Her Story
About Monica
Monica Guinn is a dedicated project controls and subcontract management professional with more than 15 years of experience supporting complex engineering and construction projects. Currently serving as Subcontract Manager at Linde Engineering, Monica was recently promoted after three years in project controls with the company, a testament to her expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence. She is currently contributing to one of the largest hydrogen production facilities in the United States, located in Nederland, Texas, where she works closely with project leadership on initiatives that support renewable energy, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies. Her work reflects a passion for building a more sustainable future while delivering accurate data, strategic insights, and operational excellence.
Originally from Mexico, Monica earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources in 2013. Although her academic background was not in engineering, she successfully built a career in project controls through determination, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. Beginning in administrative support roles within project management, she steadily advanced by developing expertise in business intelligence and analytics tools, earning certifications in Power BI, Tableau, Excel, Lean Six Sigma, and other professional disciplines. Her ability to transform data into meaningful insights and provide dependable support to project leadership has made her a trusted contributor on large-scale industrial projects.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Monica is a lifelong learner who embraces personal growth in every aspect of life. Married for eight years and the proud mother of a four-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, she values family time and strives to create a positive impact for future generations through her work in clean energy. An avid reader and audiobook enthusiast with a goal of completing at least fifteen books each year, she also recently discovered a passion for embroidery. Whether pursuing new certifications, learning new skills, or mentoring others through her example, Monica believes that continuous growth, preparation, teamwork, and having the courage to speak up are key ingredients for both personal and professional success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I’d say my success really comes down to dedication and being willing to put in that extra effort. That’s especially important in an industry like this, where you’re often working alongside people who have decades of experience.
I also recognize that I bring a different perspective—as a woman, a younger professional, and someone with an international background. Instead of seeing that as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to contribute fresh ideas. I try to stay prepared, listen, and share my perspective in a way that’s collaborative rather than confrontational.
At the end of the day, it’s about working as a team and keeping everyone aligned toward the same goal. So I really credit my success to staying dedicated, being prepared, and focusing on teamwork.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple: speak up.
When I first moved to the U.S., I knew I had the skills and knowledge, but I felt like I had to prove myself. In meetings, I would stay quiet and then follow up afterward with my thoughts by email instead of sharing them in the moment.
My supervisor at the time—who gave me my first opportunity here in the U.S.—noticed that and gave me advice that really stuck with me. He told me, “Monica, I know you know your stuff. Your ideas are valuable—you just have to share them during the meeting so others can see it too.”
That was a turning point for me. At the time, I was a bit intimidated—especially because of my accent and not always feeling confident about how my ideas would come across. But he encouraged me to speak up anyway, even if I wasn’t completely sure. His point was that participation builds confidence, and over time, it helps others recognize your contributions as well.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more vocal, and it’s made a big difference—not just in my confidence, but in how I connect and collaborate with my team.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be prepared, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to speak up. It can feel intimidating—especially when you’re the only woman in the room—but your perspective is valuable and deserves to be heard. Participate, share your ideas with confidence, and don’t shy away from making your voice part of the conversation. The more you show up and engage, the more you’ll grow, build credibility, and create opportunities for yourself and others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field continues to be that it is largely male-dominated. Establishing credibility often requires consistently demonstrating your value through preparation, accuracy, and strong performance. For me, that has meant being present on site, coming to meetings well-prepared, and ensuring the data and insights I provide are reliable and meaningful.
At the same time, this challenge presents a great opportunity—to bring new perspectives, build trust, and earn a seat at the table. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made over the past year, gaining the confidence of my team and leadership. Today, I work closely with the project director, which reflects the trust I’ve built and reinforces the importance of delivering dependable results and contributing as a strong team partner.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dedication, organization, and teamwork are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I take pride in staying organized and creating structure, as it helps me work efficiently and stay focused—my personal motto is “no mess, no stress.” Whether at work or at home, having systems in place allows me to stay prepared and deliver my best.
Equally important to me is teamwork. I truly believe that meaningful results are never achieved alone. While individuals can bring great ideas, it takes collaboration and trust to turn those ideas into success. That’s why I place a strong emphasis on building relationships and fostering a sense of community in the workplace. Taking the time to connect with people, understand their roles, and work together creates a stronger, more supportive team.
For me, success comes from combining organization with strong relationships—creating an environment where people work together toward a common goal and support one another along the way.
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