Her Story
About Valeria
I currently work as a utility forester with the utility company here in Miami-Dade, where I've been for about a year now as a contractor with FPL in the Vegetation Management Department. What this role entails is managing the vegetation that is near the power lines, inspecting it to see if it needs to be trimmed, scheduling that work, and if not, informing the owner of their responsibility for the vegetation. I graduated from the University of Florida in May 2024 with a bachelor's degree in sustainability and the built environment, and I wanted something aligned with that. The job hunting and search led me here because I knew I was going to be working outside on the field, and that brought my attention to it. I thought, well, why not give it a try? And it's already been a year, which is crazy how fast time passes. Some of the challenges in my role include having to talk with people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, and sometimes there's a language barrier, but thankfully I do know both English and Spanish, so I manage my way through. It's also about customer service and meeting expectations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Valeria
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'll say don't feel rushed. Don't feel that you're behind. Never compare yourself. It's just a matter of taking your time, gaining a small experience here and there where you like to do, and try to find your own path. And if there's no path, don't worry, you might be able to create your own as well. I say, never give up on your dreams. You can do it.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say definitely having to talk with different backgrounds and ethnicities, and sometimes there's a language barrier. But thankfully I do know both English and Spanish, so I manage my way through. Sometimes it's just having a good connection to the internet, but I think that's not very much a challenge. It could be customer service and meeting expectations.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say having a good faith or a good attitude towards any condition. I value honesty, and just having to say something that could not be what the person wanted to hear, but you have to be as honest and trustworthy as possible. And then lastly, being open to learn and able to make a mistake and get back on your feet, because it's just about learning along the way, I feel.
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