Her Story
About Lu
Lu Ballesteros-Wells is an experienced Environmental Health, Safety (EHS), and facilities management professional who currently serves as Facilities & EHS Campus Manager at Eaton Corporation in Southfield, MI.
She has been dedicated to workplace safety since 2012, when she joined an employee safety committee at UPS and discovered her passion for occupational safety while supporting operational excellence.
Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for finding practical solutions that balance safety, productivity, and efficiency, and helping organizations create workplaces where employees can perform at their most efficient without compromising well-being and safety.
Before joining Eaton, Lu held EHS and facilities leadership roles with JR Automation (Auburn Hills, MI) and Home Chef (Chicago, IL), where she gained extensive experience in environmental health and safety compliance, facility operations, risk management, and employee engagement.
She earned a Bachelor of Science magna cum laude in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University while successfully balancing a full-time career with major professional and personal commitments.
Lu truly believes that effective leadership comes through influence rather than authority, emphasizing relationship-building, active listening, and educating her peers and co-workers in the purpose behind the necessary workplace safety initiatives.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lu values family, meaningful relationships, and creating and encouraging a positive workplace culture - where employees feel supported both personally and professionally.
Outside of work, she enjoys musical and straight theater, using creative storytelling techniques to make safety training more engaging, and exploring mechanical projects, a passion that began during her early experience as a bicycle mechanic. She is also committed to community service, having helped establish the Share Food, Share Love food pantry in Brookfield, Illinois in 2016.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lu
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lesson I learned early in my career: influence is more powerful than authority. The most successful Facilities and EHS initiatives are built on collaboration, trust, and strong relationships. I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors, supporters, and colleagues who believed in me, challenged me to grow, and reinforced my belief that success is achieved through listening, partnership, and the strength of meaningful connections.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to go back to school. Taking that leap was one of the most challenging decisions I’ve made, but it was also one of the most rewarding. It expanded my knowledge, strengthened my confidence in my field, and unlocked new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to not wait until you feel completely ready. Growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Seek mentors, build strong relationships, stay curious, and remember that your unique perspective is valuable. Focus on continuous learning, supporting others, and always doing your best rather than striving for perfection.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is establishing credibility in operational and technical environments where women are still underrepresented. I’ve learned that expertise, preparation, consistent results, and a willingness to seek mentorship are the keys to overcoming those barriers. Over time, strong performance and continuous learning speak louder than any assumptions.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are building meaningful relationships, showing genuine care for others, and making a positive impact. In both my personal life and my career as a safety professional, I believe people thrive when they know they are valued as individuals, not just for the work they do. That belief has shaped my passion for safety and continues to guide how I support, encourage, and connect with others.
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