Grow with Second Harvest Heartland: Meet Roel, our Partner Operations Specialist

For more than ten years, Roel has brought his positive energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to his work at Second Harvest Heartland. From his first job as Fulfillment Specialist to his current role as Partner Operations Specialist, his career has been one of continuous growth.

Roel originally joined Second Harvest Heartland in 2012 as a member of the warehouse team, recalling, "I was always into warehouse jobs because I liked how fast-paced things were. I liked driving forklifts and moving, moving, moving! I always thought of myself as the ‘brute’ guy,” he says with a laugh.

Shortly after joining the warehouse team, Roel realized something felt different from his previous work experiences. “It wasn’t just a job; it was a chance to give back to the community.” For the first time, Roel felt like his work was providing more than a paycheck—it was meaningful. “At the end of the day, I knew I was putting food on people's plates and making a real impact on people’s well-being.”

For Roel, the impact and mission of Second Harvest Heartland resonates deeply. “Growing up, we would visit food shelves frequently, so I have a personal connection to the work we do. I've seen first-hand how the hunger relief network has changed over the years, especially when it comes to offering more fresh and high-quality food, and I am proud to be part of that positive change.”

Over the years, Roel has continuously sought new challenges and opportunities within the organization. One of the things he enjoys most about his current role is the opportunity to represent Second Harvest Heartland in the community. “I feel proud to be able to support our partners and make sure they have the resources and training they need to succeed.”