Resilience in action: How Elena is advancing Trans Inclusion at Amazon Costa Rica
When Elena Salazar, an Operations Specialist, joined Amazon in 2020, it was meant to be a temporary role. The COVID pandemic had hit hard, and she needed a stopgap. Fast forward to today: Elena is one of our Glamazon (Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ affinity group) board members and a leader for transgender inclusion at Amazon in Costa Rica. From securing critical healthcare support to being a visible advocate, Elena has been responsible for some significant milestones.
Elena and Glamazon Costa Rica members at Pride
Being an advocate
“This is so important to me,” she says about the impact she’s made. “Amazon is the first company in Costa Rica to provide hormonal treatment, critical care, psychological support, and a comprehensive list of surgical and non-surgical procedures for trans employees.” This achievement reflects not only Elena’s initiative but also her commitment to creating a supportive workplace.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done,” Elena says. “It’s about showing that we care about each individual’s well-being and identity.”
Navigating change
Elena’s purpose is also personal. She started her transition in 2022 and faced numerous challenges navigating the system, including logistical. “Transitioning meant figuring out how to change my name, legal documents, and other essential details. It wasn’t easy,” she recalls.
Elena took the initiative to create a toolkit to help others in similar situations. This toolkit is now a crucial resource, ensuring that transgender employees in Costa Rica have clear guidelines and support. The intention is to expand this support to other countries in the future.
A matter of survival
But Elena’s work goes beyond policy changes. She has a been an advocate for recognizing the importance of surgery to help trans employees align their physical appearances with their gender identities. Elena worked closely with the benefits team, insurance providers, and Glamazon to ensure that more than 20 procedures were included in Amazon's insurance coverage, as many of these procedures were previously considered cosmetic.
Her intervention led to Amazon covering surgical procedures, including international surgeries, a first in Costa Rica. “It’s about survival. It’s the difference between being safe on the streets and facing violence,” she explains. “These procedures are not just aesthetic. They are essential for our safety and mental health,” she explains.
Glamazon has been crucial to her success.
“I started this on my own, but when I saw the opportunity, I involved the Glamazon board. Together, we pushed for these changes, and now we have comprehensive support for our trans colleagues,” Elena says.
We’re all human
When asked about how to be a good ally, Elena’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Listen with an open mind and heart. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, but at the end of the day, we are all human. Empathy bridges the gaps and allows us to understand each other.”