March is Women’s History Month! Women in the waste industry are making a strong contribution to building a foundation of commitment to protecting the environment.
In celebration, we spoke with a few of the amazing women who help Environmental Waste Minimization Inc. achieve its mission of providing superior environmental management services. Working in the waste industry we follow strict environmental compliance laws, so that we can protect the environment for feature generations.
We are grateful for all the women that work with us and their commitment to making the world a better place. Remember to push past barriers and achieve the goals you want to see happen.
Kristen Dion
Operations Manager – Soil Division
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
I always had a connection with the outdoors. I liked the hands-on aspect of the job and how each job was different. The option that I could go anywhere in the world in this industry as the environment surrounds us was appealing.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
Get involved with your local community, cleaning up your town. This was a great way I was able to network with people in the industry.
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
I feel I am making a daily change to the environment, by being a part of a team analyzing soil and cleaning up many skylines and landscapes for all to enjoy.
Changes I’ve seen over the years have been more re-development of old manufacturing facilities that have been shut down for years within city limits and the additions of new buildings on public school grounds.
MARIA ESPINOZA
Account Manager – Engineering & Remediation Division
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
I have spent over 30 years in the Waste Industry and from the start, I’ve always felt that I was providing the clients with options and knowledge on the proper disposal of their industrial waste. Regulations and Technology has provided more sustainable ways of managing waste. We’ve also found ways to reduce and re-purpose some waste streams. Composting, Fuels Blending, Usage of Wastewater for dust suppression are some of the examples that we now consider as alternatives to landfill and incineration.
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
I graduated with a degree in Biology and could not see myself working in the lab. I was able to apply my science education in the Environmental Industry and have loved it ever since. I worked both in Operations (General Manager of a TSDF) and Sales and I have always felt that my work has a direct impact in improving the environment. I was also able to see different industries and how they generate their waste streams. The waste industry is never boring, you never know what you are going to get.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
The Environmental Industry is one where you continue to learn every single day. It is never boring. You are also given so many other options within the industry. I worked in Hazardous Waste, E-Waste Recycling and Cannabis Waste Management all of which are all related (waste management). As I’ve already mentioned, it’s an industry that gives back because you are truly contributing to make the earth a cleaner/better place for the future.
WENDY ASTER
Account Manager – Engineering & Remediation Division
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
As an Account Manager my drive is to provide our clients with investigative work/environmental remediation solutions with the end goal being a completed project managed safely and efficiently. In the past few years, we have seen many new environmental companies/contractors providing similar services. We stand out based on our client relationships, successful projects, and vast knowledge we bring to the table.
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
I am devoted to helping people. Our diverse expertise in our 20+ years of experience empowers me to correct environmental issues, so our work family & DNA family are safe and secure for generations to come.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
Future generations will have the power to create/perfect new ways to help our clients (and the Earth) through new ideas and concepts for many generations to come.
JESSICA HOSER
Account Manager – Transportation and Disposal Division
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
As an account manager, I inform our clients about ways to minimize waste generated and divert waste from landfills which are direct impacts on the environment.
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the last few years is people asking about beneficial reuse and recycling.
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
I stumbled into the environmental and waste industry. Eight years later I’m still very motivated by what I do, learn something new every day and continue to successfully grow our business!
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
Try to get an internship to experience day to day operations of the industry. Ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to switch gears if your curiosity isn’t piqued! There’s a wide variety of interesting positions within the environmental field.
LAUREN MORAN
Technical Service Coordinator – Transportation and Disposal Division
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
This is a new role for me, and I am eager to learn more about the waste industry. It is exciting being on the forefront of change in the environment, currently I am putting my energy into learning the inns and outs of EPA, RCRA, and DOT regulations.
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
Waste is constantly being generated and someone must determine the best way of disposal. I have family members who work in the manufacturing industry, this provided me insight on what types of waste are being generated and how facilities are disposing of it. I get to be a part of the puzzle in determining the solutions and correct method of disposal.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
Always be willing to learn and be prepared to take detailed notes during your new experiences. Communication is your best friend, do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions.
ARLENE STEPHENS
Finance Manager – Accounting Division
How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?
Being on the finance end of things, collaborating to provide our clients with the most economical solution for their waste enables me to connect to the environment.
Over the years I have seen many people come and go and they seem to always come back to the environmental industry.
What made you want to work in the waste industry?
After working in other industries, I did not get the challenge as I get working in this industry. The challenge is what brought me back.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?
Do what truly makes you happy, learn from others around you, stay focused and reach for the stars.
