As International Women in Engineering Day approaches, we would like to profile our very own Maria Nieves, one of our Industrial Account Managers. The Boca Bearings company is committed to raising the profile of women who are changing the engineering field and, in this case, the bearing industry. 

Introduction 

As a female industrial account manager, Maria explains that women's role in the bearings industry, like in many other industries, has evolved over time. Historically, the industry has been male-dominated, but there has been a growing recognition of women's valuable contributions and the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Women have increasingly taken on various roles and contributed significantly to the bearings industry. It is important to note that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality and inclusivity in the bearings industry. Efforts such as promoting diversity in recruitment, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, and fostering supportive working environments are crucial for attracting and retaining talented women in the industry.

It's also imperative to highlight women in the field of engineering/science and the bearing industry because the higher the profile, the more 1-we can encourage women to join the industry, and 2-the more we can break down stereotypes. Over the years, I've faced challenges and inequalities due to my gender. Additionally, I am also a Latina woman whose native tongue is Spanish. Latin women tend to be an even more underrepresented group in these fields.  However, the industry has changed, and now in this globalized world, it's a great skill set to be bilingual and to be able to communicate in a cross-cultural way. I am glad I have had the opportunity to be part of this transformation and open opportunities for others. 

I have over 30 years of experience, and I possess a BS in Microbiology Minor in Chemistry MBA Management & Marketing. But my most significant skill set is my ability to be resilient and always be prepared for changes of any kind. The need to remain intellectually flexible is essential, especially for women in these fields. 

Achieving Success at Boca Bearings 

Maria can impact Boca Bearings by developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships and understanding their goals, challenges, and requirements. She can achieve this by asking the right questions and, more importantly, listening. Maria proactively communicates with her customers to identify their engineering needs, provide product information, and offer solutions to enhance their experience. She explains; as a woman with many years in the engineering and bearing industry, I’m naturally incline to listen with intent and purpose. Thus, I can provide exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and managing customer expectations. 

Maria is well-versed in all things bearings. Her thirst for knowledge leads her to stay informed on market conditions and industry trends. "In this ever-changing world, you must remain humble enough to seek new information/data and effective enough to turn that information into solutions. I use many internal tools to track this progress. In Boca Bearings' CRM, I identify new sales opportunities; I maintain accurate records of sales activities, customer interactions, and sales forecasts. I research potential customers to identify who could benefit from our constantly expanded lines of products and services. Remember our bearings are use from the most simple to the most complex of applications." 

Maria understands the importance of collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, and finance, to ensure customer satisfaction and drive business growth. "I have many years of industry experience to understand that frequently it takes a village to assist our customer base in an impactful way. I am glad our team is always open to dialogue and working together towards a common goal." 

Customer Relations 

I highly value customers who have a long-term vision and are focused on building sustainable relationships. These customers understand the value of partnership, are willing to invest in mutual growth, and are open to exploring opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and expanding business together. I want my customers to know I'm here to give them technical support, expertise with industry-specific needs, and after-sales support. Boca Bearings brings high-quality bearings, customization options, competitive pricing, and excellent inventory to the table. Therefore, all our industrial customers are very well taken care of. We provide a one-stop-shop experience. 

The future 

Overall, women are increasingly making significant contributions in various roles within the bearings industry, bringing diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise that contribute to the growth and success of the industry as a whole. Therefore, the future looks brighter and brighter for the next generation of women.  I am very happy to work for a company such as Boca Bearings that not only highlights women but also financially contributes to their development. Last year the Boca Bearings company, via their Accel Scholarship Program, provided five scholarships to 5 female mechanical engineering students. This contribution will have a ripple effect shortly. Boca Bearings also invest in a yearly Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about breast cancer in both men and women. Initiatives of this nature will assist in women having more seats at the science/engineering and bearing industry tables. 

In the meantime, I am here as a resource to all my customers.  When not assisting my customers, I like to read a good book, cook an exotic meal, and travel to learn more about other cultures. 

If you would like to reach out to me, please email me at Maria@bocabearings.com I welcome any opportunity to make a new connection. 

Wishing everyone a Happy Women in Engineering Day!