Luiz Quellis
Luiz Quellis, In His Own Words
“I have been with the Midland Area Community Foundation as Finance Manager since 2020.
I am originally from Brazil, where I worked for Dow Corning. I served as the Finance Manager for South America and Mexico. Subsequently, I was offered a position with Treasury in Midland, which aligned perfectly with my dream of coming to the US. I worked for Dow in Midland for nearly 12 years, although my position was eliminated following a company acquisition.
After working for Dow, I wanted to work in a higher education institution, mainly focusing on finance, but not as a professor. I interviewed with several colleges, including Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, but this would have required relocating. At that time, I applied for the Finance Manager position with the Midland Area Community Foundation, which seemed ideal. This suited me perfectly, as I loved the area and didn’t want to move. So, I accepted the position and settled in Midland.
Throughout my career, and before working for Dow, I worked for two large companies, including General Electric (GE). GE acquired a Brazilian appliance company I worked for, one of the country’s largest in the industry. Although few people spoke English initially, I had been studying the language, which made that transition exciting. I worked for GE-DAKO for nearly seven years. Additionally, I served in the Brazilian military for six months while in college.
My hometown is Piracicaba, named after the Piracicaba River. It’s a city in Southeast Brazil in the São Paulo state, with a population now around 400,000. I completed my education at Methodist University of Piracicaba (UNIMEP), earning degrees in business and accounting, followed by an MBA in the city of São Paulo.
I traveled extensively within Brazil, familiarizing myself with its various regions. I also engaged in sports, particularly volleyball, during my school years, although soccer is more prevalent in Brazil. As one of six in my family, I had to find what I excelled at.
Working for the Foundation has been fulfilling, allowing me to serve the community—our team often volunteers, which I take such joy in. The Foundation has emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and we’ve partnered with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to enhance our understanding and practices through assessments and training. We have continued this training every month, adhering to our strategic plan.
Community involvement is vital for me. We are so lucky to have facilities like Dow Diamond, the Center for the Arts, and the Greater Midland Community Center in our community. I enjoy attending local events like Loons baseball games. I developed a passion for baseball after moving to Midland and being introduced to the sport by a former manager. I’m also an avid Detroit Tigers supporter. Additionally, I appreciate the natural beauty of Michigan, particularly the northern lakes, which remind me of Brazil’s diverse landscapes.
Despite being a small city, Midland is diverse, and I believe we are on the right path. Still, there is room for improvement, particularly in spaces like affordable housing. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Affordable Housing Alliance, and Open Door play crucial roles in our community. I hope to see more initiatives that support our community’s needs and enhance family-friendly spaces.”
