Mariel Basurco

I attribute my success to the fact that I'm constantly learning. Every one of those degrees is completely different, and that continuous learning mindset has been key to my achievements. I've always been someone who embraces new knowledge and isn't afraid to completely change direction when needed, which is evident in my diverse educational background and my career transition from teaching to the coatings industry.

The best career advice I've ever received is 'fake it till you make it.' I've actually been using that one since high school, and it applies to everything, not just career. This advice has helped me navigate challenges and build confidence throughout my professional journey, especially when entering new situations or taking on projects where I needed to prove myself.

My advice to young women entering this field is to look them right in the eyes and always say that you can do it. Confidence and self-assurance are crucial, especially in a male-dominated industry like coatings. Don't let anyone make you doubt your abilities - stand firm, be direct, and believe in yourself from the start.

The biggest challenge in my field is that it's a pretty male-dominated field, and sometimes it is a bit difficult to have a conversation being taken seriously until you get a point across that you do know what you're doing. However, there's tremendous growth and opportunity as well. There's so much more that women can get accomplished, and society can get accomplished by being women than men. Men will tend to be a lot kinder and be more open to talking to women than mostly men, so once you get in there and establish your credibility, doors really open up.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are transparency, honesty, and just having somebody be polite and kind. These are the most important things to me. I believe in being straightforward and genuine in all my interactions, and I value when others treat me with the same respect and courtesy.