Leaping forward by always giving back.

Christallyne Pagulayan has been with Verizon for ten years, but that’s only one chapter in a life journey filled with dramatic twists and turns.

Born and raised in the Philippines, the Indirect Account Manager from Las Vegas, NV had always been a go-getter -- and that included a desire to relocate to the United States in search of a better life for herself, her family, and the community she grew up in.

“All I knew was that I was going to San Francisco,” said Christallyne. “I travelled with my flip-flops, one piece of luggage and $500 in my pocket. I had a map and my American Dream. It still gives me goosies when I think about it.”

When she arrived in the Bay Area, the weather wasn’t what she had been expecting. “It was freezing. I used my $500 to buy a pair of boots.”

Christallyne immediately started looking for work, eventually landing a job at Verizon as a part-time service representative. She believes her personality and work ethic have been the secret to her success. “Being resilient, having patience and human compassion has helped me in my life and in my Verizon career.”

Ten years in, Christallyne has made a home for herself and her family in Las Vegas. She never forgets where her life began and makes an effort to give back in any way she can. “I am so thankful that Verizon has provided me with the means to be able to help out,” said Christallyne, discussing a recent drive to raise money for those in the Philippines who need help. “Along with my high school classmates, we raised almost 300,000 pesos to buy food and basic medical supplies.”

Since the pandemic began, Chrystallyne has also begun making masks with her mother in a range of styles for teachers, nurses, and senior citizens. She calls it a mother and daughter bonding experience.

“There are so many opportunities within Verizon to volunteer,” she said. “We don’t need to be millionaires to be able to help out. Kindness is free.”

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