Influential Woman · Facility Management

Vanessa Gomes

Department Manager of Maintenance, Global Facility Management & Construction, Inc.

Melville, NY

Her Story

About Vanessa

I've been in facility management for over 10 years, all with Global Facility Management. I actually didn't know anything about facilities when I started - I applied through a temp agency, went for an interview, got the job on the spot, and really enjoyed it, so I've stayed ever since. I started at the bottom as an account representative and worked my way up. Now I run the whole maintenance department, handling everything from PM-related work to demand work, power washing, carpet cleanings, housekeeping - all of that. I'm also part of the management board and do most of the activities at Global. What I love about my role is that I've been there from the bottom up, so I know what my people are going through because I've experienced it already. That's a huge advantage for me - when somebody's going crazy because it's the end of the month or we need to schedule so many things, I can show them what I did and give them ideas on how to succeed in their position. I had a challenging period about three years into my position when I was diagnosed with leukemia and had to take medical leave for a bone marrow transplant. I was out for 199 days, but my company, friends, and family were the most supportive people ever - I got care packages all the time, phone calls, FaceTime. I'm glad to say I'm now in remission. My goal for the next 5 years is to stay with Global and become a senior manager of the department and grow the team, because I truly love my department and what we've brought to Global.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Vanessa

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would have to say my coworkers are a huge influence in my career. I think that if you don't have the passion - to me, I don't wake up every morning and be like, ugh, I gotta get to work. I wake up and I'm just going into a career that I truly enjoy, and I think that the people that you work with, the people who you speak with, that's just not just at Global, but client-wise, vendor-based - I think all of that just makes such a huge impact on your life, and truthfully, that's what makes me stay with the industry.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Have an open mind. It's a lot of work, but if you enjoy it, you will thrive in the position that you're in. I feel like facilities is something that if you don't enjoy being on the computer, if you don't enjoy talking to vendors and clients, and you don't have a positive attitude in life for the joy of the company or the joy of the career, then it wouldn't be for you. But you have to just live day by day, because you're going to get a ton of emergencies one day, and another day you might be slow, but you just have to take it and run with it.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I agree, it is a very big male industry. At Global, we're actually more female-based. We are a female-owned business, and most of management, except for 4 people, are all women. So we are a high, high female-based company in the industry, and I think that is a big challenge for us, because a lot of clients expect to speak to men. And when they speak to us, it's like, oh, it's a totally different outlook in anything, but it's positive. I feel like they see more of us being in the female role.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I think keeping a positive attitude, going into every day, leaving any personal issues at the door, and just coming in with a positive mindset, gaining all the relationships - not just at work, but in your personal life. Some of my best friends came from working at Global, and it's just been great. Right now, it's just living life every day to the fullest, and hanging out with friends and family, and just being positive.

Keep Exploring