Like many others in the field, Maria Ruiz, facilities and operations manager for UNICEF USA, wasn’t actively seeking out a career in facilities management, it found her. Since starting her career 20 years ago, she has become an asset to the industry and has spoken at panels at NFMT. Recently, Ruiz has started a monthly Women in FM column on FacilitiesNet.com, sharing her experience in the industry.
Facilities Maintenance Decisions: What made you pursue a career in facilities management?
Maria Ruiz: My journey into facilities management is a testament to how this dynamic field finds those suited for its multifaceted challenges. Rather than actively pursuing FM, the industry pursued me, recognizing my aptitude for problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex operational systems. My journey began over 20 years ago at Bloomingdales' flagship store in New York City, where I started as an intern in their management training program. This experience provided invaluable exposure to customer service, merchandising, inventory control, and logistics in an iconic retail setting. This organic path into facilities management has proven invaluable, as it allowed me to develop a genuine passion for creating and maintaining functional, sustainable workspaces.
FMD: How long have you held your current job, and what are your job responsibilities?
Ruiz: For the past three years, I have served at UNICEF USA, where I've been instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive workplace strategies for our hybrid flexible workplace. As Facilities and Operations Manager, I oversee facility maintenance, workspace assignments, vendor management, along with product and materials inventory and capital operating budgets. While my colleague manages security operations, we collaborate closely to ensure seamless integration of facilities and security protocols. I lead a staff of four, plus vendors and contractors, managing our hybrid work model across three main offices in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., plus membership agreements for co-working spaces in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
A significant challenge has been adapting our New York City headquarters, which previously housed 300 employees but now sees approximately 40 employees per week, with peak attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We've implemented "intentional engagement" days monthly to encourage in-person collaboration and socialization. My responsibilities include creating and managing space planning and utilization programs that integrate co-working spaces with traditional office environments, ensuring our facilities support various work styles while maintaining operational efficiency.
FMD: Are there any pivotal moments or decisions that significantly impacted your career?
Ruiz: A significant turning point was recognizing the importance of workplace strategy in the evolving professional landscape. This insight led me to champion innovative approaches to space utilization and workplace flexibility at UNICEF USA, demonstrating how facilities management can drive organizational transformation. As a seasoned Lean practitioner, I've developed a foundational management philosophy centered on continuous improvement and waste elimination. Throughout my career, I've participated in numerous Lean events and implementations across various organizations, embedding Lean methodologies into my daily operational approach. My Lean practitioner mindset allows me to analyze processes critically, identify inefficiencies, and drive strategic improvements in facilities management.
FMD: What accomplishments in your career are you proudest of?
Ruiz: I take particular pride in developing a comprehensive Sustainability Decommission program with green vendors, which demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility. Applying Lean principles, I meticulously analyzed and optimized our decommissioning process, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency. Building and mentoring a robust Facilities and Operations department has been especially rewarding, as I've instilled a Lean thinking approach that ensures continuity of excellence through effective succession planning and cross-training. Currently, I'm leading the procurement of an integrated facilities software system that will revolutionize our data analysis capabilities, using Lean methodologies to map out process improvements and eliminate potential inefficiencies. I'm particularly proud of empowering my team and giving them a voice in our operations. The CliftonStrengths assessment by Gallup revealed that learning is my primary strength, which has enabled me to continuously grow and adapt in this dynamic field.
FMD: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a facility manager?
Ruiz: Embrace continuous learning and seek mentorship early in your career. As a woman in facilities management, I've found that bringing diverse perspectives to the field is essential for innovation and progress. The industry needs more women leaders - currently, women make up only about 25 percent of facility managers, but this number is growing, bringing valuable diverse perspectives to workplace design and operations. Be humble yet proud of your work.
Learn from skilled trades professionals, stay current with technology, and maintain curiosity about industry trends. Treat your FM role as your own entrepreneurial venture and build it thoughtfully. Stay visible as a leader by regularly walking your sites and engaging with your team. Most importantly, maintain your sense of humor and humanity while serving others. Networking through professional events and connecting with other FM leaders, especially other women in the field, can provide invaluable support and learning opportunities.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast. If you are interested in being featured in the Career Path column, please email Mackenna.
