Influential Woman · Manufacturing
Ana Quiros
Phlebotomy
IS Specialist Apprentice, IS Specialist Apprenticeship Program
Jenks, OK 74037
Her Story
About Ana
Ana Quiros is a dedicated manufacturing professional currently serving as an IS Specialist Apprentice, where she is developing advanced skills in the production of glass bottles through hands-on experience with hot glass manufacturing. With five years in the industry, Ana began her manufacturing career in quality control, spending nearly four years inspecting glass products under a microscope, evaluating defects, and working on the production floor to ensure only high-quality products reached customers. Her commitment to precision and continuous improvement has led her to pursue an IS Specialist apprenticeship, with the goal of earning her journeyman card and expanding her technical expertise in the field.
Before entering manufacturing, Ana built a strong foundation in healthcare, spending ten years in the medical field and earning a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, along with certifications in medical assisting and phlebotomy. She is also an active union member and shop steward, advocating for her colleagues and supporting workplace improvements. Throughout her career, Ana has embraced opportunities to learn and grow, guided by the advice to never stop pursuing education and personal development. She credits her father, Jonathon Lockmiller, as an important mentor who helped shape her dedication and determination.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Ana has faced and overcome challenges, including doubts about her ability to succeed due to her size and background. Standing at 4 feet 11 inches, she has consistently proven that determination and skill matter more than assumptions, taking on demanding responsibilities such as changing equipment components operating at extremely high temperatures. Ana attributes her success to the support of her family, including her husband of 17 years and her children, who inspire her commitment to perseverance and growth. Outside of work, she gives back through volunteering at her local church and supporting youth activities, carrying the same values of dedication, service, and consistency into her personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family and my children, who have always been my greatest motivation. My husband and I have been married for 17 years, and together we have worked hard to create a stable, loving home for our children despite the challenges we faced growing up. Building a better future for my family has driven me to persevere, continue learning, and push through obstacles that have come my way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to never stop learning, continue your education, and always look for opportunities to grow. I have always believed that personal and professional development are ongoing journeys. Although I was unable to pursue my original goal of joining the Air Force due to asthma, I scored highly on the ASVAB and carried that same determination into every opportunity I pursued afterward. That mindset has helped me continue challenging myself and achieving goals I once thought were out of reach.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let your gender, size, or other people's assumptions define what you are capable of achieving. I was told I couldn't succeed in certain roles, but I continued to prove otherwise through hard work and determination. Whether it was working on a thousand-degree machine or taking on responsibilities others doubted I could handle, I learned that persistence and confidence can overcome barriers. Believe in yourself, keep pushing forward, and don't allow anyone else to set limits on your potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that it remains a traditionally male-dominated industry, and women often have to work harder to prove themselves. As a 4'11" woman, I have faced doubts about whether I could handle certain responsibilities, from working in the lab to transitioning from healthcare into a blue-collar career. However, those challenges have also created opportunities to demonstrate that dedication, skill, and determination matter more than stereotypes. I am proud to have continued growing in my career and am currently working toward earning my journeyman certification.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are dedication, consistency, and perseverance. My journey has taught me that success is built through commitment and the willingness to keep moving forward despite obstacles. Although I faced challenges early in life, including leaving high school, I earned my diploma and completed medical assisting coursework through college credits before turning 18. I have continued to set goals, work hard, and build a meaningful life for my family through determination and resilience.
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