Manager, Facilities & Operations,
UNICEF USA
As a Facilities and Operations Manager at UNICEF USA, I bring a nurturing yet dynamic approach to orchestrating workplace strategies across multiple locations nationwide. With over two decades of experience spanning retail, healthcare, and non-profit sectors, I infuse my facilities management practice with both strategic expertise and a heartfelt commitment to creating harmonious, sustainable workspaces. As a dedicated Lean practitioner with a natural talent for process improvement, I have cultivated environments where both spaces and teams flourish. At UNICEF USA, I have gracefully guided the organization's workplace transformation, thoughtfully managing a hybrid work model across three main offices and multiple co-working spaces nationwide. My intuitive approach to space utilization and workplace flexibility has helped teams thrive in the evolving post-pandemic landscape. My warmth and expertise extend beyond traditional facilities management. I have lovingly developed comprehensive sustainability initiatives and am currently nurturing the implementation of an integrated facilities software system to enhance data-driven decision-making. My leadership style balances gentle guidance with clear vision, fostering team empowerment and cross-functional collaboration. As a passionate advocate for women in facilities management, I am dedicated to inspiring other women to enter the field with grace, intellect, and their unique perspectives. I believe in empowering women to excel in creating, maintaining, and operating spaces that are well-maintained, balanced, and operationally excellent. My mission is to demonstrate how women can build fulfilling careers in facilities management while working both behind the scenes and on the front lines, taking pride in their contributions and paying it forward to the next generation of female facility managers. Drawing from my rich experience at Bloomingdales, Affinity Health Plan, and UNICEF USA, I share insights that resonate with both heart and mind. When I'm not transforming workspaces, I find joy in mothering my two boys, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and finding my center through yoga and meditation. My love for salsa dancing, music, and journaling adds a creative spark to my technical expertise, while my study of stoic philosophy brings depth to my leadership approach. My presentation promises to deliver not just practical strategies, but also inspiring perspectives that nurture the growth of facilities professionals at all career stages, with a special emphasis on empowering women to create their own unique legacy in facilities management.
