX industry.

“I’ve worked in a coffee shop, a cell phone kiosk, a supermarket—you name it, I’ve done it,” she laughed. “Nothing was ever really that satisfying to me, so I was always looking for something else. It’s only once I started helping people in a customer experience role that I really started to enjoy my work.”

Like many of us, Nitza is currently home-schooling her kids during the pandemic. She has to make sure they attend their online classes, help them prepare for their exams, and keep them motivated to pursue their education, all while working full-time at home.

“Here in Puerto Rico, it’s tough to find jobs that are 100% work-at-home,” she explained. “I felt fortunate to find Activus because I needed something that would allow me to stay at home, raise my kids, and care for my daughter in case something happened.”

With both of her kids in the at-risk group for covid, Nitza and her family take short, daily walks of around 30 minutes to one hour but spend most of the day safely at home. The opportunity to protect her family’s health while earning a living wage has been an enormous blessing, she tells us.

“I love Activus because they make you feel like family,” she said. “Felix is the CEO, but he makes us feel like we can talk with him whenever we need to. If you have a problem, you can talk with anyone, and they will support you. At Activus, family truly comes first, and you won’t lose your job because of it.”

The post Life at Activus: Safe, Stable Employment During Difficult Times appeared first on Activus Connect.