Isalia Minnalez

I attribute my success first and foremost to the people around me. Every person closest to me has shaped a different part of who I am. My abuelita taught me courage by immigrating from Colombia without knowing the language and paving the way for generations of our family to follow. My mother taught me that being a strong woman also means being compassionate, open, and willing to stand up for others. My father nurtured my love for the environment and my ability to connect with people, while my siblings have taught me the value of discipline, creativity, hard work, and constantly striving to improve. My best friend has always been in my corner, inspiring me through everything she has accomplished.

Because of them, I have learned to take risks, stay curious, reflect on where I can grow, and approach life with optimism. I also know that I am incredibly fortunate to have people who encourage me to pursue opportunities and trust me to make my own decisions. Whatever success I achieve, I see it as a reflection of the lessons, love, and support I have received from the people who helped me become who I am.

The best career advice I’ve received is simple: listen more than you talk. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. The more attentively you listen, the better you can recognize what people need, pick up on what others may overlook, and ultimately become someone who can genuinely help. I’ve found that listening well is one of the most powerful ways to learn, connect, and lead.

I would encourage young women entering engineering and related fields not to be afraid to ask for help. There can be pressure, particularly in industries where women are underrepresented, to feel that you have to be exceptional at everything, avoid mistakes, and prove that you deserve your place. I have learned that reaching out to professors, peers, and other professionals can make a tremendous difference because people genuinely want to help. 

Most importantly, I have learned that someone else’s success is not a threat to your own. Opportunity is not finite; there is room for every woman to grow, lead, and make her mark. Celebrate the women around you, make space for others, and give generously. What we build together will always be greater than what we build alone.

One of the biggest challenges in environmental engineering is not a lack of innovation, but creating the incentives to put that innovation into practice. We already have many of the technologies and infrastructure needed to improve water quality, sustainability, and quality of life; what is often missing is the political and economic will to prioritize them. Real change requires governments to create policies that make environmental responsibility financially worthwhile for industries and empower communities to demand better from the systems that serve them. Ultimately, I believe the greatest opportunity lies in changing the way we think about environmental investment: protecting the planet is not separate from improving human life. The healthier our environment is, the healthier and more secure our communities become.

The values that are most important to me are being selfless, genuine, compassionate, and open-minded. I try not to prejudge people and to always leave room to learn from someone else’s perspective. As a cradle Catholic, I have always understood a Christ-like life to mean treating others with love, staying humble, and being willing to give of yourself when someone needs you. I also believe that the right decision is not always the easiest one, but choosing what is right, even when it is difficult, is often what leaves you feeling the most fulfilled. I want to carry those values with me in both my work and personal life and always leave people feeling a little more cared for than when I found them.