Meet Monica Hernandez
Monica is currently working as a CEO. She graduated with as a Metallurgical Engineer P.Eng in the province of Alberta, Canada.
In her free time she enjoys walking in nature, traveling and learning.
A fun fact about her and her role: “I am a podcaster - yes, I host a podcast, the @Materials.Business podcast, where I interview great professionals in the areas of Materials, Corrosion, Asset Integrity, etc. I had a capsule for Women, that I started almost 2 years ago and I thought I could only run for a couple of months - due to my lack of knowledge of other women in the area. Ever since, my audience and reach have grown exponentially throughout all the social media channels and I have been able to bring amazing Women who work on great projects all over the world - this brings visibility (see it, be it...) and also encourages other people to find their way in the STEM world. It also helps the audience to listen to others' perspectives and understand (if they are up for it), a different point of view. I love that portion of my job even more than the technical side (shisssss dont tell anyone)...”
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love of STEM began in my childhood, fueled by a natural curiosity and fascination with how things work. Growing up in Colombia, I was always tinkering with gadgets and conducting small experiments, much to the delight (and sometimes dismay) of my family. This passion only grew stronger as I pursued engineering, where I found joy in solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions. Moving to new countries and facing various challenges only deepened my appreciation for STEM, as it became a universal language through which I could connect, create, and inspire, no matter where I was in the world.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in the field of STEM is the endless potential for innovation and impact. STEM fields offer the opportunity to solve real-world problems, improve lives, and drive societal progress. Whether it's developing new technologies, advancing medical research, or finding sustainable solutions to global challenges, the work is both intellectually stimulating and profoundly meaningful.
Moreover, STEM fosters a culture of continuous learning and curiosity, encouraging us to push boundaries and explore new frontiers. Collaboration with diverse and talented individuals from around the world further enriches the experience, as we share knowledge, perspectives, and ideas. This dynamic environment not only fuels personal and professional growth but also contributes to making a tangible difference in the world. I always say, we have an opportunity and an obligation to the newer generations to take the best decisions for us and them.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Believe in yourself - like you believe in your best friend or your kid
Invest in yourself - your growth depends just on you
Love yourself - as much or more than you love others, remember, you teach the world how to treat you
Remind yourself that there are no mistakes, only learnings - forgive yourself for "mistakes" as these are only learnings
Support other Women - extend the ladder with every opportunity you have