Ivonne Friday
Ivonne Friday is an experienced Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professional with over two decades of expertise in engineering and regulatory compliance. Currently serving as SHE Manager at Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, she leads initiatives focused on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence across multiple sites. Ivonne holds a Master of Engineering Management from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Civil/Environmental Engineering from Michigan State University, blending strong technical acumen with strategic leadership.
Throughout her career, Ivonne has successfully implemented complex OSHA, EPA, ISO, and PSM standards across various industries and geographies. Her global EHS perspective—shaped by roles at organizations such as Stantec, Chicago Tube & Iron, and Land O’Frost—has made her a trusted leader in driving compliance and cultivating a safety-first culture. As a bilingual professional with exceptional interpersonal skills, she thrives in multicultural environments and is known for building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Ivonne is deeply committed to community engagement. She actively volunteers through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Project and leads a personal charity that brings holiday gifts to children in Ecuador. Whether at work or in service, Ivonne is driven by a passion for people, purpose, and creating lasting impact.
• Create a Go-to-Market Plan
• 40 Hours OSHA HAZWAPPER
• Northwestern University
• Michigan State University
• MEM Program at Northwestern University
• Master of Engineering Management Programs Consortium (MEMPC)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to starting with a strong foundation in environmental engineering, which eventually led me to discover my passion for protecting people through health and safety. As a SHE Manager, I oversee safety programs, compliance efforts, and daily operations across multiple departments. I find fulfillment in coaching teams, building a culture of accountability, and helping create a workplace where people feel cared for and return home safely every day.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay curious and stay human. Remember that safety is ultimately about people—not just rules and compliance. Focus on building strong relationships, listen actively, learn from every incident, and commit to continuous growth. Your perspective and empathy are powerful tools in creating safer, more supportive work environments.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the diversity of cultural approaches to safety, especially when working across global teams. Time zones can be a logistical hurdle, but the real opportunity lies in learning how different cultures view and prioritize safety. What motivates one team may not resonate with another, so I’ve learned to adapt my communication style to build trust, foster engagement, and ensure consistency while respecting local perspectives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Relationships, empathy, and respect are at the core of how I lead—values deeply rooted in my Latin heritage. I believe in open communication and strive to ensure my team always feels heard and supported. Outside of work, I carry these same values into my personal life through my nonprofit, Children in Ecuador, which brings holiday joy to over 300 children each year. This year is especially meaningful, as my own children will be joining me to help distribute gifts, continuing a legacy of compassion and community.