Lucia Falcón

I attribute much of my success to my ability to work effectively with many different types of people. Over time, I’ve learned how differently individuals think, learn, and communicate, and I’ve adapted my management style to meet each person where they are. I don’t believe in a one‑size‑fits‑all approach; instead, I focus on understanding how each person absorbs information and what support they need to thrive.

In my current role, I meet almost every new hire who joins the company. I take the time to talk with them, walk them through demonstrations, and get a sense of how they process information. This helps me tailor my training and guidance so they feel confident and prepared. The ability to adapt to each person individually has become one of my strongest professional traits.

I’ve also been fortunate to have incredible mentors. My three sisters have been major influences — each of them has built a strong career, and I’ve learned so much from watching their paths. My best friend, who works alongside me as a cost accounting manager, has pushed me to recognize my own strengths and helped me build confidence in what I know. She also pointed out that I have learned a lot more than I sometimes give myself credit for. My parents have also played a crucial role in shaping the woman I am today. They have always been a strong support system, and the values and ethics they instilled in me continue to guide the way I work, lead, and raise my own daughters. Their example is a big part of why I strive to stay grounded, work hard, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for the people around me.

An Engineer I worked with once gave me advice I carry with me: keep one foot grounded and one foot in the air so you’re always ready to jump at an opportunity. Learn everything you can where you are, and when you’ve gained all the knowledge available, move in the direction that gets you closer to where you want to be. This sometimes meant taking a lateral position or a step down to create the right path for myself.

As a woman and a Latina in a male‑dominated industry, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. My biggest advice is to know your worth and lead with confidence, while also staying open to learning. You won’t have all the answers all the time — and that’s okay. What matters is knowing who your resources are, who your mentors are, and who will help shape you into the professional you want to become.

One of the most challenging periods in my career came when I had children back‑to‑back during COVID. I spent months quarantined while pregnant, followed by consecutive maternity leaves. Coming back and feeling like I had to prove myself all over again — especially with new faces and shifting teams — was incredibly difficult. Many women face this same uncertainty: wondering how motherhood will affect their careers and what they’ll be returning to. Balancing work and life is one part of it, but being heard and taken seriously as a woman is another.

I’m proud of myself for learning to speak up — for saying when something no longer feels like the right fit, and for asking what other opportunities might be available. My advice is this: don’t accept something just because it’s offered to keep you quiet or comfortable. Be prepared, be intentional, and be ready when the right opportunity comes your way.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is resisting the urge to stay in a role simply because I’m good at it. There were moments in my previous positions when I felt comfortable and proud of the positive changes I was making, and I wondered, “Maybe this is where I’m meant to stay.” But reminding myself of my long‑term goals pushed me to keep growing and to pursue new opportunities instead of settling.

I’m fortunate to be part of an organization that is expanding, and I feel confident that there are many opportunities ahead. I’m learning a great deal in my current role — and I know there is still so much more to learn. I genuinely admire and respect the management team I work with, and I feel that respect is mutual. I can speak openly about my aspirations, which has made a tremendous difference in my development.

With the knowledge and experience I’m gaining, I believe I’ll be well‑positioned for future leadership opportunities within manufacturing and supply chain as they arise. Staying focused on growth, staying curious, and staying honest about what I want has helped me continue moving forward.

What motivates me most is knowing the impact I have — on my team, on the organization, and on the people I work with every day. That sense of purpose pushes me to keep improving and to stand out among my peers. I’ve learned how important it is to understand that everyone works and thinks differently, and that effective leadership means adapting to each person rather than treating everyone the same. Taking the time to get to know my colleagues, having real conversations, and understanding how they process information is essential to how I lead.

I also value open communication. I’ve been intentional about voicing my goals and discussing my career path with my managers and HR. Being transparent about where I want to go has helped me stay aligned with opportunities that truly fit. I believe in being prepared when those opportunities arise — and in not accepting something just to be placated. Advocating for myself, staying aware of my impact, and continuing to grow are what keep me moving forward.

I hope to be a positive influence for women — but most importantly, for my two daughters. The effort I put into my career is matched by the effort I put into raising them to be strong, confident, intelligent young women. Everything I strive for professionally is also a reflection of what I want them to see: resilience, ambition, and the belief that they can build the future they choose.