Elizabeth Cur

I attribute my success to consistency, accountability, and a strong work ethic. I focus on showing up prepared, following through on commitments, and doing the job correctly even when it’s challenging or fast-paced. Over time, that consistency has built trust and respect with the people I work with.

I also attribute my success to adaptability and a willingness to learn. Working in a hands-on operational environment means things are constantly changing, and being able to adjust quickly, problem-solve in real time, and stay calm under pressure has been important to my growth.

Another key factor has been communication. Being clear, direct, and proactive helps prevent issues, improves coordination across departments, and keeps operations running smoothly, especially during urgent or high-pressure situations.

Finally, I attribute my success to staying grounded and focused on long-term goals rather than distractions or setbacks. I take pride in doing meaningful work, improving processes where I can, and continuing to grow professionally while maintaining balance and integrity in everything I do.

The best career advice I have received is to stay focused and maintain balance by keeping work life and personal life separate. I believe that setting healthy boundaries allows both areas of life to function more smoothly and helps individuals remain grounded, effective, and dependable when it matters most. While I take pride in being someone others can rely on, I also understands the importance of stepping back when needed to avoid carrying workplace stress into personal life. This perspective has helped shape her positive, balanced, and dependable approach both professionally and personally.

Advice I would give women entering my field is to stay confident in your abilities and not let the environment around you define your limits. Operational and hands-on industries can be male-dominated, but competence and consistency speak louder than anything else. When you show up prepared, willing to learn, and focused on doing the job correctly, respect follows over time.

I would also say don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit when you’re still learning. Growth in this field comes from experience, and no one expects you to know everything right away. Being open to learning while still carrying yourself with confidence is a strong balance that builds credibility quickly.

It’s important to develop thick skin and not take things personally when challenges arise. Focus on performance, not opinions. Let your work and reliability speak for you, especially in environments where you may feel like you have to prove yourself more than others.

Building strong communication skills is also key. Being clear, direct, and professional helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust with coworkers, vendors, and departments. People depend on you to keep operations moving, so communication becomes one of your most valuable tools.

Most importantly, remember why you chose the field. Stay focused on your goals, be proud of the work you do, and don’t let doubt talk you out of opportunities you’ve earned. You belong in the room just as much as anyone else.

One of the biggest challenges I faces in my role with City of Plant City is balancing multiple urgent operational needs at once while ensuring efficiency, compliance, and safety standards are consistently maintained. Managing a large and diverse fleet, along with significant fuel operations, requires strong prioritization, organization, and communication skills to keep everything running smoothly with minimal downtime.

Another major challenge is coordinating communication across multiple city departments and external vendors, particularly during high-pressure situations such as accidents, emergency repairs, or equipment failures. I believe that clear, consistent communication is essential in preventing delays, improving response times, and ensuring the best possible outcomes during critical situations.

Despite these challenges, I see tremendous opportunity within the industry. Advancements in technology, improved tracking systems, and stronger preventive maintenance practices are helping streamline fleet operations and improve overall efficiency. I also believe there is significant opportunity to attract and develop new talent in the field, especially by encouraging more women and young professionals to pursue careers in operational and hands-on industries.

Overall, the evolving nature of fleet operations as an opportunity for continued growth, innovation, and leadership.

The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, accountability, communication, and respect. I believe integrity is the foundation of strong character and leadership doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Accountability is equally important, as I believes in taking ownership of her responsibilities, following through on commitments, and being someone others can depend on.

Clear communication is another core value that plays a critical role in my work with City of Plant City, particularly when coordinating across departments and managing high-pressure situations. I believe open and consistent communication helps prevent misunderstandings, improves efficiency, and strengthens teamwork.

Respect is also central to the way I approach both work and life. I believe every role and every individual brings value, and that treating others with respect creates stronger relationships and more effective collaboration.

On a personal level, I value balance and positivity. I believe in maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal life, staying grounded during challenges, and approaching situations with a solution-focused mindset. These values have helped shape my dependable, professional, and positive approach both in her career and in my everyday life.