Even though he's a U.S. citizen, Jimenez says he understands illegal immigrants' plight.

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Today, Ms. Jimenez says she feels better and can stick to her treatment, though she is still "grossed out" by the pills.

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Vasella says Jimenez got the job because he has an unusual ability to inspire the troops and give them a clear sense of direction.

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Furthermore, the company says Jimenez wasn't engaged in strenuous work that day and had been working without apparent distress up to the time she collapsed.

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"We can't command the premium in these categories that we do in ketchups, " says Joseph Jimenez, who heads Heinz Europe.

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Bautista says that after Jimenez collapsed, the farm labor contractor delayed bringing Jimenez to a hospital.

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"Now is the time to find those people and start elevating them, " says Ms. Jimenez, senior director of analytics solutions.

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"If I did not signal clearly I was willing to make space" for others at the top, Jimenez might have left for another job, Vasella says.

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