As a facilities manager overseeing more than 100,000 square feet across three nationwide locations for a mission-driven nonprofit, I have navigated countless challenges in this demanding field. From coordinating emergency responses during a basement flood at our Wall Street office, to overhauling outdated HVAC systems within tight budget constraints, each day presents new technical puzzles to solve. But my most rewarding professional accomplishment isn’t measured in building efficiency metrics or project completions—it’s reflected in the faces of the women I’ve mentored over the years.
After 20 years in an industry where I was often the only woman in the room, I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t just personally fulfilling—it’s essential for our field’s future.
Early in my career, I lost count of the times I walked into project meetings only to find myself the sole woman at the table. There's that moment—you know the one—when you can feel the eyes evaluating whether you belong there. I would over prepare, studying mechanical drawings the night before meetings and rehearsing technical explanations to ensure I could hold my own.
Once, during a project discussion, a contractor interrupted me to simplify his explanation, assuming I needed extra clarification. I smiled and replied, “I appreciate the effort, but I’ve managed large-scale building systems before. Let’s stick to the original details.” The pause that followed made it clear—sometimes, a calm and confident response is the best way to shift perceptions.
My approach changed significantly when a senior director of operations took me under her wing. During our first site walk of a newly constructed commercial office space, she pointed out a poorly insulated chilled water line and said, “Most people will doubt your knowledge until you prove them wrong. Prove them wrong once, and they’ll listen twice.” She didn’t just teach me technical skills—she showed me how to navigate workplace dynamics and eventually lead teams effectively.
This solidified my commitment to mentorship. For the past three years, I have worked closely with a professional coach who has helped me sharpen my leadership skills, prepare for future opportunities and refine my communication strategies. Through this guidance, I now actively seek mentoring opportunities wherever I can—whether in my current role, through volunteer initiatives or in stretch assignments. I encourage women at every stage of their careers to consider mentorship early on. Witnessing talented professionals gain confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Some of the stories I’ve heard over the years make me laugh and sigh simultaneously. These moments remind me why individual mentorship matters so much in our industry. Hearing how my mentees handle these situations with newfound confidence confirms that our time together makes a difference.
My favorite mentoring moments happen during site visits. I regularly invite team members to join me for equipment inspections, vendor meetings, and strategic discussions. By including them in leadership-level conversations, I expose them to the heart of facilities management and the valuable relationships with skilled tradespeople. During one meeting, a younger colleague whispered that she had hesitated to ask questions in previous site visits with male colleagues. By the end of our session, she was confidently directing contractors on access panel placement.
Mentor relationships must flow both ways. My mentees’ questions about new technologies often push me to expand my knowledge. Just last month, one introduced me to a mobile application for preventive maintenance tracking that has revolutionized our workflow. No matter how much experience I have, their fresh perspectives benefit our entire team.
For women navigating facilities management without formal mentorship connections, I encourage reaching out to more experienced professionals directly. Many of us remember how challenging it can be and are happy to offer guidance. I currently enjoy walking through my sites, sharing updates on facilities projects with interdepartmental teams, and bringing my team members along to engage more closely in our work. I also recently initiated monthly mentoring calls with a senior-level executive who has been a great source of advice on career development.
As our industry evolves, we need diverse talent and perspectives more than ever. Through one-on-one mentorship and active participation in women’s leadership initiatives, I hope to help the next generation of women in facilities management spend less time proving themselves and more time advancing the field. The technical challenges ahead—from sustainability mandates to smart building integration—require all the talent we can nurture. I’m proud to play a role in building that future, one mentoring relationship at a time.
Maria Ruiz is a Facilities Operations Manager at UNICEF USA with 15+ years of cross-sector expertise. Overseeing multiple national offices, she applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to create sustainable, efficient workspaces supporting humanitarian missions. Her writing champions women in facilities management by blending technical knowledge with practical insights that empower professionals in this traditionally male-dominated field. Committed to work-life balance, Maria recharges by training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with her son—finding that the discipline and focus required on the mat enhances her leadership approach in facilities management.
