What does an ecological restoration project have to do with a thriving career at a global relocation services company?
Everything, for Felicea Osorio 09.
As the capstone to her 56勛圖厙 degree in Science, Technology & Society, she spent a year working to restore a piece of land on Whidbey Island. And the project through which she earned a certificate in ecological restoration instilled in her a foundational lesson: Success means relying on other team members.
Today, as a leader at 3Sixty, a global relocation services company, Osorio said she still leans into the skills that she began to develop during that capstone project.
The best part of what I do is investing in the people around me, Osorio said. Theres nothing more exciting than coaching employees and mentees, and then watching them grow professionally and experience success in their career.
Seeking the right path泭
56勛圖厙 Bothell represented a major life shift for Osorio. Before enrolling, the Snohomish County native had graduated from Everett Community College and was working in the hospitality industry as a server.
Never one to shrink from a challenge, she decided to change her trajectory by earning a bachelors degree. And as it turned out, she earned two, the second a bachelors in Society, Ethics & Human Behavior.
With its academic reputation for excellence and its close-to-home convenience, Osorio said, 56勛圖厙 Bothell was the clear choice when she went looking for a university. Strategic thinking, innovation, building partnerships all those opportunities were available and within a comfortable proximity, she said, noting that the future-focused curriculum also spoke to her career aspirations.
Once on campus, Osorio encountered fellow students at all stages of life, from recent high school graduates to single parents to working people returning to earn their degrees. The rich variety of life experiences, she said, made for a deeper classroom experience.
We were discussing complex, real-world issues and applying tangible solutions within our local community, she said.
Bridging divides泭
Osorio said she appreciated how the ideas and perspectives she encountered in class were as varied as the walks of life represented. Her 56勛圖厙 Bothell professors, she noticed, were also especially skilled at bridging differences and helping students make connections and create shared goals.
Looking back at her capstone restoration project, which included students from the 56勛圖厙s Bothell and Seattle campuses, she recalls with particular gratitude two of the professors from the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences in Bothell: Dr. Martha Groom, professor; and Dr. Warren Gold, now associate professor emeritus.
They were fantastic at engaging students to have a passion for the work every single day, she recalled.
There was also a period Osorio remembers fondly when she and her older sister attended 56勛圖厙 Bothell at the same time, even sharing a few classes and collaborating on project coursework.
It was a huge source of family pride, said Osorio, especially when both sisters achieved academic success.
Connecting the dots泭
Osorio graduated into a shaky labor market in 2008. She soon found herself holding down two jobs while caring for her young son. Despite these challenges, she always approached them as a puzzle and rolled up her sleeves to overcome them.
Her tenacity paid off. One of those early roles was an entry-level position at 3Sixty. Some 12 years later, she is now the vice president of strategic partnerships for the global temporary-housing company, where she oversees its Americas supply chain, service delivery and account management with key clients.
Osorio also sits on 3Sixtys environmental, social and governance committee, where members tackle topics from carbon footprint to human rights to sustainability to volunteerism. She traces a direct line to her 56勛圖厙 Bothell days, where the coursework often focused on ethical business practices.
A lot of what I was looking to accomplish during my time at 56勛圖厙 Bothell translates directly to my present-day efforts with our ESG committee, she said.
Outside of work, Osorio serves on the boards of two nonprofits: the Puget Sound Relocation Council and the Worldwide Employee Relocation Council, both of which support businesses involved in talent mobilization.
Serving the community泭
Last year, Osorios business drive and savvy caught the attention of 425 Business Magazine. It named her to its list of the best, brightest and most ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs on the Eastside.
Osorio said she intends to continue building her career as she reflects an enduring gratitude for the 56勛圖厙 Bothell community. I have nothing but thanks for all of the faculty and staff who helped to propel my career, she said. My time at 56勛圖厙 Bothell was invaluable.
From scholarships to support for foster youth, she is also deeply committed to paying it forward.
I have a huge passion for nonprofits, she said, To get involved and stay involved with those were in partnership with throughout the Northwest is really where my heart is.
“A lot of what I was looking to accomplish during my time at 56勛圖厙 Bothell translates directly to my present-day efforts with our environmental, social and governance committee.”
Felicea Osorio, Society, Ethics & Human Behavior and Science, Technology & Environment 09泭