Her Story
About Alene
Alene Garcia has been working in the field of histology since 2011. She joined a university in 2012 after developing an interest in the discipline while employed as a working student in a veterinary medicine institution's histology department during college. Garcia began her career with a passion for animals and prior experience in animal-related settings. After graduating, she pursued her HT credential and secured a full-time role at the veterinary hospital's diagnostic lab, where she worked for four years. She then transitioned to a new lab on the human side, continuing her work in histology. Until approximately 2023 she held the HT credential before obtaining her HTL the following year. In her current role, Garcia performs a range of tasks including receiving, grossing, embedding, microtomy, IHC, special staining, and lead tech duties. She is credentialed through ASCP and has been a member of NSH. Garcia credits her drive to the example set by her mother, who emphasized hard work and seizing opportunities. She recommends that young women entering the field network extensively, pursue every opportunity, and gain experience wherever possible.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alene
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would just say, kind of, how I was raised. My mom was a very influential person in my life... she had to work really hard for it... she kind of raised us the same way, you know, if you have the opportunity, and push hard enough and work hard enough, you can pretty much do anything you put your mind to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just be honest. Be... don't ever burn your bridges. Always... If you meet somebody, no matter if you like them or not, then end on good terms, and you never know when that person's gonna pop back up in your life, and you may need them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Network... Pass up an opportunity, no matter how small it is. Shoot your shot, you never know... Gain all the experience you can. Everywhere you can.
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