Her Story
About Sharon
I have been working in health and safety management for 21 years. I started my career as a heavy equipment operator and then began taking classes to become a health and safety professional. I attended programs at Rutgers University, including occupational health and safety leadership programs at different levels. In my role, I affect leadership of the workplace and engage directly with the workforce. I demonstrate leadership that goes beyond compliance, combining technical skills with equipment safety professionalism and the capability to teach classes and educate workers. My most notable professional achievement has been developing leadership strategies that enhance the workforce and the ability to lead teams. I train, communicate, conduct meetings, and do public speaking. I advocate for growth in networking and building relationships, and I own my career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute my success through the path of people that I've met and learned from. I strive for knowledge. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to connect with mentors and colleagues who have shaped my understanding and approach to health and safety. The relationships I've built and the continuous learning I've pursued have been fundamental to whatever success I've achieved in my field.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from Dr. Katzi at Rutgers University. He told me to always take ownership of my profession and path by building relationships and trust, and embracing continuous learning over others' interests. That advice has guided everything I do. I train, I communicate, I do meetings, I do public speaking. I advocate for growth in networking and building relationships. I own my career, and that ownership has made all the difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I want young women entering health and safety to understand that physical health is number one. When I first started out, they asked me to operate equipment because that's where I came from, and I had horrible experiences - men who pissed in the seat, and I ended up with Hepatitis C. So I tell young women: prioritize independence, focus on becoming a well-versed individual, and don't shy away from the wealth of information that is given to you. Understand the seriousness of health and safety. It's not just about compliance or technical knowledge - it's about protecting yourself and others in very real ways.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in health and safety right now is getting the buy-in to safety and having the knowledge to teach it with great integrity so people get the buy-in. It's not enough to just know the regulations - you have to be able to communicate them effectively and build trust with the workforce. As for opportunities, I can say that through the years, I have welcomed a milestone of opportunities. The field continues to evolve and present new ways to make an impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in work and personal life are having a line of communication and teaching. These are guiding principles that shape my behavior, decisions, and satisfaction, spanning from integrity and innovation to family and balance. Communication is essential in everything I do - whether I'm training workers, conducting meetings, or building relationships. Teaching allows me to pass on knowledge and help others grow. And maintaining that balance between professional integrity and personal values like family keeps me grounded.
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