Meet Edna Maria Froio, BMP’s Research Laboratory Aide. If you have noticed your lab’s glassware shining a little bit brighter lately, it is because of that special bottle of acetone that Edna keeps in her cabinet. She is very particular about anything sticking to her glassware. In between washes and drop-offs, you can catch Edna finishing her homework before heading out the door to attend her English lessons. Her work ethic is beyond reproach and has been recognized with Employee of the Month, Employee of the Year and Champion for Excellence awards. Next time you see her, ask her about Recife.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from a city in Northern Brazil called Timbaúba. I came from a big family; I have five sisters and three brothers. My mom passed away when I was thirteen years old. Because I came from such a huge family, the mayor of my city helped pay for my school and I eventually went to college and got a degree in psychology. It is funny how I never once worked with that degree. I am a stepmom to three children and step-grandma to six grandchildren who welcomed me into their lives with open arms and hearts. I am very outgoing and like to talk to people.
Can you share with us your immigration journey?
I left Brazil in 2007 after losing my job in accounting, to pursue a better life in the US. I left behind my family and everything that I own to come to a country where I did not speak the language and did not know anyone except for a couple of friends who took me in. I cried every single day for 6 months when I first moved here.
I attended Quinsigamond College for a year to learn English. I met my husband, who is Italian, through a friend who set us up on a date. Since I came to the US on a visa, with my husband’s help I was able to get my Green card and eventually became an American Citizen in 2017. Ironically, I told myself I would only live in the US for three years!
Although I missed my siblings in Brazil, I love the life that I created for myself here. I don’t worry about the things I used to worry about back at home. In the US, if you work hard you can accomplish many things. My life changed completely for the better.
What led you to the BMP department?
When I first moved to the US, I worked at a dry cleaning. In 2011, I started to work at the hospital as a Housekeeper and because of the hours I worked, I asked my boss to move me to cleaning services at the school, mostly because I wanted to spend more time with my family. I worked for 5 years at the Albert Sherman Center, but was always looking for something better to improve myself. A friend told me about the opening in the BMP department and pushed me to apply for it.
What is one thing that you like about your work in BMP?
I like the interactions with people. Everyone are extremely friendly and getting to talk to people makes me enjoy my job in this department very much.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I enjoy cooking. I often like to cook and have people over (Pre-COVID).
Two things you would like to do in the next couple of years?
I would like to go back to Brazil and visit my brothers and sisters; it’s been a while since I saw them. I would also like to go to Venice, Italy and definitely take a boat ride in the canal.
What would you say to your younger self?
I would tell young Edna to have no regrets and to take responsibility for her own choices and learn from the mistakes along the way. I would also tell her to believe in her dreams because one day they would come true.
