Smiling woman in brown sweater, bright background.

Spotlight on Women, Meet Belen

11/01/2025 | Calidad Industries |

At Calidad Industries, we are proud to highlight the incredible women who inspire us every day. This month, we shine a spotlight on Belen Zarate, a dedicated Food Service Worker whose story embodies resilience, culture, and empowerment.  Her journey is one of resilience, cultural pride, and empowerment, inspiring those around her every day.

Belen shared with us that the most influential woman in her life is her mother. Raised in a household filled with culture, love, and honesty, her mother has been a guiding force, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional support. Beyond being a mother, she has also been a remarkable grandmother, friend, and role model.

Belen reflected on the ongoing challenges women encounter in the workplace:

  • Unequal treatment and persistent gender standards.
  • The expectation that women should primarily be housewives
  • The stigma that women cannot perform roles traditionally held by men

She emphasizes that women continue to fight these stereotypes daily, proving their strength and capability, especially in blue-collar jobs.

Her favorite historical female figure is Dolores Huerta, the civil rights activist who worked alongside Cesar Chavez to improve farm workers’ conditions. Belen admires Huerta’s courage to speak out during a time when women’s voices were less recognized. Huerta’s lifelong dedication to justice inspires Belen to never give up and to fight for what she believes in.

As a deaf woman, Belen has faced unique obstacles in communication. She explains that it requires double the effort to navigate society. Yet, she feels blessed to work in an environment where colleagues respect her and are willing to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to connect with her. This mutual respect and effort reflect the inclusive spirit of Calidad Industries.

Belen’s story reminds us that strength comes not only from overcoming personal challenges but also from inspiring others through resilience, culture, and dedication. At Calidad Industries, we celebrate women like Belen who continue to break barriers.