How did your career start, and what has your work experience been?
I began my career as an admin temp at the Kent, WA facility and, after six months, was hired as a Waste Tracking Specialist. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work in various locations, including Rancho Cordova, Tacoma, Pomona, and now Phoenix.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, ensuring there's never a dull moment. Working with diverse teams across different locations has allowed me to continuously learn and grow, even after 17 years in the industry.
Will you talk about your current role at Clean Earth?
I was recently promoted and relocated to Phoenix, AZ, as a Facility Manager. Although I've only been in the position for a few months, it is proving to be my most challenging role yet. For those who know me, you know I never back down from a challenge. I am committed to learning every aspect of the job and making our operations as efficient as possible to ensure the success of our business.
Are there any misconceptions people may have about your position?
One misconception I had coming into this position was that I thought my role would only involve overseeing operations. However, running a facility encompasses much more, including planning, safety and compliance, financial management, etc. It's easy to feel imposter syndrome in this position, but seeking guidance and being open to feedback is crucial for success.
Let’s talk about some of the highlights of your career. What has been the most rewarding or meaningful part of your work experience thus far?
The most rewarding part of becoming a manager is advocating for others and creating new opportunities for them. I frequently meet people from different groups, and when I see potential, I strive to help them grow in their careers. Helping others is my way of paying it forward, as many in this company have done the same for me.
How do you enjoy your time outside of work?
I love spending time with family and friends. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing; I find it to be the best way to reset and stay grounded in who I am.
How do you empower other women in our industry? What advice do you want to share?
I strive to empower others by sharing stories and listening to theirs. There is always a valuable lesson in a good story, and by taking pieces of these lessons, we can all improve and succeed in our roles.
The best advice I can offer is to be a sponge and learn as much as you can from others. Stay open to feedback and be as transparent as possible. Volunteer for projects or offer help to others when you see them struggling. Make a lasting impact so that when the time comes for you to step into a new role, there will be no doubt about who you are and what you can do.
Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your career?
Practice patience. Nothing good comes from instant gratification, and you will not have everything figured out even when you think you do. Also, give yourself grace when you make a mistake. You learn best from them, so you won’t do them again.
How should we encourage the younger generation of women to join the waste industry?
Mentorship has been the best thing for my career. I encourage my team to join the Mentorship Program whenever they can, so they can network and learn about the different parts of the industry. And never stop being a mentee. I’ve been lucky to have dinner with a diverse group of women from different locations and listening to their stories gave me the motivation to finish my degree, strive for more in my career, and continue to help others.