After returning from a mission to Belgium, Mahonry J. Sanchez knew that “international” would be part of his education and career. “I had a great experience at BYU. After having returned from a mission, I knew I loved languages, and I knew I wanted to be involved in the international arena for a career,” said Sanchez. “The Kennedy Center provided a lot of experiences which helped me prepare and be anxious to work abroad and deal with different peoples and cultures.”
Sanchez worked to enhance his opportunities through one of the center’s award winning programs. “The highlight while at the center, was preparing for the Model United Nations program. Even though at the end I was not able to go, I learned about working with different countries, interests, and cultures, and how to be effective in getting things accomplished in such a complex structure of procedures,” Sanchez professed. “The time I spent at the center definitely helped me to determine that I wanted to work in the international arena.”
Following graduation, Sanchez was hired to manage the corporate accounts in Mexico for Icon Health & Fitness, the leading manufacturer in home fitness equipment. “As time went by, my responsibilities increased. Currently, I am responsible for our international operations, with the exception of the countries belonging to the European Union,” Sanchez reported. “Outside of that region, I supervise people who manage smaller regions and countries. Within countries, we work with distributors and retailers who distribute and sell our products.”
His work offers Sanchez the opportunity travel frequently, too. “It has been a blessing to be able to work with all types of cultures, peoples, and religions, as I travel to over sixty countries in a continual effort to grow our business,” said Sanchez. “One day I could be in Moscow, Russia, and the next day in Saudi Arabia, then the next day in Chile or Korea. It has been a unique growing experience for me. And I am grateful for the preparation BYU and the Kennedy Center provided me to be able to contribute to other societies in the smallest of ways.”