Her Story
About Viridiana
Viridiana Mendoza serves as an Assistant Project Manager at Prism Electric in Arlington, Texas. With one year in the electrical industry, she specializes in estimating and project management, performing quantity takeoffs, circuiting, and material estimations for projects. She previously interned at Prism Electric in project management and engineering roles focused on infrastructure and utilities before transitioning to her full-time position. Mendoza earned an associate degree from Tarrant County College in 2024 while attending early college high school and is on track to complete her bachelor's degree in construction management from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2026. She attributes her success to her family, particularly her parents who immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico, to provide a better life, and her older sister Maria Mendoza who earned her bachelor's and master's degrees. A mentor from her Prism Electric internship advised her to always challenge herself by stepping into unfamiliar situations, advice she applies daily. Mendoza values respect and trust in both her professional and personal life and advises young women entering the field to test new things, remain confident, and never give up. She sees opportunities for growth to roles such as project manager or project director while navigating challenges from experienced workers who may undervalue formal education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Viridiana
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my family. My parents, immigrants from Mexico, brought us here for a better life. I want to show them their sacrifice paid off by working hard, getting my education, and making a change. My older sister Maria Mendoza inspires me with her master's and bachelor's, showing hard work pays off.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor, a PM from my internship at Prism Electric, told me to always challenge yourself. No matter if you think it's difficult, throw yourself into the rigid water where you don't know how to swim. The more you challenge yourself and put yourself out there, that's how you learn.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never be afraid to test what you don't know. Challenge yourselves. You won't know you like something until you try it out. Never give up, always believe in yourself, be confident, always know your place in a room, never let others speak down on you. Keep your head up and show them you are here to be a boss woman.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A challenge is connecting with people who have been in the field 30 years and think younger people or those with degrees don't know much, leading to contradictions. Opportunities include always being able to grow, move up to project manager, vice president, project director through learning and connections.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is the biggest one, respecting one another no matter the background or skills. Trust is also big, within work and family, as it takes you a long way and keeps good vibes.
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