Be yoU@CPO – Mario Vicente
Mario Vicente, Manager of Trades Services on the BU Medical Campus, began his career 10 years ago as a part-time custodian. He then transitioned to the overnight zone manager and was later promoted to his current position. Working in facilities management on the Medical Campus means Mario and his team are witnesses to, and work to support, the progress taking place there.
“The type of work and research being done at the Medical Campus is universally recognized,” he said. “It’s great to be even a small part of that, it’s so rewarding.” While he values the impact of his work, it’s the people he is surrounded by every day that he appreciates the most.
“BU is a large institution with such a diverse group of people, it’s really special to see everyone working together to achieve common goals,” he said. “World-renowned doctors and scientists are doing research and the staff in CPO are doing their best to keep the physical plant up and running.”
Due to the nature of their work, Mario and his colleagues often exist behind the scenes, but Mario wants others to know how important it is for their work to be recognized.
“It is so gratifying when the community recognizes just how important our facilities workers are to BU,” he said. On the Medical Campus, Mario says they’ve been lucky enough to have leaders who truly understand the impact of the facilities team.
“Dean Antman has always created an environment of belonging and appreciation,” Mario says. “When one of our staff members was in the hospital, she made it a point to visit. Everyone on our staff noticed that. We all appreciated it, and it made us feel good about the job we do every day.”
Beyond BU, Mario’s biggest inspiration comes from his son, Ryder
“Ryder is autistic. Raising him has shown me the world through a different lens,” Vicente explains. “He has taught me to be non-judgmental and accept people for exactly who they are. Ryder has a huge heart and is open to everyone he interacts with. His acceptance and openness inspire me to be the same.”
Mario offers one important piece of advice: no matter where you come from or where you started, it’s where you’re going that is important. Everyone has something to contribute.