C. Nickole Soto

I attribute my success to a combination of consistency, a willingness to learn, and a positive, solutions-focused mindset. I’ve always been someone who takes initiative and looks for ways to improve processes and support my team, even when it’s outside of my immediate responsibilities.

Working closely with project managers in my previous role taught me the importance of communication, adaptability, and attention to detail. I made it a priority to not just complete tasks, but to understand the bigger picture of how projects come together. That mindset helped prepare me for my transition into a Project Coordinator role.

I also believe my success comes from staying committed to growth. I’m actively pursuing my CAPM certification and continuing my education because I want to keep building my skills and adding value to my team.

At the core, I’d say my success comes from being reliable, staying motivated, and always being willing to step up and learn something new.

The best career advice I’ve received is to “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” That really stuck with me because it emphasizes continuous growth and preparation, even when you’re not actively in a new role yet.

I applied that by taking initiative in my previous position—learning from project managers, asking questions, and getting involved in processes beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Because of that, when the opportunity came to step into a Project Coordinator role, I felt prepared and confident to take that next step.

It also reminds me to keep investing in myself, whether that’s continuing my education, working toward my CAPM certification, or building new skills. Staying ready means I’m always positioning myself for the next opportunity.

My biggest piece of advice would be to believe in your ability, even before you feel 100% ready. In project management and similar industries, it’s easy to feel like you need to know everything before speaking up or stepping into new opportunities—but growth really happens when you’re willing to learn as you go.

I would also encourage young women to ask questions, seek out mentors, and not be afraid to take up space. Your perspective is valuable, and your voice matters in team discussions and decision-making.

Another important piece is to stay curious and open to learning. Whether it’s gaining certifications, building new skills, or learning from the people around you, continuous growth is key in this field.

And finally, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Go after opportunities, speak up about your goals, and trust that you belong in the room just as much as anyone else.

One of the biggest challenges in project management right now is keeping up with the rapid pace of technology and change. With the rise of AI, automation, and new digital tools, project teams are expected to work faster and more efficiently—but that also means there’s a constant need to learn and adapt.

Another challenge is managing remote and hybrid teams. While it offers flexibility, it also requires stronger communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to keep everyone aligned and engaged.

There’s also a growing talent gap in project management, which creates pressure on teams but also opens the door for people like me who are developing their skills and stepping into these roles.

On the opportunity side, I think this is one of the most exciting times to be in project management. AI and automation are helping streamline tasks like scheduling, reporting, and resource planning, which allows project managers to focus more on strategy, leadership, and problem-solving.

There’s also a big shift toward hybrid project management approaches and aligning projects more closely with business strategy, which gives project professionals more influence and impact within organizations.

Overall, while the field is evolving quickly, I see that as a huge opportunity to grow, stay adaptable, and bring more value to the teams and projects I’m part of.

The values that are most important to me are integrity, accountability, and continuous growth.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do. I believe in being honest, dependable, and doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. It builds trust, which is essential both in my professional relationships and in my personal life.

Accountability is another value I take seriously. I believe in taking ownership of my work, following through on commitments, and being someone my team and family can rely on. Whether it’s meeting deadlines or supporting others, I hold myself to a high standard.

I also value continuous growth. I’m always looking for ways to improve, learn new skills, and challenge myself. That’s what’s driving me to pursue my CAPM certification and continue developing in my career.

Lastly, I value connection—building strong relationships, supporting my team, and being present for my family. That balance keeps me grounded and motivated in everything I do.