Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging

Manufacturing is powered by people, and at Pella Corporation, every team member is equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed.

For Rubi Deanda, Production Coordinator at Pella’s Carroll, Iowa, facility, that has meant helping remove a barrier for Spanish-speaking team members.

Ruby joined Pella in September 2023 and previously served as a training coordinator. In that role, she helped translate work instructions, standard work, training materials and site-specific policies, making important information more accessible for English language learner team members.

“We made it a priority to have all of their documents, all of their trainings and site-specific policies translated for them so that they felt included — like they were also a part of this team,” Deandra says.

Her work went beyond translation. Ruby also helped shape the site’s certified trainer program, identifying and preparing team members to provide one-on-one training built around servant leadership, patience and connection. Today, she continues to help ensure Pella ELL team members have opportunities to train with certified trainers and develop their skills. For Rubi, that support is part of what makes the Carroll facility special.

“The diversity here is what makes, I think, Carroll very special,” she shares. “It’s a very helpful environment.”

As Pella celebrates both Hispanic Heritage Month and Manufacturing Month, Rubi’s story is a reminder that the strength of manufacturing comes from the people behind it, and from making sure everyone has an opportunity to learn, contribute and grow.

Watch the full video to hear more about Rubi's career journey.