Skip to main

Portrait of STEPS Employee

Vivian Espinosa-Urquiola, custodial worker with the Medical Center Physical Plant Division

Vivian Espinosa-Urquiola came to the United States from Cuba in 2003, initially working for a school district in Michigan. She then lived in Miami for three years to care for her mother, but she didn't find the quality of life she was looking for.

Her husband had traveled extensively as a truck driver and suggested they move to Lexington.

"I like it because it's such a nice city with nice people," Vivian said. "It is so much better living here."

But moving to a new place required starting over, not just with employment, but with building a social network. A STEPS custodial position at UK helped address both those needs.

"Everyone knows the benefits are really good here," Vivian said. "But the thing I like most is all the people I have met. They share everything they know about the university with you. Every day, I feel like I am on a really big team. I love being here."