A class act: from teacher to community leader, lifting standards of responsibility to new heights

At APM Terminals, our colleagues come from vastly different backgrounds and bring with them a multitude of experience.  

One of the benefits in working with us is the opportunity and encouragement given to help colleagues reach their full potential through the training and support we provide, and from the importance we place in creating an inclusive culture, ensuring all our people feel comfortable in being their authentic selves. 

Krizia Cantón, one of our colleagues in Costa Rica, came to global logistics from a completely unexpected direction. Formally a bilingual preschool teacher, she joined us in 2022 as a Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator. 

Here, Krizia shares her experience of joining APM Terminals, tells us what diversity means to her, and provides a behind-the-scenes view of what it’s like to be part of a large multi-national organisation with its foots firmly set in the local community. 

You were a bilingual preschool teacher before joining APM Terminals. What was the driver behind changing your career?
"I was always involved with different non-governmental organisations such as Active 20-30 Internacional, in Costa Rica, where we managed social and environmental projects. This organisation trained me as a leader to serve the community, especially children.  

After some time, I started working with the consultant who coordinated the sea turtle conservation project at APM Terminals Moín, and when a friend told me about the opening for a Social Responsibility and Sustainability Coordinator, I decided to apply." 

How did you find the transition from working in a classroom to a massive terminal and being part of a global organisation?
"Honestly, the change was very challenging, personally and professionally. I had to adapt to a new work culture, learn different terminologies, learn about the business and adapt to this international organisation. However, I had leaders and who helped me through the transition, so I am extremely grateful to them and the company". 

What specific skills or competencies have you developed during your time at APM Terminals, and how have they contributed to your overall growth?”
“Having worked for many years as teacher before joining APM Terminals, I had developed a skillset specific to my teaching role. At APM Terminals, I have been able to build upon those skills in the area of social responsibility, specifically in sustainability issues, projects and management of key stakeholders and volunteer groups.  

“Through training and workshops provided by APM Terminals, I have been able to learn more, developing a social responsibility strategy taking into account the Sustainable Development Goals, which has been very rewarding to be able to serve the community through working in my role. I have also strengthened my leadership skills which has encouraged me to become president of the APM Terminals Moín Employee Solidarity Association.” 

How do you define diversity? 
"To me, diversity is about recognising and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique. This includes, but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and beliefs, etc.” 

What is the impact of a company supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace? 
"More happy employees. When you feel valued and included, you are more likely to be engaged and committed, not only to the company, but with the people around you. For example, at APM Terminals, I feel that my voice is heard, and that I can find a place to develop myself personally and professionally. Additionally, APM Terminals guarantees a fair and equitable environment in the workplace, promoting a culture of respect and inclusion for all, making relationships between collaborators more empathetic and effective". 

Can you share an example of how you’ve contributed to fostering an inclusive environment in your workplace?  
“I try to promote respect and empathy through participating in initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. For example, I organized a diversity, equity and inclusion workshop to share the value and importance of respect when the Rainbow Container visited our terminal. The container – painted with bright rainbow colours - signifies the company’s desire to create a culture where everyone can be themselves without judgement. It has travelled to many APM Terminals locations, and it always instills a great sense of pride in the workplace.” 

What steps do you take to ensure equity among team members? 
"All people should be treated as individuals and their uniqueness and essence should be respected. To do this, I recognize and value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives that each team member brings to foster a sense of belonging and respect among team members.”  

Finally, what do you enjoy most about working at APM Terminals? 
"It may sound like a cliché, but we are truly a family. We support and respect each other, we value our colleagues’ opinion even if we disagree or have different points of view. I am very thankful for my team, the company and what we have achieved together.  

“APM Terminals not only lifts containers, it lifts hearts with every project that has a positive impact on the communities around us.”