Her Story
About Alicia
Alicia Caballero is an accomplished Lead Chemist and environmental laboratory professional based in Kingsville, Texas, with nine years of experience in the environmental and hazardous waste management industry. She began her career as a Laboratory Technician and steadily advanced through the field, developing the technical expertise, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge necessary to take on increasing levels of responsibility. In her current role, Alicia specializes in VOC and SVOC analysis and oversees the organic side of the laboratory. Her responsibilities require precision, analytical thinking, and a strong understanding of laboratory procedures and environmental testing. She is committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency while supporting the laboratory’s overall goals and operations.
Beyond her technical responsibilities, Alicia is actively involved in improving laboratory processes and developing the people around her. She identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, updates and maintains standard operating procedures, troubleshoots instruments, and helps ensure that laboratory processes remain consistent and effective. She also plays a key role in employee development by training new hires and providing annual training to help team members maintain the knowledge and skills required for their roles. Alicia’s approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a willingness to share her knowledge. Her career journey has also been shaped by perseverance and personal responsibility. Although she left college early to help support her family, she continued moving forward professionally through hard work, initiative, hands-on experience, and a commitment to learning. Her progression from an entry-level laboratory position into a leadership role reflects her determination to create opportunities and continually develop her capabilities.
Alicia is equally passionate about using her experiences to encourage and empower others. Through her participation in a mentorship program, she shares her personal career journey with others and demonstrates that professional success can take many different paths. She emphasizes the importance of character, ambition, initiative, resilience, and a strong work ethic, encouraging others not to allow the absence of a traditional career path or conventional credentials to limit their aspirations. Alicia believes that what individuals bring through their attitude, dedication, willingness to learn, and determination can have a lasting impact on their careers. She approaches her own work with a positive mindset and a desire to continually grow, while also looking for opportunities to help others recognize their strengths and pursue their goals. Through her leadership in the laboratory, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to mentorship, Alicia continues to make a meaningful contribution to her profession and the people she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alicia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to initiative, a strong work ethic, perseverance, and staying true to my values. I have always been willing to work hard, take on new challenges, and look for opportunities to learn and grow. My determination and drive allowed me to advance from a Laboratory Technician into a leadership role, even though I did not complete a traditional degree path. I believe success is not defined solely by credentials, but also by the effort you put into your work, the character you demonstrate, and the way you treat others. Above all, being a good person and remaining grounded in the importance of family have helped guide my decisions and keep me focused on what truly matters.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to learn as much as possible if you want to become a leader. Understanding every aspect of the work allows you to build credibility, make informed decisions, and effectively support the people around you. I have also learned that you cannot change people, but you can take the time to understand them, recognize their strengths, and place or guide them where they can be most effective. Most importantly, when something is bothering me, I focus on what I can control by examining and changing my own behavior rather than trying to change someone else. This mindset has helped me become a more adaptable, understanding, and effective professional and leader.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe women can thrive in this industry, and I encourage young women entering the field to recognize that their success is defined by the content of their character, their drive, their ambition, and the work they are willing to put in, not by physical attributes or stereotypes. Stay focused on your “why,” work hard, continue learning, and remain confident in the value you bring to the workplace. Remember that a job is one part of a larger life and can be a means of creating the future and lifestyle you want for yourself. Most importantly, do not feel limited if your journey does not follow a traditional path. My own experience has shown me that there are many different routes to success, and with determination, initiative, and perseverance, you can build a meaningful and rewarding career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are initiative, a strong work ethic, kindness, and integrity. I believe initiative and work ethic are essential qualities because, while skills and knowledge can be developed, the willingness to take initiative and consistently give your best comes from within. Just as important to me is being a good person and treating others with respect, compassion, and consideration. In my personal life, family is at the center of everything I do, and one of my greatest priorities is raising good people who genuinely care about others, understand the importance of helping those around them, and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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