Since 2021, Edwards Lifesciences has been a proud employer partner to Goodwill of Orange County. Edwards Lifesciences is an Irvine-based, global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world’s leading clinicians
and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient
outcomes and enhance lives.
Together, Goodwill OC and Edwards created the Abilities Program, which gives people with disabilities career growth and skill development opportunities at Edwards.
“Breaking the mold and thinking outside of the box. Not fitting someone into your box, but fitting into theirs somehow,” is how Diana Nevarez, Program Manager at Goodwill OC, describes the opportunities provided to Goodwill OC program participants. “That is what the Abilities program does here at Edwards Lifesciences.”
Through the Abilities program, Dean, Pei-Hsien, Aaron and
Tim have transformed from interns into essential team members whose work spans across multiple teams. A skills trainer is also onsite to support them with any needs they may have.
“Currently, we have two employees working in a product testing lab as laboratory technicians,” said Vidhya Harikumar, Director of Quality and a core team member of the Enable Employee Resource Group and lead of the Abilities program at Edwards. “There is one employee who works in the equipment maintenance department supporting ongoing maintenance of critical equipment
used to manufacture medical devices,” she said. “Another employee works in the patient registry department, where they sort and file the patient information forms.” Other responsibilities include: maintenance repairs, creating patient records and other operation duties.
When Dean first started working at Edwards, he was very cautious and nervous to speak up and ask questions.
“Now, I am more confident to be a part of a team that helps save people’s lives,” he said.
As reflected in Dean’s comment, the responsibilities and routines have helped each of the team members increase their confidence levels, communication and problem solving skills. These roles have helped them become more independent as well.
“My co-workers here at Edwards are very lovely, kind and generous,” said Pei-Hsien. His long term goal is to have his own family and believes that this role is a step closer to fulfilling his dream.
Edwards prides itself on its inclusive culture, progressive ideas and collaborative environment. To help equip Edwards with the tools they need to help develop the participants, Goodwill OC conducts training with managers and department employees. These trainings help bring awareness to the Edwards team on how to engage, interact and support the Goodwill OC participants.
Ricardo Garcia, Director, Plant Operation Engineering, said, “We give them the opportunity to develop and exercise professional tasks, but at the same time, they bring a special ingredient to our workforce in a way that enriches our teams and the culture we have here.”
Edwards Lifesciences embraces each individual’s unique perspective, as clearly modeled by its partnership with Goodwill OC and its Abilities program. Goodwill OC’s partnership with Edwards helps bring us a step closer to our vision of creating a caring and connected community where
everyone has access to meaningful job opportunities becoming a reality.
Are you ready to meet your next great hire? Visit ocgoodwill.org/hire-from-goodwill/ to
get started.
