When you were last asked, “What did you want to do when you grow up?” How did you respond?

To be honest, I always cringe a little when asked that question, even though the question always comes with good intent.  I love my job in project controls right now, but I often wondered if I knew the perspectives of the project manager I’m supporting or the thought process of the contractor I’m monitoring, would I change my approach?  There are still so many positions to explore in project management alone.  How does one choose?

How did you decide on a project controls role right out of school?

I majored in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto with a minor in sustainable energy and engineering business, so a career path with prospects in both business and technology in the energy sector was what I was after.  I was fortunate to have been accepted for a 14-month internship at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Canada, where my role was to support the reporting of over 200 projects within the entire nuclear portfolio, and my duties included analyzing project performance, monitoring risks, conducting gap analysis, and helping the development of tools and templates.  I found the job very rewarding, and the organizational, planning, and communication skills I’ve gained from it solidified my intent to return to OPG as a full-time employee after graduating!

What drove your decision-making regarding your current career path?

I think my personal experiences have stealthily guided my career choices.  I moved to Canada from China alone to pursue my studies at age 15.  The experience, albeit lonely, allowed me to embrace self-reliance.  The independence also gave me the freedom to make decisions on my own.  I knew at a young age how important it is to set goals, make plans, and see them to completion.  These skills helped me tremendously through my university education. In hindsight, they set me up for success at my internship, where my planning skills and the ability to execute plans were seen as assets and prerequisites of a great project control professional.  My colleagues’ and managers’ support and positive feedback made that choice much easier. 

Since the future career path is still uncertain, what are you doing to help you decide what to do next?

I think there is nothing more important than being prepared.  That can come in the form of getting a mentor or pursuing a degree or certification.  But for me, my personal growth was something I identified as critical, as this will prepare me for any role and any profession.

I have done some self-reflection in the past couple of years. I found myself too shy in a group environment and often hesitated to speak up in a meeting. This could be because of my culture, where we were taught to blend in, not to stand out, and not to challenge the status quo. It could also be that I did not think that my contribution was going to be valuable, seeing that I am still new to the company and the profession.

Last year, I raised my hand at a work initiative to identify what business processes can be simplified. I identified an improvement opportunity to develop a training manual to onboard new project control staff to the company.   I know I had suffered as a shy intern and remembered that I did not have a resource that I could use to quietly and quickly get up to speed.  To my surprise, everyone loved the idea, and I helped bring that initiative to fruition.  That product is being used today for new staff. 

You are an active member of Women in Project Controls. What motivated you to join this group?

I joined AACE Women in Project Controls, first as a support staff at the Toronto Section, then two years ago, I joined the WPC team in developing webinars to help foster a safe forum for project controls women all over the world to achieve gender equity.  These experiences fueled my passion for supporting others in need, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and made me more confident and courageous to speak up and contribute to discussions.  I am very proud to be able to reach out to WPC on a global scale.

What advice would you give to an aspiring project controls professional if asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” and they do not feel comfortable because they don’t have the perfect answer?

It’s okay not to have the perfect answer or a clear career path. Feeling lost, unsure, or anxious is normal when you are still career-exploring. Many of us don’t have everything figured out from the start. We all begin from different places, and the journey towards finding your direction happens at different rates for everyone.

What matters most is taking the right steps: embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, learn as much as you can from each experience, and keep growing. There’s so much value in simply staying curious and prepared for what comes next.

I’m still figuring it out, and that’s okay. I see myself as a work in progress, evolving with each new experience. As I explore my journey, I’m confident I’ll eventually find clarity, and so will you

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.