Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle under-representation of women in STEM. This weekly Newsletter showcases how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
Today, Monica Hernandez is our STEM role model. Monica a dynamic entrepreneur with a 20-year journey from Colombia to Canada, has shaped her leadership through diverse global experiences.
As founder, CEO, and Senior Engineer at Infinity Growth, Monica excels in the technical areas of corrosion, integrity, and sustainability; however, her true passion lies in empowering technical professionals and especially women in STEM to foster cohesive teams and become strong, empowered leaders.
Monica’s childhood curiosity and academic pursuits in the numerical sciences ignited her career. Early lessons in resilience and hard work came from her days practicing artistic skating, teaching her to embrace both victories and defeats. Despite facing discrimination and health challenges over her career as an Engineer, Monica’s unwavering determination led her to create a company where everyone’s value is recognized: Infinity Growth.
As an active member of professional associations, Monica is dedicated to innovation and continuous learning. Through her podcast, ‘Materials.Business,’ she inspires and empowers individuals in STEM, embodying her belief that “We come to this earth to learn,” the very essence of her company.
What was your journey from school to where you are today professionally/academically?
As an immigrant woman in a foreign country, the journey began amidst complexities, navigating a male-dominated field in which I started as one of the 20% of women engineers in a highly technical domain. Today, I am part of the top 2% of founders and CEOs of STEM-related companies in Canada as a woman. The challenges were multifaceted: being an immigrant, a woman, lacking connections, funding, etc, but driven by the strength of my heart and an absolute belief in success, none of these have ever stopped me. Breaking barriers wasn’t just about being a woman in a man’s world; It was about becoming a successful leader and role model who can extend the ladder to future generations.
At Infinity Growth, our overarching goal is to continuously evolve and make meaningful contributions to the future of humanity through our expertise in corrosion, integrity management, and now sustainability. With a solid foundation built on over many years of experience, we have ventured into new territories by establishing a consulting firm with offices in Canada and projects all over the world.
One of our key strategies to achieve this goal is through the dissemination of knowledge. We believe in sharing the wealth of experience we’ve accumulated over the years, which is why we’ve launched a newsletter merged with a podcast (@Materials.Business). This platform serves as a conduit to convey valuable information to anyone interested, thus fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the recognition we have received, including being named one of the 10 most influential CEOs by PerspectiveX magazine. However, we are not content to stay there. Instead, we are committed to maintaining our position as a leading company in our field by staying abreast of international standards and regulations, ensuring that our work aligns with the latest developments and best practices.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology, the economy, and global challenges, such as the pandemic and economic downturn, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and adaptation. To this end, we are strategically investing in the growth and impact of Materials.Business, our podcast and newsletter platform, and our team, whom represent our values in every assignment with the highest standards.
What motivated you to dedicate yourself to STEM? Did you have a female role model or someone who inspired you? If so, who?
Unfortunately, I didn’t had a STEM role model when I was in High-School or University. I just had my own motivation to not give up and very supportive family that never told me that I could not do it. I have always been self-driven and a little attached to the opinion of others. During my career, I have however had many many models, some that I searched, some that I came to me organically.
Now, that I have the experience to look beyond the veil, I can see many role models to all of us. Magnificent Woman that opened up the path for us to walk. Now, its our responsibility to continue extending the ladder so many more can climb it. We just created a series called Celebrating Women in STEM during the month of March and we showcased the old, the current and the new generation of magnificent Women in STEM. My 11 years old son, did the voice over, and we learned together – Click here to view the closing video we published.
What is your most important professional/academic achievement?
Undoubtedly, to draw up and successfully execute a personal and professional life project, the Creation and Positioning of Infinity Growth; where I am be able to transmit my messages to the world. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, my goal is to empower others to succeed.
How can your story empower other women?
My story validates the experiences of other women who may feel marginalized or undervalued in their fields. Seeing someone like them succeed can provide validation and encouragement to pursue their own goals. As an immigrant entrepreneur, thriving in a male-dominated world can inspire other women who may be facing similar challenges. By hearing about the resilience and determination in my story, you can see that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success. I also invest a lot of energy, resources and time on the following initiatives:
FREE training: There is a free Leadership for Women in STEM training on my website that is very comprehensive and obliges my experience in this field: Click here to access the free Leadership for Women in STEM training. It provides a certificate if someone needs to prove hours to their professional regulatory body (i.e. APEGA).
Volunteering: I volunteer my time and skills to various community initiatives and organizations, particularly those focused on immigration, women’s empowerment, and diversity in the workplace. Much of my time is spent volunteering with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) in various of their programs, whether serving as a mentor, guest speaker, or organizer, I am committed to giving back to my community.
Podcast: I host the Materials.Business podcast, where I bring people into the technical fields and the daily struggles related to the field, such as communication, teamwork, empowerment, etc. I try to bring as many WOMEN in STEM as possible to showcase their work and show the side of themselves that we don’t often see in the STEM area. Also hearing voices that represent so many others in the field. Lately I’ve had a lot of success with the Women in Entrepreneurship capsule and I’m seeing the number of participants and interest grow. Click here to access my podcast.
Sponsorship: Finally, we support women’s and youth organizations as sponsors and active supporters. The three organizations we are sponsoring in 2024 are: Women in Engineering Summit (Edmonton), North West Women in STEM (UK), and the AMPP Unisimon Student Chapter (Colombia).
Did you face any challenges throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you get through it?
My story is one of resilience, growth, and transformation. At 25, I arrived in Canada as a young woman, alone in a new land with no friends, no contacts, and only broken French to navigate Quebec. An immigrant from Colombia, I was filled with dreams but faced a reality that was daunting. Entering a field dominated by white men as a Latina woman with no connections or resources was intimidating. I struggled to find my footing and earn the respect I deserved. Not to mention harassment, which is a real problem even in 2024; for a minority of the minority, you have two polarities, one that wants to see you back in the kitchen, or the other one, where they make very clear sexual advancements. The cheerleaders are extremely rare to find.
As I climbed the ladder, and despite my technical competence, I lacked the leadership skills needed to advance, leading to frustration and self-doubt. Once again I was facing the “not enough-ness” of the transition with shame instead of elegance. But my challenges didn’t end there. Overworked, underpaid, and stressed, my body eventually rebelled against the constant tension. I had to dismantle my life to rebuild it, battling illness twice.
The turning point came when I decided to reclaim my courage. I refused to be undervalued any longer. I left my not equal pay position behind and took the leap to start my own company, a place where everyone is paid equally, where we respect foreign ideas and where we praise contribution and growth.
Throughout my journey, I’ve rebuilt my life many times, in many places. I’ve come to understand that home is not something outside of you, but within you. Many of the important questions we ask ourselves in life remain unanswered because we search outside for what lies within.
I’ve learned to see every setback as a learning opportunity. Each struggle has taught me resilience, ingenuity, and the importance of finding harmony (read balance) in life. True success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about honouring yourself, your values, and your well-being.
I share my story not for sympathy, but to inspire action. I want others to know that no matter what obstacles they face, they are capable of overcoming them. I want women to see themselves in my journey and feel empowered to stand tall, demand what they deserve, and create the life they envision.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women to STEM?
Attracting more women to STEM requires a multifaceted approach that addresses cultural, educational, and professional barriers. Here’s what I believe needs to be done:
Early Exposure and Encouragement: It’s crucial to introduce girls to STEM subjects early in their education. Providing hands-on experiences and showcasing female role models in STEM can ignite interest and dispel the myth that these fields are only for men. More than that, we need to change the way we speak to girls. My boy told me that at 11 in his 5th grade class, the girls themselves already label themselves as “not good at math” – why?
Mentorship and Support Networks: Establishing mentorship programs where young women can connect with experienced female professionals in STEM can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical advice. Support networks help women navigate their careers and offer a sense of community.
Addressing Bias and Discrimination: Tackling unconscious bias and creating inclusive environments is essential. This includes implementing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational institutions and workplaces. Training on recognizing and combating bias can help change the culture.
Highlighting Diverse Career Paths: Women need to see the vast array of opportunities within STEM fields. Showcasing different career paths, including entrepreneurial ventures, can make STEM more appealing by illustrating its broad impact and the potential for personal fulfillment.
Flexible Work Environments: Providing flexible work arrangements can help women balance their professional and personal lives. This is particularly important for those who may have caregiving responsibilities.
Scholarships and Financial Support: Offering scholarships and financial incentives can reduce the economic barriers that often prevent women from pursuing STEM education and careers.
Promoting Soft Skills: Emphasizing the importance of soft skills, such as communication and leadership, can help women thrive in STEM fields. Programs that develop these skills can empower women to lead effectively and build cohesive teams.
Informal Awareness Campaigns: National and international campaigns (for example my podcast) that celebrate the achievements of women in STEM can inspire the next generation. Highlighting success stories and making them visible can shift public perceptions and encourage more women to pursue STEM.
By creating an environment that nurtures interest, supports growth, and champions diversity, we can attract and retain more women in STEM. It’s about breaking down barriers and building pathways that empower women to achieve their full potential.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about a career in STEM (or those not considering it)?
Especially for young women who are considering a career in STEM, my advice is twofold. First, embrace your uniqueness and the perspective you bring -you teach the world how to treat you, so be absolutely certain of who you are and what is that you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to challenge the norms and amplify your voice.
Second, find mentors and a supportive community. Surround yourself with people who inspire and empower you. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Take the opportunities that are giving to you (like my FREE training – which will help you be equipped with great tools to succeed in your career).
Above all, love yourself and respect the transformation process you are embarking on. And NEVER compromise your health for anything or anyone.
Monica’s journey from Colombia to Canada exemplifies resilience and determination. As an immigrant woman in a male-dominated field, she has broken barriers and inspired future generations of women in STEM. Her leadership at Infinity Growth fosters a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous learning, serving as a beacon for women who feel marginalized or undervalued in their fields.
Monica’s initiatives, including free leadership training for women in STEM, volunteer work, and her Materials.Business podcast, highlight her dedication to empowering others. Through her efforts, Monica validates and encourages women to pursue their goals, demonstrating that overcoming obstacles and achieving success is possible. Her vision continues to drive Infinity Growth forward, shaping a future where every professional’s value is recognized and women in STEM are empowered to lead and innovate.
You can find more details about Monica’s work following the links:
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