Her Story
About Sheila
Sheila M. Ouimette, M.S., PMP, is an accomplished telecommunications engineer and fiber infrastructure professional with nearly 20 years of experience in network engineering, outside plant (OSP) planning, and project management. She currently serves as an OSP Planner Engineer at Meridium Group, where she designs and plans fiber networks for telecommunications and broadband providers across multiple states, including Indiana and Texas. In her role, she develops both high- and low-level network designs, supports construction implementation, and ensures projects are executed efficiently from planning through completion. Her extensive technical expertise spans fiber network design, broadband infrastructure, network operations, and construction management, enabling her to deliver reliable, scalable connectivity solutions that support communities and businesses alike.
Ouimette began her telecommunications career as a Field Technician in Uganda, where she spent more than 15 years advancing through increasingly responsible engineering and technical leadership roles within the industry. After relocating to the United States, she served as a Fiber Project Manager for a broadband company in Maine, leading complex fiber deployment initiatives for three and a half years before joining Meridium Group. Among her most significant accomplishments was managing the design and construction of a large-scale fiber network project in Vermont that expanded broadband access to more than 50,000 residents in rural communities. She also takes pride in having her graduate research published by her university, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation within the telecommunications field.
Committed to continuous professional growth, Ouimette holds a Master of Science (M.S.) in ICT for Development from Nexus International University and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Engineering. She also holds the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, along with several industry certifications that complement her technical and leadership expertise. Known for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and dedication to excellence, Ouimette remains passionate about building resilient, future-ready broadband infrastructure that improves connectivity, strengthens communities, and drives economic development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheila
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family and the values they instilled in me. Growing up in a family that faced financial challenges and often lived hand to mouth gave me a deep sense of purpose and determination. I was driven by the desire to change my family's story, create better opportunities, and serve as an example of what is possible through hard work and perseverance. That motivation continues to inspire me every day and has shaped both my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was to pursue what I genuinely want and what I feel confident doing. While I once considered careers such as becoming a pilot or an accountant, I ultimately chose engineering because I saw an opportunity to break barriers in a field where few women were represented. I wanted to demonstrate that women are just as capable of succeeding in engineering and to inspire others to pursue careers without being limited by traditional expectations.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this industry to go for it with confidence and determination. Do not let negativity, stereotypes, or the opinions of others discourage you from pursuing your goals. Your abilities are not defined by your gender, and there are no limits to what you can achieve through hard work, resilience, and self-belief. Stay focused, embrace opportunities, and trust that you are just as capable of succeeding as anyone else.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming persistent gender bias. There are still instances where people underestimate women's abilities in engineering or question whether we can perform at the same level as our male counterparts. This can also extend to compensation and salary negotiations, where assumptions about capability may influence pay equity. At the same time, these challenges present an opportunity to continue breaking barriers, demonstrating excellence through our work, and paving the way for greater inclusion and equal opportunities for future generations of women in engineering.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, teamwork, and determination. I believe in always being truthful, taking responsibility for my work, and working collaboratively with others to achieve the best possible outcomes. I also value listening to different perspectives, as it fosters mutual respect, strengthens collaboration, and leads to more informed decisions. These principles guide how I build relationships, overcome challenges, and contribute to every team I am part of.
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