Carolina Contreras – Feeling empowered to grow confidently
:quality(90)/)
Enjoying the unique combination of culture, purpose, stability, and innovation.
I thrive on movement, connection, and soaking up life’s small, meaningful moments. As the oldest of six siblings, I grew up in a lively, loving environment where family always came first. That foundation shaped who I am today, someone who deeply values quality time, whether I am catching up with loved ones, enjoying a good movie, or simply sharing a laugh.
Whenever I can, I love to escape the routine of city life. A day trip to the beach, a refreshing hike, or an adventure abroad helps me reconnect with nature, broaden my perspective, and appreciate the beauty of the world around me. Traveling especially fuels my curiosity—it opens my eyes to new ways of living and reminds me how much we can learn through shared experiences.
I find inspiration everywhere, but especially in small acts of kindness. Watching someone help a stranger with no expectation in return truly moves me. These quiet, genuine gestures remind me of the good that exists in all of us. They push me to be a better person and inspire me to lead with empathy, compassion, and generosity every day.
My career journey
My professional journey began in Costa Rica, where I graduated as a general physician in 2018. I spent three unforgettable years working in an emergency department, facing the pandemic on the front lines. Those years tested me in ways I never imagined, strengthening my resilience, deepening my hope, and showing me the incredible power of teamwork.
In 2021, after earning my Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, I transitioned into a role as medical coordinator. There, I led international hospital accreditation processes, guided preventive health initiatives, and managed various surgical projects… all with the goal of elevating care and building stronger partnerships. It was a period of intense learning and growth that solidified my passion for making healthcare better.
A year ago, I stepped into my current role at Roche, joining a global team that has been nothing short of transformative. I have expanded my technical skills and learnt from the rich cultural perspectives of my colleagues. Collaborating with experts from around the world has fueled my professional development and strengthened my sense of purpose.
What makes working at Roche so special to me is the unique combination of culture, purpose, stability, and innovation. The openness, support, and willingness to collaborate have redefined how I view the workplace. This is a place where dialogue is encouraged, and every voice matters.
Our shared purpose resonates deeply with my values as a physician, which is to improve lives and help patients around the world. It is a mission that goes far beyond any one individual, and for me, it is truly priceless. The stability and support I have experienced at Roche empower me to grow confidently, while our commitment to constant innovation ensures that we keep pushing boundaries to create meaningful change.
What I treasure most is the human side of our team. A few months ago, I faced a difficult moment in my personal life. Despite not having known my colleagues for long, they stood by me wholeheartedly. They trusted me to manage my responsibilities but, more importantly, they offered unwavering compassion and presence for me and my family. That experience reaffirmed the deep humanity at the core of our culture.
Through every obstacle and setback, I have maintained my passion and motivation because I understand the impact of my work. Knowing that my efforts contribute to improving lives even in small ways, gives me the strength to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.
My 5 career tips
:quality(90)/)
Believe in your abilities: Trust yourself and your skills. Self-confidence is the foundation for taking on challenges and growing professionally.
Communicate openly and honestly: Don’t hesitate to share your opinion and join conversations. Your voice is valuable and can drive positive change.
Remember there is a person behind every screen: Be kind, respectful, empathetic, and understanding with your colleagues. Human collaboration is key to a positive work environment
Seek continuous learning opportunities: Stay open to new experiences, train yourself, and learn from your peers. Curiosity and the desire to grow fuel an exciting career.
Be proactive and take the initiative: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—look for them, propose ideas, and show commitment. This will help you stand out and add more value to the team.
My RSS high-5!
If I could high-five anyone in the organization to celebrate RSS’s fifth anniversary in 2025, it would be my team from America: Terilyn Love, Fernanda Enríquez, and Juan José Picado.
They represent a great source of professional and personal support for me. Over time, we have worked together facing challenges and celebrating achievements, always with open communication and strong commitment. Their dedication, experience, and collaboration have been essential for my growth and the success of our projects. High-fiving them would mean celebrating not only RSS’s anniversary but also the strength and unity of a team that inspires and motivates every day.