Monica Maez
Senior Project Manager
Standard Logistics
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Briefly summarize your career.
It started in chemical manufacturing at Sherwin Williams, from there managing Production with Tyco. Gave birds eye view finance and scheduling; interested in supply chain had a project in delivery from US to Germany shipped via airplane, ship by sea and calculate the cost. From there, went into James Hardie, did Project Management, from raw materials to end product eye view of the business and it was my opportunity came founder of Lyme scooter company talked about my skills. Joined a startup venture and during the COVID era it was a good learning experience. From there, love for supply chain still flourish did certification in Supply Chain in IT and it opened the door to work in Logistics and Supply chain GAF manufacturing. Start in manufacturing engineers and see the process from raw materials to delivery and supply chain. Working at the plants, bring that to the trucking industry and connect the industry.
How did you get into manufacturing?
It was when I was in college and I was applying for internships, anywhere they would take me. Co-op in Dallas, TX. I liked it and from there I was offered a full-time job. I didn’t really grasp what manufacturing was while I was in college until I did my internship. I really like the culture of manufacturing. The people/operators are chill. One of my first mentors on my last day of my co-op, he said I’m glad you’re here and on my team and on your first day here, bring this little woman to come work under the maintenance department of a manufacturing company. Small delicate girl and then I kicked ass. Glad you pushed through and proved me wrong. People will naturally judge and you have to prove yourself even more as a woman.
How did you get into your current role?
A recruiter reached out to me through LinkedIn. In the earlier stages of my career, I worked in various functional areas within the Talent Management space. At James Hardie, I transitioned into a role focusing on Talent Management processes. Within Caterpillar, I have been involved in building Leadership Development Portfolios. I also had an L&D rotation after my undergraduate studies, which gave me exposure to Learning and Development, as well as the operational side of talent management, including organizational effectiveness and performance management. My role evolved into that of an HR Generalist with a focus on Talent Management processes.
What are/were some of your struggles or challenges, working in manufacturing?
Challenges in manufacturing, one is male dominated industry making your voice heard is the biggest challenges. Men may have stronger personalities or undermine a woman’s knowledge. You always have to be a step ahead educate myself on the topics and stick to it or ask valid questions and speak up in meetings. Speak up even if I am not a 100% right, generates conversation. Depends on demographic, older men, very reluctant to having a woman tell them what to do or that it may not be the best way.
Who were some of the people that influenced you professionally?
Connie, she was a Plant Manager at my 1st job at Sherwin Williams and we went out to lunch and told a story about how she tried to get a promotion. She found another position and informed the business that they took too long. She stood up for herself. When the conditions became to her standard.
My mom, she is in a male dominated industry and she stands up for herself. Computer systems engineer. Hearing her stories. Not something someone has told me, but seeing how women stand up for themselves is an inspiration.
My mom was told she was wrong and she knew she was right. She shared an example, if you know you’re right keep pushing until you make your point. I do a lot more of that now.
How has the workplace changed for women since you first started?
Over the years, I've noticed a significant shift in the workplace, especially within HR, where the majority of professionals are female. One of the most notable changes is the increased awareness and acknowledgment of the female experience in the workplace. There is now an expectation for initiatives that support and empower women. Discussions about gender disparity and the need for change are more prevalent today than they were 15+ years ago. People are more open to talking about these issues and are taking steps to create a more equitable environment. Being aware of these changes is crucial for driving further progress.
What kind of impression would you like to leave on other women in manufacturing?
I believe that visibility and representation are incredibly meaningful. By being visible and active in the industry, I hope to serve as a relatable figure that other women in manufacturing can identify with. My specific work involves creating tools and resources to help them grow in the manufacturing sector. This includes developing leadership programs, opening doors to new opportunities, and providing support for career development and progression. My goal is to equip women with the tools they need to be successful in the manufacturing space.
What career advice do you have for other women?
I would encourage women to pursue opportunities even if they don't initially see themselves represented. There is still a significant gap, especially in leadership roles. Many businesses have historically drawn leadership from a specific demographic, but that doesn't mean you can't break through. If you don't see someone who looks like you in a leadership role, don't let that limit your aspirations. It is possible to achieve senior leadership positions through perseverance. I've witnessed enough change in different companies to know that with determination, you can make it happen.
What are some ways you have given back to the community of women, or some ways you have made a positive influence and impact on women in manufacturing?
One significant contribution I made was at James Hardie, where I helped establish and strengthen the Women's Initiative Network. I played a key role in putting together a structured framework that enabled other Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to be established and flourish.
What are your career goals from here, and how do you plan to reach them?
My goal is to expand my horizons beyond HR and delve into project management, for which I am pursuing certification with a focus on the business aspect. I aim to bring a strong employee focus to this role, ensuring that it's not just about management but also about understanding and meeting the needs of employees. This dual perspective will allow me to contribute to overall strategy and senior leadership development. Additionally, I want to play a role in growing the pipeline of talent into these leadership positions. I've observed a trend where many companies are shifting towards a more employee-centric approach, and I want to be at the forefront of this movement.