Yuliya Montes, MBA

I attribute my success to perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a deepening belief in my own capabilities. From an early age, my father’s high expectations and emphasis on excellence shaped the way I approached challenges, teaching me the value of discipline, accountability, and continuous growth. Over time, I learned not to let circumstances define my goals or limit what I believed was possible for myself.

I have also come to understand the power of networking, visibility, and the willingness to put myself forward, even when it means facing rejection. Every experience has reinforced that persistence, consistency, and resilience often create the path to the right opportunities. Ultimately, those qualities, paired with continued self-confidence, have guided me to where I am today and will continue to shape my future success.

The best career advice I have ever received came from my father, who passed away nearly five years ago. During my undergraduate studies, he would often remind me to “network, network, network,” and he frequently said, “Your network is your net worth.” At the time, I did not fully understand the significance of that advice, but I now recognize how foundational it has been to my personal and professional growth.

His guidance taught me the value of building meaningful relationships, putting myself out there, and remaining persistent through setbacks. Over time, I have learned that rejection is often redirection, and that even after many “no’s,” the right opportunity can still come when you continue to believe in yourself, stay consistent, and keep moving forward.

My advice to young women in my industry is to lead with confidence, remain resilient, and never let criticism or doubt dictate the direction of their path. There will always be noise — voices telling you what you cannot do, where you do not belong, or what limits you should accept. Learn to quiet that noise and stay focused on your own potential, because you may be surprised by what you are capable of when you fully show up for yourself.

I also believe deeply that there is room for all of us to succeed. We are stronger when we support, encourage, and uplift one another rather than compete from a place of scarcity. I will always root for other women to thrive, step into their power, and achieve their fullest potential.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing high applicant volume in an increasingly competitive job market while also helping candidates navigate the discouragement that can come from repeated rejections. Talent acquisition is not only about filling roles; it is also about creating a more transparent, supportive, and accessible experience for candidates as they pursue meaningful career opportunities.

At the same time, there are significant opportunities to strengthen community partnerships, expand program visibility, and build more intentional workforce pipelines. As these programs gain broader recognition, including support and acknowledgment from organizations such as the Department of Energy, there is greater potential to connect with qualified, mission-driven candidates and create stronger pathways into national laboratory careers.

The values most important to me, both professionally and personally, are perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. I believe strongly in showing up with integrity, staying committed through challenges, and continuing to grow even when the path is not easy. Community service is also deeply important to me, and I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can.

Equally meaningful is my commitment to uplifting and supporting other women. I believe success is more powerful when it is shared, and I am passionate about creating encouragement, visibility, and opportunities for others to succeed alongside me.