Gretchen Ray Bonilla

When I reflect on my 25-year career, what stands out most isn’t a title or a milestone—it’s the people I’ve worked with and the relationships I’ve built. My journey began in 1995 as a dispatcher, and over the years it has taken me through the beverage industry with companies like Snapple, Coors, Coca-Cola, and Dean Foods, into entrepreneurship at the Port of Oakland, and ultimately into waste management, where I’ve found both purpose and stability.

My career path has been far from linear, and that diversity has been a strength. From 2005 to 2010, I owned and operated an import-export business at the Port of Oakland, gaining firsthand experience in global logistics, compliance, and leadership. I later supported operations at Suki’s Gourmet Indian Foods, where I not only enjoyed my work, but also built lasting relationships with the owner and her family that continue to this day. I returned to Dean Foods, balancing professional growth with personal responsibility, and fourteen years ago, when my husband became disabled, I transitioned into waste management—an industry offering strong benefits, medical support, and the opportunity to lead, serve, and build community in meaningful ways.

Today, I manage a customer service operation overseeing 20 to 40 team members and supporting over 32,000 customers. I’m particularly proud of our performance: more than a million pickups with a complaint rate of just 0.0002%. Achievements like this don’t happen by chance—they come from trust, accountability, and a team-first mindset. While I’ve been encouraged to explore other management tracks, including accounting, I’ve chosen to remain focused on leading people, supporting customers, and strengthening a culture I deeply believe in. I’m also honored that my district manager nominated me as a Safety Ambassador for 2026, a new role in which I will oversee safety protocols for 300 colleagues and create the curriculum to help ensure their well-being.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to always work with integrity and take the time to truly get to know your team. Building genuine camaraderie is essential—relationships matter, and trust is the foundation of any successful operation. I often remind my team that while we work closely together 90% of the time, the other 10% should never require me to step in as a disciplinarian. Leadership is a collaborative effort, and I strive to create an environment where accountability and respect are mutual, so that disciplinary action is rarely necessary—especially in a unionized environment where fair treatment is key.

The values that matter most to me in both work and life center on culture, education, and service. Culture is everything—whether it’s celebrating our annual tamale day during the holidays, organizing team Powerball pools, or showing up together in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these moments create connection. They remind us that work can be human, joyful, and supportive, even in high-responsibility environments.

Education and preparation have always been the foundation of my approach. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business management, completed technical school training, and maintain professional certifications including CPR and a TWIC card. Being well-prepared allows me to lead confidently and adapt to challenges while fostering trust and accountability among my team.

Service has also been a constant in my life. For 24 years, I’ve volunteered with Relay for Life, participated in Alameda County Food Bank drives, and supported families during some of their most difficult moments. One farewell ceremony for a cancer patient and their family remains especially close to my heart, serving as a reminder that compassion and empathy are as meaningful as any professional achievement.