DaVita Celebrates 20 Years on Fortune’s List of World’s Most Admired Companies

DaVita, a leading provider of comprehensive kidney care, has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 20th time, marking two decades of sustained recognition for its commitment to culture, innovation, teammate (employee) well‑being and social responsibility. The milestone reflects DaVita’s enduring mission—to be the provider, partner and employer of choice—and highlights how a values‑driven culture can power long‑term impact in healthcare.

“This recognition reflects a shared purpose that has defined DaVita for more than 25 years: to give life,” said Javier Rodriguez, CEO of DaVita. “We are driven by an unwavering pursuit of a healthier tomorrow, one where innovation, community and our culture of belonging come together to transform the kidney care experience and advance healthcare for people everywhere.”

Defining ‘Most Admired’

In 2026, DaVita ranked third in the Health Care: Medical Facilities category, reinforcing its reputation for clinical excellence and being a top destination for healthcare talent. Fortune’s annual rankings are based on evaluations from industry leaders who assess companies across nine criteria, including social impact and the ability to attract great talent. Only companies scoring in the top half of their respective industries earn recognition.

Workplace culture as a competitive advantage

DaVita’s employer strategy is anchored on fostering connection, belonging and purpose. By investing in teammate well‑being and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported, the organization has built a resilient workforce aligned around a shared mission.

“Creating an environment where people thrive and feel a true sense of belonging is central to our differentiated workplace,” said Stephanie Hendrickson, Chief People Officer for DaVita. “This is the difference that empowers teammates to bring their best selves to work and deliver innovative, patient-centered care that gives life.”

This people‑first approach has helped DaVita continuously evolve—supporting innovation in kidney care while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

A milestone powered by teammates

At its core, this recognition belongs to DaVita teammates, whose dedication to high-quality kidney care shapes how the organization serves patients, collaborates with partners, and supports communities around the world.

As DaVita celebrates 20 years of recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, its mission—established more than 25 years ago—remains a powerful force driving progress toward a healthier future.

* From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune® is a registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and is used under license. Fortune Magazine and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, DaVita.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

DaVita Celebrates 20 Years on Fortune’s List of World’s Most Admired Companies

DaVita, a leading provider of comprehensive kidney care, has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 20th time, marking two decades of sustained recognition for its commitment to culture, innovation, teammate (employee) well‑being and social responsibility. The milestone reflects DaVita’s enduring mission—to be the provider, partner and employer of choice—and highlights how a values‑driven culture can power long‑term impact in healthcare.

“This recognition reflects a shared purpose that has defined DaVita for more than 25 years: to give life,” said Javier Rodriguez, CEO of DaVita. “We are driven by an unwavering pursuit of a healthier tomorrow, one where innovation, community and our culture of belonging come together to transform the kidney care experience and advance healthcare for people everywhere.”

Defining ‘Most Admired’

In 2026, DaVita ranked third in the Health Care: Medical Facilities category, reinforcing its reputation for clinical excellence and being a top destination for healthcare talent. Fortune’s annual rankings are based on evaluations from industry leaders who assess companies across nine criteria, including social impact and the ability to attract great talent. Only companies scoring in the top half of their respective industries earn recognition.

Workplace culture as a competitive advantage

DaVita’s employer strategy is anchored on fostering connection, belonging and purpose. By investing in teammate well‑being and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported, the organization has built a resilient workforce aligned around a shared mission.

“Creating an environment where people thrive and feel a true sense of belonging is central to our differentiated workplace,” said Stephanie Hendrickson, Chief People Officer for DaVita. “This is the difference that empowers teammates to bring their best selves to work and deliver innovative, patient-centered care that gives life.”

This people‑first approach has helped DaVita continuously evolve—supporting innovation in kidney care while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

A milestone powered by teammates

At its core, this recognition belongs to DaVita teammates, whose dedication to high-quality kidney care shapes how the organization serves patients, collaborates with partners, and supports communities around the world.

As DaVita celebrates 20 years of recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, its mission—established more than 25 years ago—remains a powerful force driving progress toward a healthier future.

* From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune® is a registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and is used under license. Fortune Magazine and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, DaVita.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

DaVita Celebrates 20 Years on Fortune’s List of World’s Most Admired Companies

DaVita, a leading provider of comprehensive kidney care, has been named to Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 20th time, marking two decades of sustained recognition for its commitment to culture, innovation, teammate (employee) well‑being and social responsibility. The milestone reflects DaVita’s enduring mission—to be the provider, partner and employer of choice—and highlights how a values‑driven culture can power long‑term impact in healthcare.

“This recognition reflects a shared purpose that has defined DaVita for more than 25 years: to give life,” said Javier Rodriguez, CEO of DaVita. “We are driven by an unwavering pursuit of a healthier tomorrow, one where innovation, community and our culture of belonging come together to transform the kidney care experience and advance healthcare for people everywhere.”

Defining ‘Most Admired’

In 2026, DaVita ranked third in the Health Care: Medical Facilities category, reinforcing its reputation for clinical excellence and being a top destination for healthcare talent. Fortune’s annual rankings are based on evaluations from industry leaders who assess companies across nine criteria, including social impact and the ability to attract great talent. Only companies scoring in the top half of their respective industries earn recognition.

Workplace culture as a competitive advantage

DaVita’s employer strategy is anchored on fostering connection, belonging and purpose. By investing in teammate well‑being and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported, the organization has built a resilient workforce aligned around a shared mission.

“Creating an environment where people thrive and feel a true sense of belonging is central to our differentiated workplace,” said Stephanie Hendrickson, Chief People Officer for DaVita. “This is the difference that empowers teammates to bring their best selves to work and deliver innovative, patient-centered care that gives life.”

This people‑first approach has helped DaVita continuously evolve—supporting innovation in kidney care while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

A milestone powered by teammates

At its core, this recognition belongs to DaVita teammates, whose dedication to high-quality kidney care shapes how the organization serves patients, collaborates with partners, and supports communities around the world.

As DaVita celebrates 20 years of recognition as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, its mission—established more than 25 years ago—remains a powerful force driving progress toward a healthier future.

* From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune® is a registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and is used under license. Fortune Magazine and Fortune Media (USA) Corporation are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, DaVita.

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Are Young Adults Still Smoking? A CVS Health Survey Unveils Striking Insights

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

By Dr. David Fairchild, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Retail Health, CVS Health®

Key points

  • The work to end tobacco and nicotine use in the U.S. is as important as ever — according to findings from a CVS Health® survey.
  • One third of U.S. young adults use nicotine products, and half don’t know how to access cessation programs.
  • As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) continue to gain popularity, there is a critical need to raise awareness about their health concerns.

The conversation on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use has evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Indeed, annual cigarette sales have declined by 70% in the U.S. since the 1980s. While smoking is no longer glamorized and not nearly as common as it was in the 1950s and 60s, it remains the number one cause of preventable death.

In the meantime, smoking e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, has become popular. Despite not containing tobacco, e-cigarettes still have potentially harmful health effects. Unit sales of e-cigarettes, which are often marketed toward youth, increased by nearly 47% from January 2020-December 2022.

To investigate use of these nicotine-containing products among U.S. young adults, CVS Health surveyed over 500 people ages 18 to 28.* Here is what the survey found:

Nicotine product use among young adults

  • 1 in 3 young adults report currently using nicotine products
  • 77% of young adults using nicotine products are using e-cigarettes
  • 49% of young adults using nicotine products smoke cigarettes
  • 76% of young adults using nicotine products have tried to quit; 36% have tried multiple times

While there has been considerable debate about whether e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, several studies have found e-cigarettes have the potential to cause significant health issues — particularly among younger individuals.

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development.
  • Other e-cigarette chemicals are toxic to cells and can cause lung and heart disease. Repeated e-cigarette usage has also been shown to result in accumulation of metals that are toxic to the brain.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified any e-cigarette product to be safe and effective in helping people quit using tobacco.

Despite these health concerns, 90% of those surveyed reported that they believe using nicotine-only products, such as e-cigarettes, is completely safe.

When it comes to quitting, two out of three young adults reported that the biggest challenge teens who use nicotine products face when trying to quit is stress, anxiety or mental health struggles. Nicotine cessation programs, particularly those combining counseling with medication, have been shown to double an individual’s chance of quitting. However, cessation programs only work if people know about them, and half of young adults surveyed reported not knowing about smoking cessation programs.

Survey findings show an imperative to continue raising awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, the health risks of e-cigarettes, and the availability of cessation programs and products among younger populations.

  • In 2014, CVS Health removed tobacco products from its stores. A year later, 100 million fewer packs were sold nationwide.
  • MinuteClinic®, part of the CVS Health family of companies, offers a personalized, in-person and virtual cessation program to help people quit nicotine, including the use of e-cigarettes.
  • Consumers can also find nicotine cessation products at CVS Pharmacy®, and pharmacists can provide education to consumers seeking to leave nicotine behind.
  • Tobacco use screenings are included on the list of no-cost preventive services available to many Aetna® members.

While cigarette smoking has declined in the U.S., education and awareness remain critical for putting a stop to nicotine use. Resources are available at CVSHealth.com/tobacco.

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Are Young Adults Still Smoking? A CVS Health Survey Unveils Striking Insights

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

By Dr. David Fairchild, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Retail Health, CVS Health®

Key points

  • The work to end tobacco and nicotine use in the U.S. is as important as ever — according to findings from a CVS Health® survey.
  • One third of U.S. young adults use nicotine products, and half don’t know how to access cessation programs.
  • As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) continue to gain popularity, there is a critical need to raise awareness about their health concerns.

The conversation on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use has evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Indeed, annual cigarette sales have declined by 70% in the U.S. since the 1980s. While smoking is no longer glamorized and not nearly as common as it was in the 1950s and 60s, it remains the number one cause of preventable death.

In the meantime, smoking e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, has become popular. Despite not containing tobacco, e-cigarettes still have potentially harmful health effects. Unit sales of e-cigarettes, which are often marketed toward youth, increased by nearly 47% from January 2020-December 2022.

To investigate use of these nicotine-containing products among U.S. young adults, CVS Health surveyed over 500 people ages 18 to 28.* Here is what the survey found:

Nicotine product use among young adults

  • 1 in 3 young adults report currently using nicotine products
  • 77% of young adults using nicotine products are using e-cigarettes
  • 49% of young adults using nicotine products smoke cigarettes
  • 76% of young adults using nicotine products have tried to quit; 36% have tried multiple times

While there has been considerable debate about whether e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, several studies have found e-cigarettes have the potential to cause significant health issues — particularly among younger individuals.

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development.
  • Other e-cigarette chemicals are toxic to cells and can cause lung and heart disease. Repeated e-cigarette usage has also been shown to result in accumulation of metals that are toxic to the brain.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified any e-cigarette product to be safe and effective in helping people quit using tobacco.

Despite these health concerns, 90% of those surveyed reported that they believe using nicotine-only products, such as e-cigarettes, is completely safe.

When it comes to quitting, two out of three young adults reported that the biggest challenge teens who use nicotine products face when trying to quit is stress, anxiety or mental health struggles. Nicotine cessation programs, particularly those combining counseling with medication, have been shown to double an individual’s chance of quitting. However, cessation programs only work if people know about them, and half of young adults surveyed reported not knowing about smoking cessation programs.

Survey findings show an imperative to continue raising awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, the health risks of e-cigarettes, and the availability of cessation programs and products among younger populations.

  • In 2014, CVS Health removed tobacco products from its stores. A year later, 100 million fewer packs were sold nationwide.
  • MinuteClinic®, part of the CVS Health family of companies, offers a personalized, in-person and virtual cessation program to help people quit nicotine, including the use of e-cigarettes.
  • Consumers can also find nicotine cessation products at CVS Pharmacy®, and pharmacists can provide education to consumers seeking to leave nicotine behind.
  • Tobacco use screenings are included on the list of no-cost preventive services available to many Aetna® members.

While cigarette smoking has declined in the U.S., education and awareness remain critical for putting a stop to nicotine use. Resources are available at CVSHealth.com/tobacco.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Are Young Adults Still Smoking? A CVS Health Survey Unveils Striking Insights

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

By Dr. David Fairchild, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Retail Health, CVS Health®

Key points

  • The work to end tobacco and nicotine use in the U.S. is as important as ever — according to findings from a CVS Health® survey.
  • One third of U.S. young adults use nicotine products, and half don’t know how to access cessation programs.
  • As electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) continue to gain popularity, there is a critical need to raise awareness about their health concerns.

The conversation on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use has evolved dramatically over the past several decades. Indeed, annual cigarette sales have declined by 70% in the U.S. since the 1980s. While smoking is no longer glamorized and not nearly as common as it was in the 1950s and 60s, it remains the number one cause of preventable death.

In the meantime, smoking e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, has become popular. Despite not containing tobacco, e-cigarettes still have potentially harmful health effects. Unit sales of e-cigarettes, which are often marketed toward youth, increased by nearly 47% from January 2020-December 2022.

To investigate use of these nicotine-containing products among U.S. young adults, CVS Health surveyed over 500 people ages 18 to 28.* Here is what the survey found:

Nicotine product use among young adults

  • 1 in 3 young adults report currently using nicotine products
  • 77% of young adults using nicotine products are using e-cigarettes
  • 49% of young adults using nicotine products smoke cigarettes
  • 76% of young adults using nicotine products have tried to quit; 36% have tried multiple times

While there has been considerable debate about whether e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, several studies have found e-cigarettes have the potential to cause significant health issues — particularly among younger individuals.

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development.
  • Other e-cigarette chemicals are toxic to cells and can cause lung and heart disease. Repeated e-cigarette usage has also been shown to result in accumulation of metals that are toxic to the brain.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not identified any e-cigarette product to be safe and effective in helping people quit using tobacco.

Despite these health concerns, 90% of those surveyed reported that they believe using nicotine-only products, such as e-cigarettes, is completely safe.

When it comes to quitting, two out of three young adults reported that the biggest challenge teens who use nicotine products face when trying to quit is stress, anxiety or mental health struggles. Nicotine cessation programs, particularly those combining counseling with medication, have been shown to double an individual’s chance of quitting. However, cessation programs only work if people know about them, and half of young adults surveyed reported not knowing about smoking cessation programs.

Survey findings show an imperative to continue raising awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, the health risks of e-cigarettes, and the availability of cessation programs and products among younger populations.

  • In 2014, CVS Health removed tobacco products from its stores. A year later, 100 million fewer packs were sold nationwide.
  • MinuteClinic®, part of the CVS Health family of companies, offers a personalized, in-person and virtual cessation program to help people quit nicotine, including the use of e-cigarettes.
  • Consumers can also find nicotine cessation products at CVS Pharmacy®, and pharmacists can provide education to consumers seeking to leave nicotine behind.
  • Tobacco use screenings are included on the list of no-cost preventive services available to many Aetna® members.

While cigarette smoking has declined in the U.S., education and awareness remain critical for putting a stop to nicotine use. Resources are available at CVSHealth.com/tobacco.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Wesco Named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies List

PITTSBURGH, Pa., February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced that it has once again been named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies list. Wesco has been named to this prestigious list of international companies since 2022 and was ranked #2 (up from #3 in 2025), in its industry category of “Wholesalers: Diversified” this year.

The annual list, compiled by Fortune in partnership with Korn Ferry, is based on a rigorous survey of executives, directors and financial analysts who evaluate companies within their industries on criteria such as corporate culture, quality of management, innovation, financial soundness and social responsibility.

“Wesco’s continued recognition on Fortune’s prestigious World’s Most Admired Companies list reflects the unwavering dedication and exceptional performance of our global team,” said Wesco Chairman, President and CEO John Engel. “It is an honor to stand alongside such esteemed companies, and this achievement strengthens our commitment to accelerating innovation, delivering superior value, and leading with excellence in everything we do.”

The complete list of World’s Most Admired Companies of 2026 is available through Fortune.com.

About Wesco
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Jennifer.Sniderman@Wescodist.com

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Wesco Named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies List

PITTSBURGH, Pa., February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced that it has once again been named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies list. Wesco has been named to this prestigious list of international companies since 2022 and was ranked #2 (up from #3 in 2025), in its industry category of “Wholesalers: Diversified” this year.

The annual list, compiled by Fortune in partnership with Korn Ferry, is based on a rigorous survey of executives, directors and financial analysts who evaluate companies within their industries on criteria such as corporate culture, quality of management, innovation, financial soundness and social responsibility.

“Wesco’s continued recognition on Fortune’s prestigious World’s Most Admired Companies list reflects the unwavering dedication and exceptional performance of our global team,” said Wesco Chairman, President and CEO John Engel. “It is an honor to stand alongside such esteemed companies, and this achievement strengthens our commitment to accelerating innovation, delivering superior value, and leading with excellence in everything we do.”

The complete list of World’s Most Admired Companies of 2026 is available through Fortune.com.

About Wesco
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Jennifer.Sniderman@Wescodist.com

Posted in UncategorizedTagged

Wesco Named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies List

PITTSBURGH, Pa., February 26, 2026 /3BL/ – Wesco International (NYSE:WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced that it has once again been named to Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies list. Wesco has been named to this prestigious list of international companies since 2022 and was ranked #2 (up from #3 in 2025), in its industry category of “Wholesalers: Diversified” this year.

The annual list, compiled by Fortune in partnership with Korn Ferry, is based on a rigorous survey of executives, directors and financial analysts who evaluate companies within their industries on criteria such as corporate culture, quality of management, innovation, financial soundness and social responsibility.

“Wesco’s continued recognition on Fortune’s prestigious World’s Most Admired Companies list reflects the unwavering dedication and exceptional performance of our global team,” said Wesco Chairman, President and CEO John Engel. “It is an honor to stand alongside such esteemed companies, and this achievement strengthens our commitment to accelerating innovation, delivering superior value, and leading with excellence in everything we do.”

The complete list of World’s Most Admired Companies of 2026 is available through Fortune.com.

About Wesco
Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with approximately $24 billion in annual sales in 2025 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people, partners with the industry’s premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and significant digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information
Jennifer Sniderman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Jennifer.Sniderman@Wescodist.com

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Our People: Chemical Engineer Amanda Cavazos Helps Drive Innovation and Safety at the Anacortes Refinery

Key Points

  • Amanda Cavazos, a technical services engineer at Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, applies a strong chemical engineering and process safety foundation developed through her education and early career experiences.
  • Since joining the site in early 2022, she has supported multiple refinery units, optimizing operations and always applying reliability and safety-driven decision making.
  • Cavazos shares her expertise through cross-refinery technical meetings, industry conference presentations and community STEM outreach, highlighting the visible impact of engineering work.

At Marathon Petroleum’s Anacortes refinery, Technical Services Engineer Amanda Cavazos has built a reputation for curiosity, adaptability and a deep commitment to process safety, values she says were instilled early in her engineering education at Texas A&M University. Cavazos, who majored in chemical engineering with a safety certificate, credits the program’s strong process safety culture for shaping her career focus.

“Chemical engineering is a mixture of lots of chemistry, physics and math,” she said, describing the combination that drew her into the field.

two people working together

Cavazos and Process Controls Engineer Victoria Henry review a piping and instrumentation diagram in the Catalytic Reformer unit at the Anacortes refinery

Her path to refining started at a college career fair, where an introduction to Marathon Petroleum inspired her to take an internship that changed her trajectory. During a planned maintenance project in her first weeks onsite, she found herself climbing inside crude oil distillation columns, an eye-opening experience.

“That’s when I learned that I really enjoyed it,” said Cavazos. “I love the troubleshooting and the optimization. It’s very pure chemical engineering.”

Building a Foundation

Since joining the Anacortes site in early 2022, Cavazos has worked across several units, starting in the refinery’s utilities systems – boilers, flare, cooling water and air systems that keep the entire operation running.

“Those units lay the foundation for everything at the facility,” said Cavazos. “When there’s an issue, it’s very critical to the refinery.”

She later supported gasoline production units, including the naphtha hydrotreater, isomerization units and catalytic reformer, where she developed a strong appreciation for reaction chemistry and optimization strategies. More recently, Cavazos transitioned to support the crude, vacuum, and residuum oil supercritical extraction (ROSE) units, an area she says requires a different skill set. The work involves heavy oil processing, preventive maintenance and planning for exchanger cleanings. If those cleanings aren’t routine, she explained, refinery capacity and economic performance can suffer.

Cavazos says one of the biggest adjustments from college to the refinery was learning to prioritize amid the constant change of daily operations.

“You have to adjust your priorities based on business needs,” she said. “The fast pace is energizing. Sometimes you can make a big impact when you’re able to shift those priorities to critical business needs.”

Her safety background continues to guide her daily decision making.

“Safety is the highest priority, and it’s very evident from our leadership,” said Cavazos.

Every task begins with the same question: How does this affect safety? The refinery’s investigation process makes sure lessons are captured to prevent repeat incidents. Cavazos says this emphasis resonates deeply with her.

“It’s very important to me personally, and I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations,” she said.

“Safety is the highest priority…I’m glad the company has an unwavering commitment to safe and reliable operations.”

Sharing Knowledge 

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Cavazos participates in Marathon’s face-to-face technical meetings, gatherings that bring engineers and operators from multiple refineries together to exchange ideas, troubleshoot issues and discuss technology. She has attended sessions at Marathon’s refineries in Garyville, Louisiana, and Detroit, Michigan, and values the broad perspective they offer.

Her expertise was also showcased at an American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) conference, where she presented on naphtha hydrotreater fouling mitigation, a technology that has delivered significant benefits to the refinery.

Her manager, Kyle Cassidy, said Cavazos’ strong technical abilities and professionalism have already made a meaningful impact.

“Amanda represented our refinery exceptionally well at AFPM, presenting a complex technical topic with clarity and confidence,” Cassidy said. “She also attended the previous year’s conference as our Emerging Leader candidate, which speaks to the trust and respect she’s earned early in her career. She brings curiosity, discipline and a genuine drive to grow, qualities that make her a standout engineer and a great ambassador for our site.”

people smiling at an event

Amanda Cavazos (right) volunteered with Lauryn Humphreys and Elise Conception for the Science at Work Night at Island View Elementary School in Washington. Students explored the wonders of STEM with hands-on demos, including a fun experiment with non-Newtonian fluids by the Marathon Petroleum volunteers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

In the community, Cavazos helps lead the refinery’s participation in the Island View Elementary School science night, an opportunity she calls a way to connect with kids and talk to people in the community who may see the local refineries but don’t really know what they do.

Her advice for young people considering engineering is simple.

“A variety of different experiences is going to help you learn what you really enjoy,” she said. “Stay open to unexpected opportunities.”

Refining, she added, is a career where engineers can clearly see the impact of their work.

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