April is CLIMB Month at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), a time to celebrate CLIMB – Cultivating Leadership, Innovation and Multigenerational Belonging, an employee community that fosters inclusion, connection, and collaboration across generations and life experiences.
In honor of CLIMB Month, Jetsenia Toro, Senior Principal Scientist at BMS’s New Brunswick site, shares her personal story of family, purpose, and belonging — and how working across generations has shaped her career at BMS, which has also traversed different territories.
A Legacy Across Generations
Q: You and your father both worked at BMS — what does that connection mean to you personally, and how did his experience shape your perception of the company before you joined?
A: My father, Jose Toro, worked at Bristol Myers Squibb for 34 years. Some of my earliest memories are tied to the BMS site in Humacao, Puerto Rico. I remember going with my mom to pick him up after work or bringing him lunch.
When I started working at BMS myself, I treasured being able to share everyday moments with him, like having lunch together on site. Professionally, he became someone I could turn to when facing project challenges. He truly understood the work and often offered thoughtful, out‑of‑the‑box advice. He was also there to celebrate the small wins with me.
Early on, many colleagues referred to me as “la nena de Toro” (“Toro’s daughter”), and I was welcomed with warmth and care. Those experiences reinforced my early impression that BMS was more than a workplace — it was a community.
Lessons That Last
Q: Were there any stories or lessons your father shared about working at BMS that still resonate with you today?
A: My father often worked long hours, but what stood out to me was why he did it. Those hours were driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the impact of the work on patients.
He used to say, “El producto tiene que salir” (“The product has to get out”), emphasizing responsibility and urgency. He also consistently stressed integrity — doing the right thing even when no one is watching — because, as he would say, “todo sale a la luz” (“everything comes to light”).
Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career. They remind me that meaningful impact comes not just from technical excellence, but from commitment, accountability, and integrity in everything we do.
Values in Action During Crisis
Q: During Hurricane Maria, BMS took steps to support employees and their families during an incredibly difficult time. How did that experience reflect the company’s values?
A: Hurricane Maria was devastating for Puerto Rico and for the Humacao site. At home, we went nine months without electricity. During that time, BMS played a critical role in providing stability and support to employees and their families.
Basic necessities were extremely limited. Gas lines could last up to 12 hours with strict rationing. BMS provided fuel, set up a pop‑up laundry service at the site, and distributed food, water, batteries, power generators, and resources to help with home repairs.
I was seven months pregnant and had a two‑year‑old daughter when the hurricane hit. BMS went above and beyond, even providing essentials like diapers and baby supplies. To give context, there were no operational supermarkets in our town, and traveling to another town could take several hours with very limited availability.
When cell phone service was briefly available — often only in the middle of highways — I received messages and calls from colleagues at the New Brunswick, NJ site who were simply checking in to make sure we were safe and had what we needed.
This experience left a lasting impression on me. I will always be deeply grateful for the humanity and care shown during one of the most difficult times in our lives.
The Power of Working Across Generations
Q: What has your experience been like working across generations at BMS?
A: My experience has been incredibly positive. For several years, I was the youngest person on my team, yet I was treated with the same respect and trust as more experienced colleagues. It was a truly inclusive environment.
Serving as a CLIMB co‑lead at the Humacao site also gave me a firsthand view of how intentional multigenerational collaboration strengthens teams. This was especially evident during community volunteer efforts. For example, when I helped implement a robotics program at a local public school, our volunteers represented multiple generations. Everyone contributed meaningfully — and we all had a lot of fun working with the students.
Q: What makes multigenerational collaboration particularly impactful at BMS?
A: Early in my career, I learned the importance of seeking input from experienced colleagues when making key decisions or navigating complex challenges. That openness to dialogue and mentorship was encouraged, not viewed as a weakness.
It created an environment where everyone felt valued — regardless of age or tenure — and where learning flowed in all directions.
Jetsenia’s story is just one example of how Bristol Myers Squibb is building a culture rooted in purpose, inclusion, and belonging — where employees can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact across generations.
Interested in building a career where your experiences, values, and voice matter? Explore opportunities at Bristol Myers Squibb and learn how you can make a difference for patients around the world.
