Monica Pyles-Baker

I attribute my success to my relationship with God; he is my foundation. God has given me an innate sense to navigate challenges. He gave me the power to bounce back from the setbacks in my life. My faith and testimony is what carries me through and gives me the strength to be a voice for others, to follow through on my commitments, and to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles I face. Without that relationship with something greater than myself, I wouldn't be where I am today.

For a long time, I believed that if I just worked hard enough, stayed consistent, and delivered results, it would naturally be recognized. And while your work absolutely matters, I’ve learned that it’s not enough on its own. You have to advocate for it. You have to communicate your value clearly and confidently.

That advice changed how I show up. It taught me that there’s a balance - you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room, but you do need to make sure your contributions are seen and understood. Especially in environments where you may already be underestimated, your voice is just as important as your output.

It also reminded me that speaking up isn’t about ego - it’s about ownership. Ownership of your ideas, your growth, and the space you’ve earned.

“The advice I would give isn’t just about succeeding in an industry - it’s about surviving it, navigating it, and ultimately reshaping it.”

You’re going to walk into rooms where you’re underestimated, overlooked, or not fully understood. Don’t let that shake you - it’s not a reflection of your capability; it’s a reflection of systems that haven’t caught up yet. Stay grounded in what you know, and more importantly, stay grounded in who you are.

Learn everything you can - be curious, ask questions, understand the why behind the work. Competence builds confidence, and confidence changes how people receive you. But don’t confuse confidence with having to prove your worth every second. You don’t owe anyone exhaustion to validate your seat at the table.

There will be moments where the pressure feels familiar - where environments mirror things you’ve already had to overcome in life. That’s where your testimony becomes your advantage. You already know how to endure, adapt, and push forward when things are hard. Most people in the room are still learning that.

Find your voice early. Speak up - even when your voice shakes. Advocate for yourself and for others who don’t yet know how. The industry doesn’t just need more women - it needs women who are willing to challenge what isn’t working.

And above all - don’t shrink to fit spaces that were never designed with you in mind. Expand them. Redefine them. Leave them better for the women coming behind you.

“My two biggest challenges right now are credibility and access to growth.”

First, as a woman in manufacturing - especially one whose background doesn’t traditionally signal “qualified” on paper - I often have to work twice as hard to have my analysis and insights taken seriously. I’m not just presenting data; I’m navigating perceptions. I’m intentional about how I communicate - making sure I’m patient, respectful, and not perceived as combative - but that also means my ideas are sometimes dismissed initially, only to be accepted later without acknowledgment. The real challenge is managing that dynamic without becoming discouraged or resentful.

Second, access to professional development is a significant barrier. Coming from what I call a “compromised past,” there’s often an unspoken ceiling. It can feel like the opportunity I was given is seen as enough - as if growth beyond that isn’t expected or supported. But the reality is, individuals with backgrounds like mine often need more support, not less, to fully realize their potential. And when that support isn’t there, it becomes a real obstacle to advancement.

Integrity is everything to me. I believe in doing the right thing even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s not recognized, and even when it would be easier not to. My word, my work, and how I show up for people all have to align.

Accountability is a close second. I take ownership of my actions, my growth, and my outcomes. No matter where I’ve come from, I don’t let my past define my ceiling - I let it fuel my responsibility to do better, be better, and create better opportunities for myself and others.

And compassion - because without it, none of the rest matters. I try to lead and live with understanding, knowing that everyone is carrying something. Whether in business or at home, I care deeply about people, how they’re treated, and how I make them feel. You can be strong, driven, and successful - but still lead with heart.