As the year comes to a close, I never thought I would have been celebrating both my Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) credential and becoming a published writer in the facilities management community.
Looking back at my articles I’ve written and the experiences I've shared, three impactful lessons keep showing up - not just in my writing, but in how I actually manage my three locations and navigate facilities management.
Respect is one of the most important traits in facilities management, in my opinion. Respect is through excellence, not explanation. When I wrote about commanding respect in my article using Aretha Franklin’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T as my anthem, it wasn’t about talking your way into credibility, instead it’s about building it.
The article I wrote about overcoming bias through my Brazilian jujitsu training was mostly about how demonstrating skills is everything in facilities. That showing skills, whether on the mats or in the mechanical rooms was how to shine bright in the field. When I presented our energy efficiency data showing real cost reductions, conversations shifted. When I stayed calm during HVAC emergencies, applying the same composure developed through years of training, respect followed naturally. So many lessons, throughout the years, have led me to strongly believe that competency and skill improvement is proof that mastering facilities management is a process to be enjoyed and valued.
Earning my CFM this year reinforced this lesson. The credential mattered, but it was the combination of certification and consistent results that really stood out for me. I believe that for us women in facilities management, this is the formula: master your technical skills, document wins, speak the language of analysis and data, and let your work speak louder than your explanations.
My article on time management showcased my ability to always focus on balance, not perfection. Juggling multiple facilities management emergencies and my family obligations for over twenty years, I learned how integration became a skill to acquire and then eventually master.
Quarterly preventive maintenance schedules aren't just technical strategy—they're life strategy. When I anticipate building problems before they become crises, it allows me to create flexibility for my family needs too. When my UPS system is maintained and emergency protocols are tested, I can actually disconnect without constant worry.
The "single task, multi-execute" approach I shared came from watching myself fail at multitasking. I know that multi-tasking is seen as a badge of honor and at times as a skill to have listed on your resume, but I have learned that focused attention while executing related actions works so much better than scattered attempts at doing everything simultaneously. And, by shifting my mindset to a more mono focused mindset has allowed me to reduce my stress and improve my results.
Writing about creating inclusive workspaces and describing the art of the site walk taught me that inclusion doesn't happen by accident. Our disability audit with an inclusive spaces consultant proved this beautifully—my team's regular site walk practices had caught many accessibility issues, but we still had blind spots we hadn't considered.
Converting our old finance auditor room into quiet rooms, wellness spaces, and a lactation area wasn't just about compliance. It was about actively creating environments where everyone can do their best work. The baby-proofing perspective I shared—literally getting down to see spaces from different heights and abilities has become standard practice for my team.
We now walk our sites at different times, from different vantage points, engaging all five senses to notice what we'd otherwise miss. This intentionality has improved everything from lighting to acoustics to how we honor diverse holiday traditions.
This year taught me that sharing our experiences matters. Writing these articles pushed me to articulate what I know, refine my thinking, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The discipline actually made me better at my job.
As we head into 2026, I'm continuing this journey— speaking opportunities are emerging, and I'm finding new ways to mentor women entering facilities management. But mostly, I'm just grateful for the opportunity to share what my dedicated years in this field has taught me.
Here's to what we'll build together in 2026—both literally and figuratively!
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.
