The Stories of Team Gilbert: Women's History Month

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

"I chose to work in local government because it has the most direct impact on the community. My passion has always been to help people and to make a difference, and it's been really rewarding to see our residents and families thrive in an enjoyable and prosperous community that I, in some small way, have helped to shape. Each day presents new chances to witness the positive results of programs and initiatives that benefit both our current residents and future generations, and that makes all the hard work I do every day so worth it."

In three words, how would you describe your job?

"My job is exciting, constantly evolving, and makes a real difference. It's exciting because each day brings something new, allowing me to think creatively, while working on meaningful initiatives with caring and innovative teams. The ever-changing nature means there's always something different to learn or experience-there's never a dull moment. Most importantly, my work is impactful because I get to be involved in programs and initiatives that benefit both current residents and future generations."

What progress have you seen for women in your field?

"An area of progress I have seen for women in Law Enforcement is support from other women in the field, specifically regarding female mentors. The Gilbert Police Department is fortunate to have women represented at all levels, including Assistant Chief, Commander, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Officers/Detectives. As the only current female Lieutenant at the Gilbert Police Department, I recognize my responsibility to set a high standard and build a strong support network to help others succeed. Having received exceptional support throughout my own career, I am committed to serving as a mentor and guide for other women in the field."

What would you say to a young girl who's considering this career path?

"For anyone considering a career as a police officer, I highly recommend prioritizing physical fitness. It is especially important for women to build upper body strength and endurance to exceed academy standards. Physical preparedness is one of the few factors within our control in law enforcement, and it is vital for self-defense. Furthermore, I always advise young women-just as I have told my own daughters-to make smart choices even when no one is watching. Small missteps now can have significant consequences for your future career."

What advice would you give your younger self starting out?

"Don't wait until you feel 100% ready - say yes to the opportunity and figure it out as you go. The moments that stretched me the most are the ones that shaped my career. Twenty-plus years in, I can tell you that confidence isn't a prerequisite - it's a byproduct of showing up and doing the work."

Have you ever had to challenge assumptions or stereotypes in your career?

"More times than I can count. Early in my career, I learned that being underestimated can be an advantage - it gives you the element of surprise. I stopped trying to prove I belonged in the room and started focusing on delivering results that spoke for themselves. That shift changed everything."

What part of your job makes you most proud?

"I get to bring technology and smart city solutions to our community, improving people's daily interactions with local government. Knowing that the work I do has a real impact on our residents' lives is something I'll always carry with me."

What would you say to a young girl who's considering this career path?

"This industry needs your voice, your perspective, and your ideas - don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Technology isn't just about code and systems; it's about solving problems for real people. If that excites you, you already belong here."

What advice would you give your younger self starting out?

"Invest in your training early and don't wait for opportunities to come to you - go after them. The knowledge and skills you build in the beginning create the foundation for everything that follows. I would tell my younger self to be curious, stay humble, and never stop learning."

What does it mean to you to work in a field where women have been historically underrepresented?

"It means you have to work hard - not just as a professional, but as a woman proving that you belong in spaces that weren't always designed with you in mind. It isn't common for women to be in this industry, and that reality pushed me to show up prepared, confident, and consistent every single day. It's challenging, but fulfilling."

Why do you think representation matters in roles like yours?

"Because young professionals need to see themselves reflected in the people leading projects and making decisions. When a young girl sees a woman managing construction, she begins to believe it's possible for her too. Representation isn't just about visibility - it's about giving the next generation a role model and a road map."

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

"Helping people has always been at the heart of who I am. Growing up, my family was constantly volunteering at church events, and my parents led by example. My dad, a mechanical engineer, often used his skills to serve others in practical, meaningful ways.

One of the most formative experiences of my childhood was traveling to Juarez, Mexico over several summers to help build homes. Seeing communities without basic water and sewer infrastructure opened my eyes to how essential these services are for public health, stability, and opportunity.

That experience sparked my passion for civil engineering and ultimately inspired my career in water resources management. Today, I'm grateful to help Gilbert plan for sustainable and reliable water supplies."

What part of your job makes you most proud?

"I am most proud of how my team is working to provide water supply resiliency to the community given the current Colorado River conditions. Over the past several years, we have worked on several creative and strategic partnerships with surrounding communities including the Tucson Exchange and Queen Creek Interconnect. We have also launched three rebate programs to support residents and businesses reduce their outdoor water use. Our team has helped bring in nearly $30 million in outside funding to support these efforts."

What advice would you give your younger self starting out?

"Don't be afraid of starting something new and failing. It might seem scary to not get things right the first time, but the end goal is worth it. Also be kind to yourself. You're on your own journey and path and though it may look different from others, it will bring you to where you need to be."

Why do you think representation matters in roles like yours?

"I think it's vital for the younger generation to see themselves in careers they might otherwise believe are unachievable. I personally struggled with ADHD as a kid that affected my grades, and didn't think that this was ever achievable to become a paramedic and get through that schooling. I did it anyway and got my certification. It wasn't always easy but it's always possible!"

What motivates you on challenging days?

"What motivates me most is knowing I have the support of my family and friends both at home and in the fire stations. Every shift I work with the same supportive crew. I'm extremely lucky to have found the friends and mentors I have in this role - they definitely make challenging times more enjoyable, and I know I can go to them for guidance and mentorship."

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

"I was inspired to pursue a career in Facilities because of the people and the opportunity to make a real difference. I enjoy seeing the immediate impact of the work I do - whether it's improving space, solving a problem, or supporting the teams who rely on our facilities every day. That visibility makes the role meaningful and deeply rewarding.

Along the way, I've been fortunate to have strong mentors in the industry who continue to encourage me to grow, challenge myself, and take my career to the next level. Their guidance helped me shift from simply wanting to perform well to wanting to lead and take on more responsibility. They pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, think bigger, and understand the broader impact of decisions."

Did you always see yourself in this type of role? Why or why not?

"Most people don't grow up thinking, 'I want to be a Facilities Manager.' I grew with the responsibility, experience and exposure to impact. When I first started my career, I was focused on one thing: proving myself. I wanted to show that I was capable, dependable, and strong enough to handle responsibility. Every project felt like a test. Every deadline was an opportunity to demonstrate that I belonged in the room. I measured growth by productivity and success by performance.

At that stage, leadership meant working harder than everyone else. It meant having answers. It meant making sure my work spoke for itself, then, something shifted. As my responsibilities grew, so did my perspective.

I began to understand that the buildings I helped maintain weren't just projects - they were investments. They were places where people worked, served the community, and built their own careers. The lighting wasn't just lighting; it was safety. Clean air wasn't just compliance; it was a healthy environment. Preventative maintenance wasn't just a budget line; it was the difference between preservation and deterioration.

I began thinking long-term. Lifecycle costs mattered more than quick wins. Decisions weren't just about today's completion - they were about tomorrow's condition. I felt the weight of responsibility differently. Pride became less about recognition and more about preservation.

At the same time, my leadership style matured. I realized that leadership wasn't about control - it was about care. It was about building trust, mentoring others, and ensuring that the people around me had what they needed to succeed. I found fulfillment not in individual achievement, but in progress.

Today, I see my role differently. I am not just managing facilities or leading projects. I am a steward of million-dollar public assets. I am accountable for the environments people depend on every day. I am responsible for ensuring that what we build and maintain today will still serve well into the future."

What advice would you give your younger self to start out?

"I would tell my younger self to stay curious and get hands-on as early as possible to build competency. Invest in people. Listen more. Mentor sooner. Take on projects, volunteer for presentations, and step outside your comfort zone. Build your network and expand your circle, because relationships truly matter. But more importantly, I would tell myself that leadership isn't about proving your worth - it's about protecting what's been entrusted to you."