Childhood
"When I was a freshman in college I was undecided of what I wanted to do. My sister was the first one to tell me to give engineering a try. She said "Look Maida, at the end if you don't like engineering you can always become a math teacher. Engineering opens many opportunities."
College
"I attended Cal State LA and we had a very active SHPE chapter. I became a member in 1999 so I am now celebrating 20 years as a SHPE member. 4 as a student 16 as a professional."
"Engineering is one of the best things that has happened in my life. I've gotten to work on amazing products. I've been a part of a lot of projects and teams that have made world history. Basically any products that we have under the sea, in space, and around the world, I've been one of the engineers that has made a lot of that happen."
Mentor
John Tracy is Maida's mentor. He gave her a lot of opportunities. She admires his humility and focus on always doing the right thing.
Career
"My company is one of the main hosts for SHPE and I continue to support them by planning workshops and making sure we get leaders to attend. I also participate in local chapters where I go share my story and what I've learned."
Advice
"I’ve been a member 20 years and been to about 17 SHPE conventions. My favorite part now is being on the other side as a professional and trying to capture and give back to all the young talent out there."
"My best advice is that you have to learn how to sell yourself in person and on paper. Your resume needs to showcase your skills. When you have an opportunity to come to the conventions and meet the recruiters, go meet them and introduce yourself to as many people as you can."
Career
"Now I am in a place where I can focus, I can learn, and I can reach the stars. I am in a position where I can be whatever I want. In a couple of years I would like to officially move into a leadership role."
Advice
"The last thing I want to share is never give up. There are going be a lot of challenges but the challenges are what make you grow as a person and those challenges are key. They’ll either break you or make you great."