From ramp agent to leadership, Unifi General Manager's career journey was the leap of faith that helped him soar

What started as a side hustle to make some extra cash turned into a full-time career for Yobany Calderon-Alfaro. With over six years at Unifi, his journey from a ramp agent to a general manager is a testament to his dedication and passion for continuous learning.

Originally from Mexico, Yobany moved to the United States with his family at the age of five. It was at this early age that he discovered his passion for learning and recognized its necessity. He not only learned English to communicate with his teachers and classmates but also to help his parents and their friends navigate daily tasks like reading and paying bills.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Yobany found himself on the ramp, learning the ropes from his coworkers. His hard work and eagerness to learn quickly paid off; within a year, he was promoted to supervisor. He embraced every opportunity to learn from those around him, embodying his belief that "the goal is to always learn the next role above you so that when the opportunity becomes available, you are ready."

Yobany's big break came when he was offered the position of Performance Manager in Seattle. Despite the daunting prospect of moving away from his family for the first time, he took the leap. "It was a scary time because I had never been far from my family, but Unifi was so encouraging and helped me with the move. With my flight benefits, I was able to fly back each weekend to see my family, which really helped with the transition."

In Seattle, Yobany continued to thrive under the guidance of exceptional mentors. His dedication and hard work culminated in his current role as a general manager, where he now oversees 400 people.

Yobany's favorite part of the job has been building a diverse team where everyone feels welcome. He takes pride in fostering an environment where team members learn from each other’s cultures and languages. He says he also loves teaching his leaders how to replace him, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and knowledge transfer. "The key is making sure we all have the same goals. I pass on what I know to them, and they pass on what they know to those under them. We can all grow here. I am proof of that!" he says.

Yobany's story is a powerful reminder of the value of continuous learning and the importance of seizing opportunities.