Her Story
About Belinda
Belinda Mendez is a skilled safety professional currently serving as a Safety Manager at Excelsior Safety Solutions, where she leads safety initiatives focused on protecting employees, improving workplace practices, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. In her role, she oversees safety programs, conducts job site assessments, identifies potential hazards, and works closely with teams to promote a strong culture of safety and accountability. Her expertise includes OSHA compliance, personal protective equipment (PPE) enforcement, corrective actions, incident prevention, and the development of practical safety solutions tailored to operational needs.
Mendez’s passion for workplace safety began in 2011 while working overseas on an Air Force contract, where she received safety training that inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to protecting workers. She further developed her knowledge and skills through education and hands-on field experience, earning a bachelor’s degree in Safety from Columbia Southern University, where she was recognized on the Dean’s List. She holds several professional credentials, including OSHA 510, OSHA 500, fire safety certification, and the Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP) designation, and continues to advance her expertise while working toward her Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certification.
With more than six years of field experience in construction and industrial safety, Mendez has built a reputation as a proactive and committed safety leader. Her previous experience with Turner Construction, Born Industrial LLC, and Fisher Tank Company has strengthened her ability to manage safety operations, collaborate with diverse teams, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies. She attributes her success to her dedication to continuous improvement and her commitment to ensuring every worker has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to return home safely each day. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Mendez enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly near the water and fishing, which allows her to maintain a strong connection with nature.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Belinda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my hands-on experience in the field and my commitment to ensuring that every worker has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to return home safely each day. Over the past six years, I have developed a strong foundation in safety management through real-world experience, continuous learning, and a dedication to protecting employees in the workplace. My education from Columbia Southern University, along with professional certifications including OSHA 500, fire safety certification, and the GSP designation, has strengthened my ability to effectively lead safety initiatives and oversee safety operations at Turner Construction. I believe my success comes from combining practical field experience with a passion for creating safer work environments.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that you can build a rewarding career by pursuing work that you are passionate about and that brings purpose to your life. I discovered my passion for safety while working overseas on an Air Force contract, where my abilities were recognized and I was given the opportunity to receive safety training. That experience showed me the impact I could make by helping protect others and creating safer work environments. It reinforced the importance of following your strengths, embracing new opportunities, and finding fulfillment in a career that allows you to make a meaningful difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the safety industry is to pursue a career that aligns with their passion and recognize the meaningful impact they can have on others. Safety is a rewarding field that provides the opportunity to make a real difference by protecting workers, improving workplace conditions, and creating environments where people feel valued and supported. Believe in your abilities, continue learning, and embrace every opportunity to grow professionally, as your knowledge, leadership, and dedication can positively influence the lives of many.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is ensuring the safety of every individual at Turner Construction while continuously adapting to evolving workplace demands and safety standards. The responsibility of protecting workers requires constant attention, strong communication, and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential hazards. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to strengthen safety culture, implement effective practices, and empower employees with the knowledge and resources they need to work safely every day. I am committed to creating an environment where safety remains a shared priority and every worker feels supported and protected.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are safety, responsibility, and maintaining a strong connection with the world around me. In my professional role, my priority is ensuring that every worker has the support, knowledge, and resources needed to perform their job safely and return home to their families each day. Outside of work, I value spending time outdoors, especially fishing and enjoying nature, which allows me to recharge and appreciate the importance of balance. These values guide me in both my career and personal life, reinforcing my commitment to protecting others while staying connected to the things that bring me fulfillment.
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