What led you to a career in Project Controls?

I began working in the oil and gas industry using SAP in purchasing and procurement.  This eventually led to a role in sales and marketing.   Married life took my family from Wyoming to Illinois, where I began working as a transportation dispatcher.  It became apparent that the department needed support with backlogs in the mechanical garage and transportation sectors. As a result, I was able to employ my previous SAP experience to broaden my understanding of safety, security, health, and environmental concerns within the industry.

After curating my experience within the oil and gas industry, I pursued my interest in project controls by applying for a project controls specialist position.  Successfully securing the role, I became one step closer to achieving my career goals at a company that prioritized growth and learning.

Why did you choose this line of work?  What was the attraction for you?

I chose this path because I thrive on collaborating with diverse individuals.  Project controls align perfectly with my aspiration of becoming a project or programs manager.

Can you share any childhood experiences that have significantly shaped your values or influenced your approach to education?  

I grew up mainly in Illinois and then moved to Wyoming in the middle of high school, later graduating in Cheyenne.  My weekends were spent at my grandparents’ houses, surrounded by family.  Family — a value I’ve instilled in my children — is paramount to me.  Whether near or far, we cherish time together, grateful for the technology that keeps us connected across distances.

It was difficult to decide which school worked best for me.  I needed flexibility, so I chose to attend the University of Phoenix. This allowed me to balance working full-time and parenting three active children.  I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Management and Master’s in Business Administration.

Did you have a mentor or someone who encouraged your journey?

My husband encouraged me to follow my heart.  If I wasn’t happy with what I was doing, I needed to change direction.  The wind doesn’t always blow in one direction, so place your sails where they will catch the breeze and help you to your destination.

What advantages do you think the annual AACE conference offers to members like yourself and non-member women? Can you share some memorable experiences?

I attended my first annual meeting in 2023.  I learned a lot from the sessions I attended and made wonderful connections with people inside and outside my work field.  Additionally, I learned that I am not alone as a woman in the project controls world.  There are opportunities for women to grow, advance, and develop into leaders.  I look forward to attending in 2025 and seeing what the conference will offer.

How has being associated with AACE added value to your professional development?  

AACE is new to me, and I am excited to continue to explore the certifications and training as I progress along my project controls journey.  Networking is extremely important to me as it allows me to collaborate with those from other subject areas.  It is fantastic to know that there is a world of people to reach out to and bounce ideas off of. This often leads to discovering solutions for obstacles I may face.

As we conclude, what words of inspiration would you share with other professionals?

My favorite quote is, “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced,” by Vincent Van Gogh.

I use this quote to empower myself.  If you feel you can do something, I urge you to keep trying.  It may shift and transform as you grow, but keep working until YOU are satisfied.  I was told time and again that I “couldn’t be a good single mom of three children while managing to work and having a social life,” yet here I am! I am remarried to a man who loves me and my children as his own.  I value my children and the fantastic engineering company that helps to empower my dreams and reinforces the notion that anything is possible.