Enbridge's Career Pioneers series: Part 8, Stephanie Gourley Guerrero
Stephanie Gourley Guerrero, Flanagan Terminal Supervisor, Pontiac, Illinois
A celebration of achievement. A promise of untapped potential. An ongoing quest for equality.
International Women’s Day, fast approaching on March 8, is all of these things and more. “The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all,” says United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In honor of UN International Women’s Day, we’re profiling women in the Enbridge workforce who’ve chosen to pursue non-traditional careers. Today’s spotlight is on Stephanie Gourley Guerrero, supervisor of Enbridge’s Flanagan Terminal in Pontiac, Illinois.
Q: How did you end up working as a terminal supervisor? What sort of journey brought you here?
I took a break from working outside of the home for a couple of years when my daughter was born. When I re-entered the workforce, I was offered a contract position at Enbridge’s Flanagan Terminal. I took the opportunity to learn everything I could about the company, hoping to apply it along with my previous experience. About one year later, I was offered the position of Operations Coordinator Trainee, and progressed to my current role as Terminal Supervisor.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
I begin my day by meeting with my team to address any immediate concerns, exchange general information, and discussing upcoming work. Then, my day is split between project meetings, training, responding to requests from support groups, supporting my team, and planning our work to meet the company’s objectives.
Q: What motivates you to get up in the morning?
I am motivated by my daughter. I want to show her that her opportunities in life are limited only by self-imposed barriers in her mind.
Q: What is one quote you live by?
If you believe it, you can achieve it.
Q: What sort of work do you do to mentor young women considering, or pursuing, a non-traditional career path?
Given my personal history – I served in the Illinois Army National Guard for four years as a legal specialist, and in the United States Navy for three years as a port control officer – I speak to high school girls about non-traditional career opportunities in the industry and the military. I encourage them to explore all possibilities that can help them reach their life goals.
Q: Given the experience that you’ve accrued, what advice would you have for those young women following in your footsteps?
Study. Learn the manuals and volunteer to help anyone do anything. It’s very important to be knowledgeable and competent if you want to be taken seriously. Never give up or allow anyone to convince you your goals are not achievable.
Q: The goal of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women and their achievements. What would you consider one of your most memorable achievements?
The day I realized I was the senior person at a company event was pretty memorable, because I had only six years of experience with the company. I had worked hard and learned so much about the industry and Enbridge. This realization motivated me to perform my duties impeccably each day.
