Meet
Naomi Millán, senior editor for Building Operating Management. Prior to her current role, she worked in facilities management as a facilities coordinator for Trammell Crow and CBRE. There, she learned a valuable lesson: building a network of peers to call on and help sort out difficult problems.
How did you come in to your current role?
I came to Building Operating Management as a reader who also attended NFMT. I approached Building Operating Management’s booth, and asked about freelance opportunities. I worked that angle for a while until I was eventually hired on as an associate editor.
What advice would you give to FMs who are just starting out?
I stumbled into facilities management through a series of side doors. I didn’t know anything about the field, so I started reading Building Operating Management. That was my reading material on my lunch break. It has something for all levels and a lot of helpful industry insight. Also, networking and establishing peer groups is imperative. These opportunities definitely exist at NFMT. Established facility managers understand the importance of creating networks.
What do women in FM need to know?
That’s the big topic! I’ve been doing NFMT’s “Women in FM” panel for several years. Women have worked to get ahead in a historically male-centric environment, paving the path so young women coming into the field sometimes don’t realize the challenges women of yesterday endured. Today, we’re always thinking about how women can continue to develop, rise up through the ranks, without getting stuck in middle management. The industry is very conscious of it, and we’re creating mechanisms to break that cycle.
How would you describe NFMT?
I’m not being paid to say this, but it really is a great show! You get a wide range of people and a genuine feeling of camaraderie. You make solid connections. Every day you’re happy and exhausted, but your pockets are filled with business cards and that’s invaluable.
Why should facility professionals attend NFMT?
It’s like Building Operating Management live! We realize attendees don’t have time to waste, so we provide high quality content. Even if you can only attend one day, you should still make an effort to go. People always say, “I had no idea there was so much going on or that the expo hall was that big.”
For first timers, it can be a little daunting. There’s a lot going on, but the networking session we have on Tuesday is great. Go to that. Be brave. Walk up to people and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Oftentimes, those connections carry on through the rest of the show. I’ve never come across a single person that didn’t want to talk or connect. Use NFMT as a resource. You can get a lot of stuff done in short amount of time.
Email comments and questions to
katie.baker@tradepress.com.
Women in FM Panel & Reception 2017
March 8 | 4:10-6:30pm
PANELISTS:
Cindy K. Heller, SFP, FMP
Manager, Real Estate Services & Facility Programs
National Security Technologies
Linda Green, JD, MPA
Chief Administrative Officer
NYC Department of Education
MODERATOR: Naomi Millán
Senior Editor
Building Operating Management
