In 2006, Ivis Hernandez-Merino and her husband left Cuba for the United States after being selected through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery. They arrived with the hope of building a better future for their family but, like many immigrants starting over in a new country, discovered that opportunity requires equal parts adaptation, persistence, and courage.
In Cuba, Ivis had studied physical therapy. But rebuilding a career in the United States while learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture meant taking a different path. Her first job in the U.S. was with Peckham’s manufacturing line of business.
A few years later, Ivis stepped away from the workforce just prior to giving birth to her second child. But she never forgot Peckham—or the sense that it was a place where she could return when she was ready to resume her career working outside the home.
In 2017, Ivis returned as a level one sewer and steadily worked her way to level three before becoming a quality supervisor. Each new position brought greater responsibility and new skills. Then an opportunity arose to move from manufacturing and to Peckham’s 3PL line of business. Given the option of remaining in her comfort zone or challenging herself again, she chose the latter… and has never looked back.
She began in 3PL as a team member. One year later, she moved into a team lead position. After gaining another year’s worth of experience, she had the opportunity to move into a staff position. This time, however, she hesitated.
“I was scared,” she recalls.
Before applying, Ivis gathered her family and told them about the opportunity—and about her doubts. Her children’s response was simple: You can do it. And we’ll help you.
That encouragement gave Ivis the confidence to apply for the Logistics Supervisor position, a position she’s been in for about nine months.
At Peckham, Ivis found that same encouragement from supervisors and managers who offered practical advice that helped her navigate unfamiliar responsibilities, while reminding her that growth rarely happens without stepping outside of what feels comfortable.
Today, Ivis oversees daily receiving and shipping operations. She helps ensure products are received accurately, quality standards are met, orders leave on time, and her team has what it needs to succeed. The fast-paced work is time-sensitive, requiring organization, attention to detail, and leadership throughout the day.
For Ivis, there is a particular satisfaction in reaching the end of a busy shift knowing the integral part she’s played in making sure her team worked together to complete the day’s duties. And becoming a supervisor has taught her that leadership is something you continue to learn. She meets regularly with her coach and manager to talk about her progress and identify areas where she can continue growing. She is candid about the challenges of learning a new role and is grateful for the people who have encouraged her along the way.
“They made me trust myself,” she says.
Ivis’s motivation has always been deeply personal. Family members in Cuba—especially her mother—depend on the financial support she provides. With her mother now needing surgery, Ivis is preparing for a short trip back to Cuba, where she plans to spend time with her mother and reconnect with other family members.
Moving to the United States and becoming a U.S. citizen brought with it opportunities Ivis never dreamed of growing up in Cuba.
While her journey hasn’t followed the physical therapy career path she once imagined, it’s clear that leaving her home country is a decision she doesn’t regret. Every step has required Ivis to believe she can accomplish more than she believed she could just one day earlier.
Today, as her accomplishments continue to pile up, she understands that her most important one is believing in herself.