Mrs. Deya Riojas Glover

When I was 26, I found myself a single parent raising two young children on my own. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life working minimum-wage jobs, and I realized that I couldn't depend on other people to support me. A friend of mine was studying to become a chemical engineer and encouraged me to do the same. Chemistry and math were two of my favorite subjects in high school, so I decided to give it a try. I quit my job and depended on financial aid, scholarships, and grants to get me through college. It all paid off when I received my degree in chemical engineering and my job at Sherwin. I work at Sherwin Alumina Company in Gregory, Texas. I oversee the chemical process involved in extracting alumina, a substance used in aluminum foil, medicines, and other products. My company extracts alumina from a type of rock called bauxite ore, which is shipped to them from Jamaica and Brazil. I make sure the extraction equipment is in perfect running order and that the alumina product is of high quality. I have to ensure that my area is running smoothly, and I troubleshoot when there are problems at the plant. I am also part of a team helping to keep workers at the plant safe from potential health risks by making sure dust levels from the ore are kept to a minimum. I was born in Monclova, in Coahuila, Mexico. I love doing anything outdoors like golfing and fishing with my husband. I live near the beach, so I like relaxing by the water. I enjoy spending time with my son,daughter and my family. The day I received my degree, my children were extremely proud of me