Annette Sellan-Calero

Annette Sellan-Calero _{SEED Staff: Project Manager} 

"I passionately want to give back to the community and make a difference in children’s lives, as they will make a difference in our world"

 

I was born in February of 1976 and raised in Queens, New York. Both my parents are from Ecuador and my siblings and I are first generation Americans.

My parents sacrificed so much to send me to Catholic school for primary and high school. And it was my parents and education that gave me my values.

During college I worked as a medical biller and worked my way up to assistant manager. I loved this job but I knew there was no room for growth both on a personal or professional level. I did my internship in Health Care Administration at North Shore University Hospital and worked directly with the Hospital Administrator. I received my B.S. in Health Care Administration from St John’s University in December, 1999.

Like many people who graduate from college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I did know that I loved working with and helping people. For some this would not be satisfying. But for me it was a foundation for living fully. It’s inspiring when I can see that I make a difference in someone’s life.
I also realized I wanted to work in a big corporation with big possibilities. I joined Schlumberger in October 2000 as secretary to Simone Amber, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. The SEED project was only 2 years old and I had no idea of the influence it was going to have on me and my life.

I was privileged that Simone and Schlumberger gave me the opportunity to learn many valuable things. As each year has passed since 2000, I have become more involved in the SEED program. Every day, I deal with the financial reports of the whole program as well as the administration and coordination of the SEED team.

In September 2003, I got involved with coordinating and facilitating our school workshops. This is where my passion grew for working with kids. There is no greater joy than to go to work and see smiles and deep appreciation from students and teachers. I have been so touched by the two workshops in Mexico I have attended.

SEED has created a path of clarity in my life. I passionately want to give back to the community and make a difference in children’s lives, as they will make a difference in our world. With the encouragement of my father, I am currently pursuing my masters in education at Columbia University.

In May 2005 I got married to my high school sweetheart, Eduardo. It was an absolutely beautiful day with all my family and close friends gathered with us. I am blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive husband and family.  My son Eduardo was born on April 5, 2006, my daughter Sofia-Annette was born on December 3, 2007, and my third baby Nathalia was born on January 5, 2009.