We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mairim Neves. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mairim below.

Mairim, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Certainly, I’d be happy to share some direct insights on creating a more inclusive workplace based on my experiences.

Advice for Creating a More Inclusive Workplace:

1. Recognize and Celebrate Diversity: Embrace the uniqueness that each individual brings to the table. Diversity goes beyond gender; it includes cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Celebrate this diversity as a source of strength.

2. Foster an Inclusive Culture: Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a culture that should be embedded in every aspect of the workplace. Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and the free exchange of ideas. Ensure that all employees feel heard and valued.

3. Promote Mentorship and Sponsorship: Mentorship programs, like the one I benefited from, can be incredibly effective in helping newcomers navigate the workplace. Encourage senior employees to mentor junior ones, creating a supportive environment for growth.

4. Provide Equal Opportunities: Ensure that opportunities for career advancement and development are accessible to all employees, regardless of their background. Promote a fair selection process for projects, promotions, and leadership roles.

Moments That Shaped My View:

There have been pivotal moments in my career that have influenced my perspective on workplace inclusivity. One significant experience was being the only woman in many professional settings throughout my 23-year career. It was sometimes isolating, and I felt the weight of being the “different” one. However, it also motivated me to advocate for a more inclusive workplace.

On the flip side, I’ve also been fortunate to work in environments that actively promoted inclusivity. These were workplaces where diverse voices were not just welcomed but sought after. In such settings, I witnessed the incredible impact of a diverse team collaborating towards a common goal. The variety of viewpoints and approaches led to more innovative solutions and a richer work environment.

Inclusive workplaces are impactful and essential because they harness the collective power of a diverse workforce. They foster creativity, improve problem-solving, and enhance employee engagement. Moreover, they send a clear message that every individual’s contribution is valued, which, in turn, boosts morale and productivity.

In conclusion, creating an inclusive workplace isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic advantage. Embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to thrive not only benefits individual employees but also drives the success of the organization as a whole.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Certainly, I’d be delighted to provide an introduction:

About Me:

I’m Mairim Neves, a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over two decades of experience in the field. My journey into engineering began with a passion for problem-solving and a strong desire to make a positive impact through innovative design. This drive led me to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering, and it’s a path I’ve been dedicated to ever since.

My Career Path:

My career has been marked by diversity, both in terms of the projects I’ve undertaken and the roles I’ve held. I’ve worked in various capacities, from engineering design to on-site engineering in both Venezuela and Canada. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but have also given me valuable insights into the practical aspects of my field.

My Products/Services:

While my primary profession is Mechanical Engineering, my journey extends beyond the technical aspects of my craft. I’m deeply passionate about mentorship and personal growth. I’ve actively participated in mentoring programs and have taken my dedication a step further by founding Mujeres Omega Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on empowering women through personal growth, networking, and meaningful conversations.

Through Mujeres Omega, I aim to provide opportunities for women to excel in their careers and personal lives. We believe that every woman is unique and has tremendous potential waiting to be unleashed. We offer mentorship and coaching, networking events, and platforms for women to connect, learn, and grow.

What Sets Me Apart:

What sets me apart is my commitment to balance and resilience. I’ve successfully balanced a demanding career with my roles as a mother, wife, and community leader. I understand firsthand the challenges that individuals, particularly women, face when striving for professional success while juggling family responsibilities.

My pragmatic approach to mentorship and career guidance helps individuals make informed decisions about their career paths. I prioritize practicality, considering factors such as relocation logistics, language barriers, and personal dreams.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I take immense pride in my role as a mentor and the positive impact I’ve had on the careers of young engineers. Furthermore, founding Mujeres Omega Foundation, and witnessing the personal growth and achievements of the women in the latin community brings me great joy and pride.

What I Want You to Know:

I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering women to achieve their full potential. My journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and embracing diversity.

Whether you’re seeking opportunities for personal growth, or interested in promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, I’m here to support and inspire you. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world by empowering individuals especially women to thrive in their professional and personal lives.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The Career Pivot: Embracing Leadership as a Project Manager

My career in Mechanical Engineering had been both fulfilling and challenging for over two decades. I had navigated various roles and projects, always striving for excellence, but there was a persistent desire within me to take on more leadership responsibilities.

My journey with Mujeres Omega played a pivotal role in this transformation. As I actively participated in mentoring programs and witnessed the incredible impact of empowering women to reach their potential, it dawned on me that I, too, could step into a leadership role with confidence.

One particular moment stands out as the catalyst for change. I had just accepted a proposal to become a Project Manager within my current company. This was a significant pivot because it marked my transition from being primarily a technical expert to a leader responsible for project success, team coordination, and client relationships.

What made this pivot even more remarkable was the personal growth I had experienced through Mujeres Omega. The organization had become a platform for me to not only mentor but also learn from incredible women. It had given me the courage to embrace leadership fully.

The decision to accept the Project Manager role wasn’t without its uncertainties. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, mastering new skills, and taking on greater responsibilities. However, my experiences with Mujeres Omega had taught me the importance of facing challenges head-on and believing in the power of support networks.

As I transitioned into this new role, I drew upon the lessons I had learned from mentoring and networking. Effective communication, teamwork, and understanding the unique strengths of each team member became paramount. I realized that leadership wasn’t just about making decisions but also about empowering others to succeed.

What set this pivot apart was not only the career shift itself but the mindset shift that accompanied it. I had always desired greater control over my career trajectory, and now I was actively steering it. I had the confidence to pursue leadership because I had seen firsthand how it could positively impact individuals and organizations.

Today, as a Project Manager, I relish the challenges that come my way. I view them as opportunities for growth and learning. My experiences with Mujeres Omega have given me the tools and insights to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to personal and professional development.

This career pivot has been a transformative journey, and I’m excited to continue making a difference, not only in my own career but also in the lives of those I have the privilege to mentor and support through Mujeres Omega. It’s a testament to the power of embracing change, pursuing one’s aspirations, and the incredible impact that can result from doing so.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an Engaged Social Media Audience: The Mujeres Omega Story

The growth of Mujeres Omega on social media over the years has been a journey filled with passion, dedication, and a commitment to empowering Latina women around the world. Here’s the story of how we built our audience and some advice for those starting to build their social media presence:

The Mujeres Omega Approach:

From the outset, our approach was clear – to inspire and empower Latina women by sharing their stories, passions, and dreams. Our Instagram account, @mujeresomega, was a platform where we celebrated women from diverse backgrounds, focusing not on fame or follower count, but on the strength of their narratives and their journeys towards realizing their dreams. We showcased mothers, professionals, and entrepreneurs who were answering their callings in life.

Consistency and Authenticity:

Consistency was key to our growth. We committed to sharing a woman’s story every week. This regularity helped us establish a sense of reliability and trust with our audience. People knew they could come to us for inspiring stories regularly.

Authenticity was another crucial element. We genuinely cared about the stories we shared. This authenticity translated into our posts, resonating with our audience on a personal level. Authenticity fosters trust, and trust is the foundation of a strong social media presence.

Engagement and Community Building:

We actively engaged with our audience. We responded to comments, initiated conversations, and created a sense of community. We wanted our followers to feel like they were part of something bigger, a movement that celebrated the achievements and aspirations of Latina women.

Collaborations and partnerships played a significant role. We collaborated with like-minded individuals and organizations, expanding our reach and connecting with broader communities that shared our vision of empowerment.

Evolution and Foundation:

As Mujeres Omega grew, so did our vision. We realized that we could have an even greater impact by formalizing our efforts. This led to the creation of the Mujeres Omega Foundation. While it’s in its early stages and lacks substantial funding, the dedication of the women involved is driving its mission forward.

Advice for Building a Social Media Presence:

Find Your Authentic Voice: Be genuine in your communication. Share what truly matters to you or your brand. Authenticity is what connects with people.

Consistency Matters: Regular and reliable posting schedules help build trust and keep your audience engaged.

Engage Actively: Respond to comments, ask questions, and foster a sense of community. Social media is a two-way street.

Collaborate: Partner with others who share your values and goals. Collaborations can introduce you to new audiences.

Evolve with Purpose: As your presence grows, consider how you can have a more significant impact. Formalizing your efforts, like creating a foundation, can be a powerful step.

Stay Passionate: Your passion will be evident in your content. When you genuinely care about your message, it resonates more profoundly.

Measure and Adapt: Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Use insights and data to refine your strategy.

Building a social media presence takes time and dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see the positive impact you can have on your audience. Mujeres Omega is a testament to the transformative power of sharing authentic stories and empowering a community to dream big and realize their potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: mujeresomega.com/english
• Instagram: @mujeresomega
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mujeresomega20
• Linkedin: @mujeresomega
• Twitter: @mujeresomega20
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCULamtacjJcxIqc0VT0VVQw
• Other: IG: @mujeresomegafoundation https://www.facebook.com/mujeresomegafoundation

Image Credits
Nery Payne