For Cleveland Clinic Senior Client Recruiter Leyla Aktekin, one of the best parts of her job is the opportunity to be a “moment maker” in the lives of the people she works with. She notes that one of her greatest moments came when she helped Carlos Del Rio join the Cleveland Clinic caregiver family, with the help of Carlos’ wife, Norma (who was already a caregiver).  

Norma and Carlos were living in the Miami, Fla. area, and in the spring of 2023, decided to move to Port Saint Lucie, about two hours north. Norma had retired from the United States Postal Service in 2021, at which time she became a realtor. She was also looking for something more. “I felt that I still had a lot to give,” she says. “I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.”  

Norma applied for and accepted the Office Coordinator position at Cleveland Clinic Tradition HealthPark in Port Saint Lucie. Carlos stayed behind in Miami to work and continue his job search. 

With his background in the food and beverage industry, the healthcare field was not one Carlos had considered before. “I was not sure where I would fit in at Cleveland Clinic after working for so many years as a bartender and server in the busy South Florida food and beverage industry,” he says. 

Leyla came to the rescue after Norma reached out to her. Leyla noted Carlos’ background and helped him secure an interview for a cook position at Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, also in the Port Saint Lucie area. An offer was made and accepted on the same day. And so, six months after Norma started her job, Carlos was able to join his wife. As he puts it, “My life took a turn that I was not expecting.”  

A good move 

One thing that Norma appreciates about working at Cleveland Clinic is the opportunity to work in different departments and locations. When she learned that her daughter was going to have a baby, “I put in for a transfer to find a job where I could use my administrative background while working a night shift, so that I can be free during the days to help my daughter.” 

On the date of her one-year anniversary, Norma moved into a new position, Team Center Coordinator at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make such a change in my life to accommodate my family’s changing needs,” she says. “I am truly blessed to work for an organization that has so many promising opportunities.” 

Carlos also feels like he’s found his “sweet spot” at Cleveland Clinic. “I cook for patients, their families and our Cleveland Clinic caregivers,” he says. “Cooking is love made visible, and I take pride and truly enjoy what I do, and when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” 

Going forward 

After graduating from an extensive culinary course, Carlos wants to continue his education in the culinary field, including managerial courses in order to build “dream teams” at Cleveland Clinic. “Our patients will be talking about our great food and service when they are discharged from our facilities,” he promises. 

And while Norma is happy in her current position, her plans include a possible career switch, again with the idea of helping people. “My thoughts are leaning toward becoming a polysomnographer or a service coordinator for the Care at Home team,” she says. “Both would give me the opportunity to work nights and continue to support my family’s needs while making a difference in helping my community.” 

A team effort 

The Del Rios encourage potential Cleveland Clinic caregivers to work closely with the recruiters. Referring to Leyla, Norma notes, “I came across a wonderful recruiter with a heart of gold. She heard in my voice how much I wanted to have my husband home with me, and she did what she does best – found the perfect position for my husband to do what he does best. We continue to keep in touch with our Cleveland Clinic ‘angel.’ We are proud to be part of the Cleveland Clinic family.” 

Carlos echoes his wife’s enthusiasm. “Don’t hesitate!” he says. “If in need or in doubt of where you belong, contact the recruiters at Cleveland Clinic. They will find you a place where you will fit right in and become part of our growing family.” 

For Leyla, “Life doesn’t get any better than this. This story continues to evolve, and it gives me goosebumps every time I think about it and them.”