Sollio Agriculture team: Meet Costanza Galeano

Even as a child, Costanza Galeano knew she wanted to be a veterinarian—and she made it happen, specializing in poultry production. When she moved from Colombia to Québec, she continued to pursue her passion by becoming an agribusiness strategy advisor for Sollio Agriculture.

Question: What does an agribusiness strategy advisor actually do? 
Answer: I specialize in poultry, mainly broilers. I provide our agri-advisors in Québec with expert advice when they have more complex situations, particularly technical and health-related issues. I’m also in charge of training.

Question: What motivates you in your career at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: My parents have a tape from when I was a kid where you can hear me saying I wanted to become a veterinarian, and that’s exactly what I did back in Colombia! I’ve always worked with chickens. When I moved here, I was lucky enough to find a job at an organization where I could keep doing what I love. I feel really valued here.

Question: Do you have an accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of?
Answer: The industry was hit hard by bird flu recently. It was an unprecedented situation, and everyone working in poultry was worried. But we stood by our clients, spending long days on the road to be there for them. In the end, I believe we made a real difference. The situation is under control for now, but the virus is still out there. So our team is going to be prepared, no matter what happens.

Question: Which company value inspires you the most? 
Answer: Cooperation. It was a new concept for me, but I quickly embraced it. We’re all links in the same chain, and we need to be strong because we all depend on each other.

Question: Continuing with some rapid-fire questions. Do you have a hidden talent? 
Answer: Cooking! I cook with my friends every weekend. It’s my dream to own a restaurant one day.

Question: What’s your specialty?
Answer: Colombian cuisine. I make a great sopa de mute, a soup made with cuts of meat that aren’t commonly cooked here, like beef organs.

Question: How would your friends describe you? 
Answer: They’d say I’m always smiling! I love to laugh, even at sad times, to help lift the mood. My colleagues would probably say my positive energy helps make the job a little less stressful.

Question: If you could do another job for a day, what would it be?
Answer: Working with the elderly.

Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
Answer: Do everything with love. My parents taught me that if you don’t love what you do, you’ll never be able to do it well.

Question: If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Answer: Eternal Flame by The Bangles.

Question: Who’s your most inspiring colleague?
Answer: Éric Dion, who I’ve known since I first started here. He’s always cheered me on and recognized my talent.

Question: What advice would you give new employees starting out at Sollio Agriculture?
Answer: Do things with passion—it makes all the difference!