Women in Technology: Maria Casarez

Maria Casarez is a true powerhouse in the tech industry, with over two decades of valuable experience under her belt. Her role as a Warehouse Shop Coordinator showcases her deep understanding of the intricate workings of the business. Maria's journey in the industry began with selling toner at Action Laser in her 20s, which laid the foundation for her future success. Transitioning through various temporary positions, she eventually found her way to Verity Group, which was acquired by Standley Systems in 2023, where she has been a vital part of the team since 2004. Maria's wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset in the fast-paced world of technology.

Maria's role is key in our North Texas warehouse, juggling a variety of tasks with ease. From handling shipping and receiving to setting up and preparing machines for delivery, she ensures that everything runs smoothly. Maria takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized workspace, often seen mopping and sweeping as needed. Despite the extensive list of responsibilities, she approaches each task as it arises throughout the day or week, finding fulfillment in the constant activity that keeps her engaged.

Maria mentioned that she didn't require extensive training for her current position due to her prior work experience. Her main area of focus was learning how to set up machines, an ongoing learning process considering the constant influx of new machines and technology in the pipeline.

Maria finds the most fulfillment in her job when she successfully assembles a new printer, and it functions flawlessly. Her passion for precision and attention to detail shines brightly as she meticulously dismantles, reassembles, and fine-tunes each component to perfection. With a keen eye for problem-solving, Maria thrives off the challenge of troubleshooting and fixing any issues that may arise during the setup process. She believes that once you grasp the concept and understand the intricate mechanisms at play, everything falls into place effortlessly.

Maria acknowledges that the most challenging aspect of her role is mastering the setup of new machines. However, she approaches these challenges with a positive attitude and unwavering determination. With a mindset focused on continuous improvement and learning, Maria embraces each new machine as an opportunity to expand her knowledge and skill set. She confidently states that once she grasps the process and overcomes any initial hurdles, she emerges stronger and more adept, ready to tackle future tasks with ease and efficiency.

To stay ahead of the ever-evolving technology landscape, Maria diligently takes notes and isn't afraid to ask questions. Whether it's a simple process with just a couple of steps or a complex set of detailed instructions, she ensures she's prepared by having her notes handy. Maria believes that asking questions is key to learning and growing, so she seeks out the right person for answers and persists until she finds the solution she needs.

When we asked about Maria's vision for the next five years, she expressed her desire to continue contributing to the growth and success of Standley Systems. With hopes for expansion in terms of infrastructure, team size, and client base, Maria envisions herself taking on a managerial role if the company's growth trajectory aligns.

Reflecting on potential role models in the tech industry, Maria took a moment to consider her journey as the sole woman in her various positions. Despite this, she highlighted her admiration for Taledra Campbell, a key figure at our North Texas office. Taledra's support and guidance during Maria's learning process, especially in administrative tasks, left a lasting impact. Encouraged by Taledra's inspiration, Maria found the confidence to push past self-doubt and excel in her endeavors. She acknowledged the constant need to learn and adapt, embracing challenges and emerging stronger with each new skill mastered.

Maria encourages women interested in pursuing a role like hers to embrace the opportunity without fear. She firmly believes that without trying, you'll never know what you're capable of, and even if it doesn't turn out to be the perfect fit, at least you took the chance and gained valuable experience. Maria emphasizes not to be daunted by the job requirements, including handling large machines, but rather to approach it with curiosity and determination. If the role sparks your interest, don't hesitate - just go for it.

Maria values her family above all else, cherishing the time spent with her mother, siblings, and nieces and nephews. During the interview, Maria shared the exciting news that her family was anticipating the arrival of a new addition - a baby girl, the first in their family in two decades. The entire family was filled with joy and anticipation for this special blessing.

We truly admire Maria's dedication, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take on new challenges. Keep an eye out for the upcoming segments in our Women in Technology blog series, where we will explore the diverse and impactful roles that women like Maria play in our organization.