MAKER

“At first I pictured manufacturers as people who just weld metal materials together. Man, was I wrong. There’s so much more to manufacturing.”

Allesandra Garjulo

MEET ALLESANDRA

  • Nickname

    Ally

  • Hometown

    East Haven, CT

  • Position

    Shipping and Receiving

  • Employer

    Penn Globe
    North Branford, CT

Q&A

What led you to pursue a career in manufacturing?

It’s funny to even say, but I was truthfully at the right place at the right time. After high school I went to college for culinary arts. I’ve worked in the culinary field for four and a half years. When Covid hit back in March of 2020, I became pregnant and my job became so heart-wrenching, I started to lose my passion for cooking.

In December of 2020, a month before my son was born, I decided to take some time off and find myself again. I lasted all the way until November of 2021 as a stay-at-home mom. I started to feel lost, like all I was was a mom with no special talents. It just so happened my father-in-law works for a moving business and helped Penn Globe ship their poles and fixtures to other states. I went to Penn Globe to help pick up an order. I was infatuated with their work. They had mentioned they were looking for a young woman to fill the spot for shipping and receiving and I said why not. And here I am only six months in and I’m loving every moment of it.  

What has your journey been like?

I’ve been truly thankful for this company for accepting a woman like me. I had a culinary degree. Never in my life did I think I’d be capable of a manufacturing job.

It’s nonstop learning new skills and techniques for creating such magnificent work all done by hand. Penn Globe is the one job I’ve ever worked for that is willing to work step-by-step with their employees to open their eyes and release inner talents you never thought you’d be capable of. Most manufacturing jobs are considered a “man’s job.” At first I pictured manufacturers as people who just weld metal materials together. Man, was I wrong. There’s so much more to manufacturing. It’s amazing to be a part of.  

What have you learned about yourself?

If I set my mind to it, I can do it!

Do you have any advice for people interested in a career in manufacturing?

Don’t be afraid to try new things. I’m a big believer that many things happen in life for a reason. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love spending quality time with my friends and family.