Ivanyla Vargas works in a world dominated by men, where the contributions that women can make are often not taken seriously. However, this Puerto Rican has earned the respect of a guild in which it has not been easy to stand out
“They have to know that one knows and that I have learned,” she said. “I have been in this position for more than 15 years, but I have done this job for almost 25”.
Vargas refers to her position as director of labor relations at Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a company that distributes electricity and natural gas. One of her responsibilities is to participate in negotiations between managers and the workforce, as well as to ensure that collective agreements and other related laws are followed.
“It is not common for women to negotiate,” said Vargas. , who has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice and a doctorate in jurisprudence; both degrees from Marquette University, Wisconsin. “The respect I have received is because I have worked very hard so that the unions understand and know that I not only know what I know, but that I can also help them reach the right middle ground.”
Another of his tasks has been to try to open the doors to more women in positions in which it is not common for this gender to work.
“We are trying to make them understand that women can also be electricians, that they can also get on a post, for example,” he said. “Little by little women are taking these positions that are not traditional ”.
In addition to his formal work, Vargas is part of the board of directors of the Hope for Families and Children Foundation, an arm of the Puerto Rican Family Institute, a non-profit organization that serves low-income communities. income from New York and Puerto Rico in areas such as child abuse prevention, psychiatric treatment, and help for
homeless.
When Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, Vargas participated in fundraising , food, clothing, and other goods to bring to the island. He did the same thing when an earthquake shook that country at the end of 2019.
Despite this, he does not consider himself an activist, “but someone who wants to help people.”
