Her Story
About Nicole
I was in the medical field for 22 years working as a health unit coordinator, certified medical scribe, registered medical assistant, and registered dental assistant. Almost 6 years ago I transitioned into safety and now provide daily oversight for Bechtel and H2C ensuring they follow procedures on contracts worth $16 billion and $45 million to keep workers safe while melting waste into glass. I finished my master's in 52 weeks while working full time and raising four boys, and I am waiting to hear back about a Senior Director of Safety position.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my parents' drive and ambition, watching my dad work hard and support the family after my mom's aneurysm, and my own determination to invest in myself and provide better for my boys without waiting for handouts.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be resourceful. There are so many resources out there that people do not know about, and all you have to do is look for them. Google them, get ahold of your courts, your juvenile justice centers. With women being a minority, grants and scholarships are not hard to get.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you can do it when you're younger, don't think about it, start doing it. Don't sit and wait. Take the risk, take the chance. The worst you're going to do is fail, and it's okay to fail, because we learn something through failure too. A year later, a year sooner, you could have been living your own life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Safety positions are coming up everywhere, so a lot of people will work for less money. Know your value, don't sell yourself short. Ask for the money, ask for the higher pay. Be confident in yourself because that's what companies want.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, and communication are big for me. I love my family and friends very hard and would do anything for them. Always showing up and being consistent.
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