Her Story
About Maria
Maria Tardiff serves as a utility coordinator at WGI in West Palm Beach, Florida. In this role, which she has held for five years, she acts as a liaison between utility companies and design engineers on transportation projects. Prior to joining WGI, Maria spent 20 years at Accurate Locating, later known as InfraMap, where she worked as a project manager in subsurface underground engineering, focusing on designating and locating infrastructure for transportation and roadway projects. Over her 26-year career in this male-dominated industry, she has drawn on her background as a young mother to foster teamwork and respect among colleagues. Maria attributes her success to the mentors she has met along the way. She holds an engineering tech certification from a local community college as well as certifications and coursework in AutoCAD, surveying, mapping, and bookkeeping, though she does not hold a formal degree. Maria values honesty and clear communication in both her professional and personal life, advising young women entering the field to recognize their unique contributions rather than viewing situations as competitions.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I've met the right people along the way. And they've been very good mentors to me, so I've taken that, you know?
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say for when you're put up against other people, or in a group of people, don't feel as though it's a competition. Each of you are completely unique, and you're they somebody brought you to that table, or brought you to that group, because you provide something to the team. You know? You're not trying to compete, you're not trying to be the person on the other side at the table. You're there because you're you. You were a part of that team.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm a big fan of like just honesty... Be honest about it, Be honest with the people around you, that's what they deserve, and then and then there's no misunderstanding... Communication and honest communication. You have to be very upfront vocal about Something, because nobody's gonna know unless you say it.
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