July 22, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of HTM On The Line, host Bryant Hawkins (B-Hawk) sits down with Mayra Becerra, a certified biomedical equipment technician, imaging team manager, and trailblazing Latina leader in the Healthcare Technology Management industry.
From her roots in Colombia to becoming a force in South Florida’s HTM community, Mayra shares her powerful journey of overcoming doubt, finding purpose, and breaking stereotypes. She opens up about the mentors who shaped her path, the importance of cultural pride and how quiet leadership can spark loud impact.
Mayra also drops practical gems for anyone considering certification, struggling with representation or trying to balance passion with pressure. Whether you're a student just discovering HTM or a seasoned professional navigating leadership, this episode will inspire you to lean into your voice and lead with purpose.
Topics Covered:
- How she discovered HTM through biomedical engineering
- Becoming CBET certified while balancing school and work
- Leading as a Latina woman in a male-dominated field
- Creating culture and connection inside biomed teams
- The power of mentorship, belief, and giving back
Press play and be reminded that quiet leadership isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.
Big thanks to our podcast partners: College of Biomedical Equipment Technology, A.M. BICKFORD, INC., UptimeServices, PM BIOMEDICAL, GMC Healthcare Solutions and Talent Exclusive. Your support keeps the HTM mission alive!
Want to support more stories like this? Visit ElevateHTM.com , this is just the beginning.
Powered by the B-Hawk Network: A purpose-first platform elevating voices in healthcare, education, and beyond.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome back to HTM On the Line.
I'm your host, bryant HawkinsSr.
Today's guest is proof thatleadership isn't about titles,
it's about presence.
From Columbia to South Florida,mara Becerra has blazed the
trail as a certified biomed, ateam leader and a voice for
(00:25):
women and Latinos in HTM.
Her story it's bold, it's realand it's exactly what the
industry needs.
Let's get into it.
We live with another htm on theline podcast.
(01:00):
I have a special guest today,miss mara becerra.
How you doing today, mara, I'mBecerra.
How?
Speaker 2 (01:05):
are you doing today, mara?
I'm good and you Brian.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
I'm doing great, great.
I appreciate you coming on theshow.
We're going to have a greattime this evening.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Thank you.
I'm happy to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Yes, yes.
First off, congratulations onyour new job.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
You're much welcome.
So, mara, let's just jump intoit.
I always ask this question to alot of folks in this industry
what originally drew you to theHTM industry?
Speaker 2 (01:40):
So since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to
do some kind of engineering.
One time there was a collegefair in my school.
There was a booth withbiomedical engineering.
They were showing how theywould develop systems to help
(02:06):
patients with mobility issues,and that like caught my
attention.
And and when I finished highschool, that's when I moved from
Colombia to the US and I had tostudy English to the US, and I
(02:28):
had to study English, and thecollege I went to um had the
biomedical engineering programas an associate's degree and I
looked at the classes and I'mlike, oh, that's interesting,
it's like a lot of electronicsand and numbers, and so that's
how.
Uh, well, part of that.
And also my mom.
She wanted me to be like anurse or a doctor, and I'm like,
no, I cannot see needles, Idon't like blood, so, but this
(02:54):
was the closest thing to that aswell.
So I think it was just aperfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Yes, yes.
Next time you see your mom,tell her I said hello.
Your mom is such a joy Iremember her from the FBS.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Hopefully she'll remember me.
It's funny like she she alwayshas.
Uh, uh, like friends of mine,like oh, please tell your mom we
say hi she's she's like yeah,she's a cute.
My my dad refers to her as likea lost kid because she's like
and so friendly she's, she'sreally nice.
(03:32):
Yeah, it's a big part of theseuh, of me making this decision,
uh, and also my my dad, becausehe, you know, he's the one like
will take a computer apart oropen a car to try to fix it, and
he will always like, bring mewith him to try to help, like
you know, give me, give him thetools and stuff.
(03:53):
So, yeah, it was a combinationof both parts, as well.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
So you was being groomed for this without even
knowing you was being groomedfor it.
Yes, was being groomed for thiswithout even knowing you was
being groomed for it.
Yes, now I do a lot ofmotivational things and because
I realize how important thisindustry is.
When did you know that thiscareer was more than just a job
to you?
Speaker 2 (04:33):
um, I think, well, honestly, since I saw that, um,
the booth, the biomedical booth,um it was, it ignites something
in me like how, withengineering, we can help
patients or sick people, andthat already was like, uh, I was
growing like a passion for it.
So I, I, I think since thebeginning I knew, uh, it was
(04:54):
going to be like a career for me.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Great, Great.
Now I noticed you have um CBETbehind your name, so I'm
assuming you are a certifiedbiomedical equipment technician.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
So what made you want to pursue getting that CBET?
Speaker 2 (05:16):
So, before I got my first job, I saw it somewhere
and I was like, maybe if I getmy C, but I have more chances to
get a job as soon as I finishschool.
So I started looking into it.
But then I realized like, no,you need to experience in the
field to do it.
And I was like, oh, no, so Iwaited.
(05:38):
But then, at the same timethat's when I was doing my
bachelor's and I I took it likeI had a supervisor that he was
like encouraging me to to takethe c-bed, and I took it without
studying much and I failed itthe first time and and I was
(05:58):
like I cannot do this because Iwas, you know, doing my
bachelor's, like taking classesfor that, and I tried to do the
c-bed and you need to study, orI needed to study.
Uh, I don't know if it wasbecause I only had the two years
of experience in the field, um,but I knew I needed to study.
So, uh, six months later Idecided to put on hold my, the
(06:19):
classes for my bachelor's andthen I just focused on studying
for the c bit.
And that's when I I passed theexam and I, yeah, I took it, uh,
at a fbs conference.
Um, they had the option to doit there and and that's like we
had a little group of people andwe were studying the day before
(06:41):
and like taking like thissimulation test that we had.
And yeah, and another Colombianlady and me passed the exam
that time.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Awesome, awesome.
So you mentioned how you had todo a lot of studying.
So for any technicians outthere considering certifications
, what mindset or prep strategywould you say makes the
difference?
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Study.
You can take the class that isoffered by Amy.
When I took it it was offeredby somebody else.
I can remember.
But, yes, yes, but they giveyou a good guide, uh, like they
break it down by uh topics andand they explain to you.
(07:33):
And I actually learned a lot,uh in the class, not only to
pass my c-bed exam, but likethings that I applied, you you
know, in my job and even now,like there were some radiology
stuff in that that I that's allI knew about radiology, and now
(07:55):
look at me, I'm a manager forimaging team.
So, yeah, so you can Iencourage them like to take that
class, uh, or if it's, you know, sometimes like, uh, money
could be a problem to take thatclass, um, but find people that
may have studying materials, uh,that are, um, I I'm not sure if
(08:20):
there is a book, but I rememberI got like a book that had all
the information to study andstuff.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Actually this question you mentioned you're
from Colombia.
I don't know why I thoughtabout the movie Colombiana, it
just popped in my head.
So, as a Latina in HTM, whatleadership qualities do you lean
on to make your presence felt?
You know, because I know you'realmost like you got, a Latina
(08:56):
even though you live in SouthFlorida.
So I wouldn't say you're aminority in that aspect, but
you're a female being not manyfemales in the industry.
So what leadership qualities doyou lean on to make your
presence felt?
Because even though you're insmall stature, you have a big
presence.
What leadership qualities doyou lean on?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
So, as a Latina, it's funny because there was a joke.
Uh, last last week I wastalking to somebody and uh, they
mentioned, oh, I told them Iwas colombian and they're like,
oh yeah, my ex is colombian.
I'm like, why is everybody's exis colombian, not like their
current girlfriend or what?
(09:37):
No, because you guys are, youknow, strong headed and stuff.
And I'm like, yes, we could belike sometimes strong with our
ideas and and I get in like Ihad my interview recently and
you know I'm a nice person, Italk to people nice and I
(10:01):
encourage them, even like, ifI'm having some trouble to get
them to do their job, I approachthem like in a nice way and I
try to encourage them.
It could be, you know, one ofmy employees or a vendor, but if
you know, after a little while,like things are not getting
through their head, then I tellthem I will get my spicy Latina
(10:25):
out and you know, hey, this iswhat we're doing.
So, yes, we could, I could be,I can be strong if I have to,
but for me to get to that ittakes a while.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yes, yes.
Now what can you think ofthat's something that you do as
a leader.
That's quiet, people don'talways see it, but it matters
the most.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It's just connecting with them in a more personal
level, like to really care aboutthem.
You know, something as simpleas how was your night or how's
your morning going, how's yourfamily.
Just show them that you reallycare about them, not just on a
professional level, but alsolike in a personal level,
(11:17):
because everybody has somethinggoing on in their lives and an
employee could be performingpoorly because something is
going on in their lives and it'sbetter if you know, you know,
if you know them on a personallevel, to understand that and
maybe help them uh, to you know,to see if you can help them
(11:39):
with whatever issue they'rehaving outside, so they can
perform better at the workplace.
Yeah, exactly.
That's a great answer there.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Now you're very, very involved with FBS and you're
part of the.
What's your chapter in FBS?
It's the.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
TAPAMI.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
And that stands for.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
So South Florida Medical Instrumentation.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Okay, great great.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Yeah, so it's like you have a pretty big group.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
How many people y'all have in y'all group?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
So in South Florida we have, we usually range
between like 50 and 60 members.
Oh yeah, yes, and when we dothe meetings we usually have
like an average of 30 attendings.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Awesome, Now the fact you're part of that association
.
Do you feel a responsibility torepresent something bigger than
yourself in this industry?
Speaker 2 (12:48):
yes, I do, I do.
Um, I I was a very shy personand then the?
Um, my, my husband, my nowhusband, uh, I think he saw a
potential in me.
He's like you know, you're aLatina, a female in the
(13:10):
male-dominated industry.
We need to put you out there soyou can encourage more females
and the minority to get in thein this industry.
You love it so much.
Like, why not put that outthere?
Um, I was a little hesitantbecause I'm like I'm not good
(13:32):
with cameras and videos andstuff, but you know I was like
you know what, let's go aheadand try it.
And yeah, like when, sometimes,when I go to the conferences,
people will come to me andthey're like, hey, I've seen
your videos.
Or I have people reaching outfrom like another country and
because they saw my videos, soyes, I, because of that, and
(13:57):
also because I'm part of FBS andI'm I am the chair for Safami,
I feel like, yes, all of that isa way to represent something
bigger than me.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Absolutely.
You do a great job at it.
I don't know what that shyperson you're talking about,
because I knew you before I metyou.
Also, I follow thePowerMadeGirl on Instagram, If
any of you guys are notfollowing her she has some
extraordinary videos.
You need to follow her and Ijust can't see you being shy.
But I guess we all had astarting point.
(14:37):
I guess what do you hope ayoung woman or Latina hears in
your story that makes thembelieve they belong here in
Biomed, or just successful ingeneral?
Speaker 2 (14:50):
Yes.
So I went through somechallenges when I got in the
field.
The one I remember the most isone day like I was in the field
for probably a year and a halfand one day I was I walking into
cath lab and there was this guythat um needed help, uh, with
(15:13):
something, and I was like, holdon, let me get my wrench out.
He's like you have tools,you're a girl and you know how
to use that tool.
And I'm like I look at him like, are you being serious?
Are you being sarcastic?
Like what's going on?
Yes, and, and at that point Ikind of doubt my like what I was
(15:33):
doing and I'm like am I in thewrong field?
But then I was like I I kind ofignored that comment and I kept
doing you know, know, I was likedoing my own thing.
He's like oh, look at you, youactually know how to use that.
And I'm like so you wereserious about that comment.
Yeah, so at that moment I had adoubt, but then I was like I
(15:55):
felt like I had to prove thatyes, a woman can use tools, a
woman can engineer.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
So if you have ever felt like,if they ever feel like they
don't belong because of somebodyelse's comment.
Don't, don't listen to that.
Just listen to your instincts,to you, to what you believe.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yes, yes.
Now how is your?
I mean, I met your mother andsome of your friends and you're
very strong with your culture.
So how do you think your latinaculture empowers or influence
the way you approachopportunities in the htm
industry?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
so, yeah, so, coming from a um a lot a latin country
where we don't have everything,we have to work hard to get
everything.
So, um, you know, we come here,we see all these opportunities
and we just want to take theopportunity and learn the most
out of everything.
(17:02):
Uh, and like when theopportunity to me uh came, uh to
become uh the coach for safami,I saw that as a challenge but
also like a way for me to umstart my leadership uh skills.
(17:23):
It's a volunteering job.
You don't get paid for that,but it does teach you a lot and
that's how I started, you know,my leadership part, or like my
leadership career.
It was because I took thatopportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
It was because I took that opportunity.
Great Now, I did a littlehomework because I looked up.
I don't know if these numbersare accurate, but it was from
2021.
And it was breaking down theethnic diversity within the HTM
industry 7.4% identify asHispanic.
Industry.
(18:11):
7.4% identify as Hispanic.
So, with that in mind, how doyou see the Hispanic presence in
the industry?
I know you're down in SouthFlorida so it may be a big
presence down there, but I knowyou travel, so is there some
type of awareness going on downin South Florida to maybe
influence more Hispanics to comeinto HTM USA?
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Or what would you say ?
No, I have not seen that here.
The closest thing that I'veseen to that is the College of
Engineering.
They're based out of California.
They do have like a chapter ora group of biomets that reach
(18:54):
out to like international, youknow, students or professionals
in the HTM industry, but downhere we have like the opposite.
We have more like Latin peopleand not so many, you know,
americans.
It's not that I mean.
(19:15):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we don't havethat problem.
Now, as a female, that's alittle different.
Uh, I have seen that, you know,females were also a minority or
probably still are a minorityin the industry, but I've seen
that increasing, uh, in thefield.
(19:38):
Like before it was just likealmost a miracle to see a woman
in this field.
Now I encounter more, morefemale and I like seeing that.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Yeah, cause on your team you have a couple of
females.
Well, from the picture I saw, Idon't know if that was your
team, but it looks like you havea one or two females right On
your previous team.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
I'll say yeah, my previous team.
Yes, I had, we were three.
Actually, they were Colombiantoo, so we were three Colombians
in the shop.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Three females Wow.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Yes, yes, three females in the shop, yes, so I
mean we still were the team.
The total was like nine people,so we still were not that's
like 30%.
I have 0% in my shop, so I meanI always say like you need at
(20:37):
least one female because, yeah,when people came to the shop,
they're like, oh my god, this islike the cleanest shop I've
seen in all the shops I've beento and I was like that's what,
that's what you get when youhave three females working in
the biomed shop I can attest tothat, because I used to work
with ronnie in florida and shekept that shop clean and she
(21:01):
stayed on us to make sure itstayed clean.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
So you're right about that one?
Speaker 2 (21:06):
yes, I have one, one of us.
She's like ocd, so she wouldlike get everybody, and if
somebody was not very organizedwith their desk when they went
on vacation, she will cleantheir desk too.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
And then rana was so particular about her stuff.
Oh yeah, if she go on vacationshe would know if we sat at her
desk, because if something wasout of place she had everything
in place.
And so we like, how does sheknow that?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
because she remembers where she left everything yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, gina is likethat.
Yeah, but not not only her desk, she will be on everybody's
desk.
Like hey, what you have thatthat's dirty, you drop something
on the floor, like I am.
I am clean, clean, but not tothat level.
So I, oh no, I appreciatehaving her in the Like.
(22:00):
She will keep everything niceand neat and make sure that
everybody else did Awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Now let's get futuristic for a minute.
Now.
What is something in the HTMindustry you think still needs
to be reimagined?
If you had to pick somethingthat we're doing today, we could
say man, I wish we could justwork on this.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Yes, exactly that.
You said it.
I wish.
I wish we could have access toall the all the service manuals
and all parts.
I don't like when OEMs theywant to keep everything for them
and we have to go through themjust to be able to fix a machine
(22:54):
or service.
You know, do the PM on amachine.
Like that should be public.
We know we should be able to,you know, to grab a service
manual and be able to do the PMor fix the machine.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yes, yes, I think that's something that's going
universal and it's going tohappen.
Personally, I believe in myheart and heart that's going to
happen one day.
Now, what would you say isanother barrier?
I mean, we know about the rightto repair.
What would you think would beanother something that you wish
we could make changes to orrethink the way we do it?
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Um, sometimes some uh hospitals limit us.
Um, it's not impossible, butit's very challenging for us and
we should just like be part ofthat team and just to that will.
It will be nice to have that,because it's it makes our job
more difficult.
The fact that we don't havethose access or I switched gears
(24:23):
a little here.
Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Who mentored you in this industry?
I know we all had someone that,yeah, took us in.
Who would you say was yourmentor in this industry?
Speaker 2 (24:37):
so I have two, well, maybe three, mentors.
Um my, I think number one, uhwas my previous supervisor, dave
.
He has been in the industry fora while and he came to our
(24:59):
hospital when I was in theindustry for probably like two
or three years.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Give Dave a shout out .
What's Dave's name?
Dave?
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Dave Reed.
Okay, there you go he, yeah, heknows so much of the industry
and he like sometimes I will befrustrated with him because I
had questions and he's like yougo figure it out.
And he probably knew the answer.
But he knew I could figure itout on my own.
(25:28):
And that unlocked up somethingin me that I didn't know I have.
And he's yes, I, I don't haveto always go to somebody, like
to my superior, just to solve aproblem like I.
That's when I, you know I makemy brain work harder, but
because of that I'm not afraidanymore of pretty much anything
(25:51):
like yeah, okay, I don't know,the system is a new system, but
we'll learn, we'll figure it outthere you go, there, you go yes
, yes, no, I learned a lot fromhim.
Uh, the way like he organizedour database.
Uh, our database was not notorganized, but he made a lot of
improvements and and make likeworkflow easier because of that.
(26:17):
And my other mentor was myprevious boss, manny DeForest.
He's just like a passionate guyfor the field too, and he like
showed me that you just have toeven though you're a leader, you
(26:37):
still have to get in it andshow your people that you can do
the dirty work as well.
Get in the middle of the war,because being in a hospital is
like being in war, so you can bethere and also be in the office
(27:02):
.
You know managing stuff.
And and then my husband is likealso my mentor.
He's not in the in the industry, but he's a leader and he is
also I mean, he's also in thehealthcare environment and he
(27:24):
saw the potential in me as welland pushed me, uh, to unlock a
lot of stuff that I didn't knowI have.
Yes, now how?
Speaker 1 (27:36):
long have you been in the industry so far now?
Speaker 2 (27:43):
How many years?
Almost 10 years.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
Okay, that's right 10 years Congrats.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
I mean I did.
The first year was mevolunteering, so I was a
volunteer at the hospital justlike trying to understand what
the field was and stuff.
And yeah, if we include thatit's almost 10 years.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Now, you've done a lot in these first 10.
So what do you see in store forthe next 10 years?
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Well, I want to pursue like I want to do, my
master's, not because I want tokeep growing, but because I love
learning.
So I hopefully, after I do mymy master's, who knows, maybe
more doors will open moreopportunities to keep growing.
(28:48):
But for now I am happy where Iam.
Um, I hope I keep contributingto the industry, not just from
the hospital but also in abigger level.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
Yeah, yeah, because you're much needed down there in
Florida.
I mean you do a lot.
And also congrats on you beingmade of the year last year,
right, FBS.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Oh, yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
Legacy.
What legacy do you want toleave in the HTM industry?
Because people, when you thinklegacy, it's something that my
heart is gone, but people stilltalk about you.
What type of legacy do you wantto leave about you if you could
leave a legacy behind?
Speaker 2 (29:42):
I want people to see me as, um, once I was a young,
uh, latina, uh, wanting to learnand contribute and help other
young people, uh, getting in theindustry, and that's like
that's why the biomech girl cameup is that.
(30:05):
That is already out there andit's gonna stay there and it's
gonna keep teaching people inthe future um, how to how to do
things.
And it doesn't matter if you'reyoung or a female or a Latina.
You can show people that you'recapable of more and if you want
(30:30):
to, you can.
You can get to whatever youwant to, as long as you work
hard for it that's it.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
Work hard.
Nothing is easy.
Some folks think it's just easy.
It's not easy.
They may think it's easybecause you work so hard at it.
They say, oh, myra does it soeffortlessly, but they don't
know behind the scenes, oh, no,no, no.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
I I at some point, when I was a volunteer at the
hospital, I also had a a job andI was also going to school.
So I was doing like threethings at the same time and with
not, you know, barely sleeping.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
But but which explains why you can do FBS, you
can do some family, you can goto school.
It's just in you, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:25):
I mean today, before I talked to you, before I got in
the podcast, I was like workingwith a couple of vendors to
plan something for Safami andlike we were running into, uh
through, some hiccups.
So I was like, okay, listen, Igotta get on this other call,
but this is what we're gonna doand, yes, I, I stay busy, for
(31:46):
sure, stay busy, and you know,you gotta find what you love and
and then all those thingsbecome just like either
something simple or somethingfun, which I find a lot of that
in this industry.
It's like to me it's fun, Ienjoy it so much.
Speaker 1 (32:08):
Yeah, you do a great job of making it seem like fun,
and that's commendable.
And just so you know, you havea legacy in place and I
guarantee you you have a legacyin place and I guarantee you, if
you go back to your old job andask them about you, they're
going to, they're probably stilltalking about you and that's an
attribute to your hard work andI commend you for that.
(32:29):
Now, I always ask thesequestions at the end of the
podcast and I'll ask you to usequestions Also.
I want you to give some adviceand I'll ask you to use
questions also.
I want you to give some advicebecause I've been talking to
young people now, so I want youto give some advice to a young
person that may be consideringthe bio-med industry, and
they're listening right now toour podcast.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
What would you tell that young person that it's?
It may seem difficult at thebeginning, but as long as you
dedicate your time and you study, you will.
You will learn a lot and youwill love it.
You will enjoy being in thisfield because, honestly, it's
(33:20):
not boring.
Every day is different and youget to learn a little bit of
electronics, a little bit ofmechanics, a little bit of
medicine, a little bit of uh itcomputers.
It's.
It's so like it has a littlebit of so many different things
(33:43):
in the way, and that's why it'sso much fun.
So you probably will feel likeoverwhelmed at the beginning,
but once you uh, you know youdedicate your time to study, you
will accomplish that and youwill enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (34:00):
Great answer.
Now, normally I would ask youto say something for those that
have been in the industry for awhile, but I just thought about
this while you were talking.
I want you to talk to the HTMmanager, who may have a Latina
technician and she may be shy orquiet.
(34:21):
What advice would you give thatmanager on how they may be able
to engage with that technician?
Speaker 2 (34:47):
um, I, to give them guidance, give them the right
tools and have the conversationwith them about hey, I'm, I'm
here if you need it, uh.
And and also tell them thatthey believe in them, just like
my supervisor told me he's likeyou have, if you want, you can
reach the sky, like the sky isyour limit.
And I don't know if he reallymean it or not, but I believed
(35:11):
it and because of that Iaccomplished so much.
But I believed it and I,because of that, I accomplished
so much.
And again, stuff that I didn'tknow I was capable of and it's
just because I knew somebodyelse was watching and believing
in me and stuff that I evendidn't believe in me.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Absolutely.
I mean, that's the whole nameof this game.
Right, you have to pay itforward.
I mean, what good is it for youto get someone to help you and
you don't do the same in return?
And that's something I alwayssay.
That's how you get compoundinterest.
You have to continue to payforward and that's the reason I
have this podcast, so people canhear your story podcast, so
(35:56):
people can hear your story, andyou don't know who it's going to
touch.
It's going to touch somebody.
I promise you it touched me.
So, yeah, I know it's going totouch someone.
And that's keep doing the greatthings you're doing.
All right, I mean it's, it'snoticed and you're very much so
necessary and appreciated fromafar.
So I can guarantee you the onesyou are shoulder to shoulder
with appreciate you and I cantell by the pictures from your
(36:18):
going away festivities that youare very much loved, cherished
and admired.
So congratulations on all thegreat things you're doing and
keep up the good work, andanytime you want to come back on
, you are more than welcome.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
You're one of the family and I got some stuff on
my list I need to talk to youabout, because I'm about to put
you to more work but, Iappreciate you here thank you,
brian, thank you for having meand also thank you for doing
this for the industry and thefuture of the industry, because
we need this.
We need our voice out there, uh, and show them like you know
(37:01):
we're.
We're the people behind thescenes, but, uh, we need people
like you to show that we arethere yeah, unseen but
unstoppable.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Right, exactly, there you go.
Mara didn't just enter thisfield, she elevated it from
doubt to certification, from shybeginnings to industry
leadership.
She's a reminder that yourbackground doesn't limit your
(37:34):
breakthrough For anyone watching.
Believe in your grind, trustyour growth and remember being
unseen doesn't mean you're notpowerful.
Until next time, keep showingup and keep elevating the
standard.
Unseen but unstoppable.
(37:56):
Y'all be safe out there.
Welcome back to HTM On the Line.
I'm your host, bryant HawkinsSr.
Today's guest is proof thatleadership isn't about titles,
it's about presence.
From Columbia to South Florida,mara Becerra has blazed the
trail as a certified biomed, ateam leader and a voice for
(00:25):
women and Latinos in HTM.
Her story it's bold, it's realand it's exactly what the
industry needs.
Let's get into it.
We live with another htm on theline podcast.
(01:00):
I have a special guest today,miss mara becerra.
How you doing today, mara, I'mBecerra.
How?
Speaker 2 (01:05):
are you doing today, mara?
I'm good and you Brian.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
I'm doing great, great.
I appreciate you coming on theshow.
We're going to have a greattime this evening.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Thank you.
I'm happy to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Yes, yes.
First off, congratulations onyour new job.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
You're much welcome.
So, mara, let's just jump intoit.
I always ask this question to alot of folks in this industry
what originally drew you to theHTM industry?
Speaker 2 (01:40):
So since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to
do some kind of engineering.
One time there was a collegefair in my school.
There was a booth withbiomedical engineering.
They were showing how theywould develop systems to help
(02:06):
patients with mobility issues,and that like caught my
attention.
And and when I finished highschool, that's when I moved from
Colombia to the US and I had tostudy English to the US, and I
(02:28):
had to study English, and thecollege I went to um had the
biomedical engineering programas an associate's degree and I
looked at the classes and I'mlike, oh, that's interesting,
it's like a lot of electronicsand and numbers, and so that's
how.
Uh, well, part of that.
And also my mom.
She wanted me to be like anurse or a doctor, and I'm like,
no, I cannot see needles, Idon't like blood, so, but this
(02:54):
was the closest thing to that aswell.
So I think it was just aperfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
Yes, yes.
Next time you see your mom,tell her I said hello.
Your mom is such a joy Iremember her from the FBS.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Hopefully she'll remember me.
It's funny like she she alwayshas.
Uh, uh, like friends of mine,like oh, please tell your mom we
say hi she's she's like yeah,she's a cute.
My my dad refers to her as likea lost kid because she's like
and so friendly she's, she'sreally nice.
(03:32):
Yeah, it's a big part of theseuh, of me making this decision,
uh, and also my my dad, becausehe, you know, he's the one like
will take a computer apart oropen a car to try to fix it, and
he will always like, bring mewith him to try to help, like
you know, give me, give him thetools and stuff.
(03:53):
So, yeah, it was a combinationof both parts, as well.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
So you was being groomed for this without even
knowing you was being groomedfor it.
Yes, was being groomed for thiswithout even knowing you was
being groomed for it.
Yes, now I do a lot ofmotivational things and because
I realize how important thisindustry is.
When did you know that thiscareer was more than just a job
to you?
Speaker 2 (04:33):
um, I think, well, honestly, since I saw that, um,
the booth, the biomedical booth,um it was, it ignites something
in me like how, withengineering, we can help
patients or sick people, andthat already was like, uh, I was
growing like a passion for it.
So I, I, I think since thebeginning I knew, uh, it was
(04:54):
going to be like a career for me.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
Great, Great.
Now I noticed you have um CBETbehind your name, so I'm
assuming you are a certifiedbiomedical equipment technician.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
So what made you want to pursue getting that CBET?
Speaker 2 (05:16):
So, before I got my first job, I saw it somewhere
and I was like, maybe if I getmy C, but I have more chances to
get a job as soon as I finishschool.
So I started looking into it.
But then I realized like, no,you need to experience in the
field to do it.
And I was like, oh, no, so Iwaited.
(05:38):
But then, at the same timethat's when I was doing my
bachelor's and I I took it likeI had a supervisor that he was
like encouraging me to to takethe c-bed, and I took it without
studying much and I failed itthe first time and and I was
(05:58):
like I cannot do this because Iwas, you know, doing my
bachelor's, like taking classesfor that, and I tried to do the
c-bed and you need to study, orI needed to study.
Uh, I don't know if it wasbecause I only had the two years
of experience in the field, um,but I knew I needed to study.
So, uh, six months later Idecided to put on hold my, the
(06:19):
classes for my bachelor's andthen I just focused on studying
for the c bit.
And that's when I I passed theexam and I, yeah, I took it, uh,
at a fbs conference.
Um, they had the option to doit there and and that's like we
had a little group of people andwe were studying the day before
(06:41):
and like taking like thissimulation test that we had.
And yeah, and another Colombianlady and me passed the exam
that time.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Awesome, awesome.
So you mentioned how you had todo a lot of studying.
So for any technicians outthere considering certifications
, what mindset or prep strategywould you say makes the
difference?
Speaker 2 (07:11):
Study.
You can take the class that isoffered by Amy.
When I took it it was offeredby somebody else.
I can remember.
But, yes, yes, but they giveyou a good guide, uh, like they
break it down by uh topics andand they explain to you.
(07:33):
And I actually learned a lot,uh in the class, not only to
pass my c-bed exam, but likethings that I applied, you you
know, in my job and even now,like there were some radiology
stuff in that that I that's allI knew about radiology, and now
(07:55):
look at me, I'm a manager forimaging team.
So, yeah, so you can Iencourage them like to take that
class, uh, or if it's, you know, sometimes like, uh, money
could be a problem to take thatclass, um, but find people that
may have studying materials, uh,that are, um, I I'm not sure if
(08:20):
there is a book, but I rememberI got like a book that had all
the information to study andstuff.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
Actually this question you mentioned you're
from Colombia.
I don't know why I thoughtabout the movie Colombiana, it
just popped in my head.
So, as a Latina in HTM, whatleadership qualities do you lean
on to make your presence felt?
You know, because I know you'realmost like you got, a Latina
(08:56):
even though you live in SouthFlorida.
So I wouldn't say you're aminority in that aspect, but
you're a female being not manyfemales in the industry.
So what leadership qualities doyou lean on to make your
presence felt?
Because even though you're insmall stature, you have a big
presence.
What leadership qualities doyou lean on?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
So, as a Latina, it's funny because there was a joke.
Uh, last last week I wastalking to somebody and uh, they
mentioned, oh, I told them Iwas colombian and they're like,
oh yeah, my ex is colombian.
I'm like, why is everybody's exis colombian, not like their
current girlfriend or what?
(09:37):
No, because you guys are, youknow, strong headed and stuff.
And I'm like, yes, we could belike sometimes strong with our
ideas and and I get in like Ihad my interview recently and
you know I'm a nice person, Italk to people nice and I
(10:01):
encourage them, even like, ifI'm having some trouble to get
them to do their job, I approachthem like in a nice way and I
try to encourage them.
It could be, you know, one ofmy employees or a vendor, but if
you know, after a little while,like things are not getting
through their head, then I tellthem I will get my spicy Latina
(10:25):
out and you know, hey, this iswhat we're doing.
So, yes, we could, I could be,I can be strong if I have to,
but for me to get to that ittakes a while.
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Yes, yes.
Now what can you think ofthat's something that you do as
a leader.
That's quiet, people don'talways see it, but it matters
the most.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It's just connecting with them in a more personal
level, like to really care aboutthem.
You know, something as simpleas how was your night or how's
your morning going, how's yourfamily.
Just show them that you reallycare about them, not just on a
professional level, but alsolike in a personal level,
(11:17):
because everybody has somethinggoing on in their lives and an
employee could be performingpoorly because something is
going on in their lives and it'sbetter if you know, you know,
if you know them on a personallevel, to understand that and
maybe help them uh, to you know,to see if you can help them
(11:39):
with whatever issue they'rehaving outside, so they can
perform better at the workplace.
Yeah, exactly.
That's a great answer there.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Now you're very, very involved with FBS and you're
part of the.
What's your chapter in FBS?
It's the.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
TAPAMI.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
And that stands for.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
So South Florida Medical Instrumentation.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Okay, great great.
Speaker 2 (12:12):
Yeah, so it's like you have a pretty big group.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
How many people y'all have in y'all group?
Speaker 2 (12:16):
So in South Florida we have, we usually range
between like 50 and 60 members.
Oh yeah, yes, and when we dothe meetings we usually have
like an average of 30 attendings.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
Awesome, Now the fact you're part of that association
.
Do you feel a responsibility torepresent something bigger than
yourself in this industry?
Speaker 2 (12:48):
yes, I do, I do.
Um, I I was a very shy personand then the?
Um, my, my husband, my nowhusband, uh, I think he saw a
potential in me.
He's like you know, you're aLatina, a female in the
(13:10):
male-dominated industry.
We need to put you out there soyou can encourage more females
and the minority to get in thein this industry.
You love it so much.
Like, why not put that outthere?
Um, I was a little hesitantbecause I'm like I'm not good
(13:32):
with cameras and videos andstuff, but you know I was like
you know what, let's go aheadand try it.
And yeah, like when, sometimes,when I go to the conferences,
people will come to me andthey're like, hey, I've seen
your videos.
Or I have people reaching outfrom like another country and
because they saw my videos, soyes, I, because of that, and
(13:57):
also because I'm part of FBS andI'm I am the chair for Safami,
I feel like, yes, all of that isa way to represent something
bigger than me.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Absolutely.
You do a great job at it.
I don't know what that shyperson you're talking about,
because I knew you before I metyou.
Also, I follow thePowerMadeGirl on Instagram, If
any of you guys are notfollowing her she has some
extraordinary videos.
You need to follow her and Ijust can't see you being shy.
But I guess we all had astarting point.
(14:37):
I guess what do you hope ayoung woman or Latina hears in
your story that makes thembelieve they belong here in
Biomed, or just successful ingeneral?
Speaker 2 (14:50):
Yes.
So I went through somechallenges when I got in the
field.
The one I remember the most isone day like I was in the field
for probably a year and a halfand one day I was I walking into
cath lab and there was this guythat um needed help, uh, with
(15:13):
something, and I was like, holdon, let me get my wrench out.
He's like you have tools,you're a girl and you know how
to use that tool.
And I'm like I look at him like, are you being serious?
Are you being sarcastic?
Like what's going on?
Yes, and, and at that point Ikind of doubt my like what I was
(15:33):
doing and I'm like am I in thewrong field?
But then I was like I I kind ofignored that comment and I kept
doing you know, know, I was likedoing my own thing.
He's like oh, look at you, youactually know how to use that.
And I'm like so you wereserious about that comment.
Yeah, so at that moment I had adoubt, but then I was like I
(15:55):
felt like I had to prove thatyes, a woman can use tools, a
woman can engineer.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
So if you have ever felt like,if they ever feel like they
don't belong because of somebodyelse's comment.
Don't, don't listen to that.
Just listen to your instincts,to you, to what you believe.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yes, yes.
Now how is your?
I mean, I met your mother andsome of your friends and you're
very strong with your culture.
So how do you think your latinaculture empowers or influence
the way you approachopportunities in the htm
industry?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
so, yeah, so, coming from a um a lot a latin country
where we don't have everything,we have to work hard to get
everything.
So, um, you know, we come here,we see all these opportunities
and we just want to take theopportunity and learn the most
out of everything.
(17:02):
Uh, and like when theopportunity to me uh came, uh to
become uh the coach for safami,I saw that as a challenge but
also like a way for me to umstart my leadership uh skills.
(17:23):
It's a volunteering job.
You don't get paid for that,but it does teach you a lot and
that's how I started, you know,my leadership part, or like my
leadership career.
It was because I took thatopportunity.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
It was because I took that opportunity.
Great Now, I did a littlehomework because I looked up.
I don't know if these numbersare accurate, but it was from
2021.
And it was breaking down theethnic diversity within the HTM
industry 7.4% identify asHispanic.
Industry.
(18:11):
7.4% identify as Hispanic.
So, with that in mind, how doyou see the Hispanic presence in
the industry?
I know you're down in SouthFlorida so it may be a big
presence down there, but I knowyou travel, so is there some
type of awareness going on downin South Florida to maybe
influence more Hispanics to comeinto HTM USA?
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Or what would you say ?
No, I have not seen that here.
The closest thing that I'veseen to that is the College of
Engineering.
They're based out of California.
They do have like a chapter ora group of biomets that reach
(18:54):
out to like international, youknow, students or professionals
in the HTM industry, but downhere we have like the opposite.
We have more like Latin peopleand not so many, you know,
americans.
It's not that I mean.
(19:15):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we don't havethat problem.
Now, as a female, that's alittle different.
Uh, I have seen that, you know,females were also a minority or
probably still are a minorityin the industry, but I've seen
that increasing, uh, in thefield.
(19:38):
Like before it was just likealmost a miracle to see a woman
in this field.
Now I encounter more, morefemale and I like seeing that.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
Yeah, cause on your team you have a couple of
females.
Well, from the picture I saw, Idon't know if that was your
team, but it looks like you havea one or two females right On
your previous team.
Speaker 2 (20:03):
I'll say yeah, my previous team.
Yes, I had, we were three.
Actually, they were Colombiantoo, so we were three Colombians
in the shop.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Three females Wow.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
Yes, yes, three females in the shop, yes, so I
mean we still were the team.
The total was like nine people,so we still were not that's
like 30%.
I have 0% in my shop, so I meanI always say like you need at
(20:37):
least one female because, yeah,when people came to the shop,
they're like, oh my god, this islike the cleanest shop I've
seen in all the shops I've beento and I was like that's what,
that's what you get when youhave three females working in
the biomed shop I can attest tothat, because I used to work
with ronnie in florida and shekept that shop clean and she
(21:01):
stayed on us to make sure itstayed clean.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
So you're right about that one?
Speaker 2 (21:06):
yes, I have one, one of us.
She's like ocd, so she wouldlike get everybody, and if
somebody was not very organizedwith their desk when they went
on vacation, she will cleantheir desk too.
Speaker 1 (21:19):
And then rana was so particular about her stuff.
Oh yeah, if she go on vacationshe would know if we sat at her
desk, because if something wasout of place she had everything
in place.
And so we like, how does sheknow that?
Speaker 2 (21:38):
because she remembers where she left everything yeah,
yeah, yeah, yeah, gina is likethat.
Yeah, but not not only her desk, she will be on everybody's
desk.
Like hey, what you have thatthat's dirty, you drop something
on the floor, like I am.
I am clean, clean, but not tothat level.
So I, oh no, I appreciatehaving her in the Like.
(22:00):
She will keep everything niceand neat and make sure that
everybody else did Awesome.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Now let's get futuristic for a minute.
Now.
What is something in the HTMindustry you think still needs
to be reimagined?
If you had to pick somethingthat we're doing today, we could
say man, I wish we could justwork on this.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Yes, exactly that.
You said it.
I wish.
I wish we could have access toall the all the service manuals
and all parts.
I don't like when OEMs theywant to keep everything for them
and we have to go through themjust to be able to fix a machine
(22:54):
or service.
You know, do the PM on amachine.
Like that should be public.
We know we should be able to,you know, to grab a service
manual and be able to do the PMor fix the machine.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Yes, yes, I think that's something that's going
universal and it's going tohappen.
Personally, I believe in myheart and heart that's going to
happen one day.
Now, what would you say isanother barrier?
I mean, we know about the rightto repair.
What would you think would beanother something that you wish
we could make changes to orrethink the way we do it?
Speaker 2 (24:03):
Um, sometimes some uh hospitals limit us.
Um, it's not impossible, butit's very challenging for us and
we should just like be part ofthat team and just to that will.
It will be nice to have that,because it's it makes our job
more difficult.
The fact that we don't havethose access or I switched gears
(24:23):
a little here.
Okay.
Speaker 1 (24:26):
Who mentored you in this industry?
I know we all had someone that,yeah, took us in.
Who would you say was yourmentor in this industry?
Speaker 2 (24:37):
so I have two, well, maybe three, mentors.
Um my, I think number one, uhwas my previous supervisor, dave
.
He has been in the industry fora while and he came to our
(24:59):
hospital when I was in theindustry for probably like two
or three years.
Speaker 1 (25:04):
Give Dave a shout out .
What's Dave's name?
Dave?
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Dave Reed.
Okay, there you go he, yeah, heknows so much of the industry
and he like sometimes I will befrustrated with him because I
had questions and he's like yougo figure it out.
And he probably knew the answer.
But he knew I could figure itout on my own.
(25:28):
And that unlocked up somethingin me that I didn't know I have.
And he's yes, I, I don't haveto always go to somebody, like
to my superior, just to solve aproblem like I.
That's when I, you know I makemy brain work harder, but
because of that I'm not afraidanymore of pretty much anything
(25:51):
like yeah, okay, I don't know,the system is a new system, but
we'll learn, we'll figure it outthere you go, there, you go yes
, yes, no, I learned a lot fromhim.
Uh, the way like he organizedour database.
Uh, our database was not notorganized, but he made a lot of
improvements and and make likeworkflow easier because of that.
(26:17):
And my other mentor was myprevious boss, manny DeForest.
He's just like a passionate guyfor the field too, and he like
showed me that you just have toeven though you're a leader, you
(26:37):
still have to get in it andshow your people that you can do
the dirty work as well.
Get in the middle of the war,because being in a hospital is
like being in war, so you can bethere and also be in the office
(27:02):
.
You know managing stuff.
And and then my husband is likealso my mentor.
He's not in the in the industry, but he's a leader and he is
also I mean, he's also in thehealthcare environment and he
(27:24):
saw the potential in me as welland pushed me, uh, to unlock a
lot of stuff that I didn't knowI have.
Yes, now how?
Speaker 1 (27:36):
long have you been in the industry so far now?
Speaker 2 (27:43):
How many years?
Almost 10 years.
Speaker 1 (27:47):
Okay, that's right 10 years Congrats.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
I mean I did.
The first year was mevolunteering, so I was a
volunteer at the hospital justlike trying to understand what
the field was and stuff.
And yeah, if we include thatit's almost 10 years.
Speaker 1 (28:10):
Now, you've done a lot in these first 10.
So what do you see in store forthe next 10 years?
Speaker 2 (28:23):
Well, I want to pursue like I want to do, my
master's, not because I want tokeep growing, but because I love
learning.
So I hopefully, after I do mymy master's, who knows, maybe
more doors will open moreopportunities to keep growing.
(28:48):
But for now I am happy where Iam.
Um, I hope I keep contributingto the industry, not just from
the hospital but also in abigger level.
Speaker 1 (29:03):
Yeah, yeah, because you're much needed down there in
Florida.
I mean you do a lot.
And also congrats on you beingmade of the year last year,
right, FBS.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Oh, yes, thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
Legacy.
What legacy do you want toleave in the HTM industry?
Because people, when you thinklegacy, it's something that my
heart is gone, but people stilltalk about you.
What type of legacy do you wantto leave about you if you could
leave a legacy behind?
Speaker 2 (29:42):
I want people to see me as, um, once I was a young,
uh, latina, uh, wanting to learnand contribute and help other
young people, uh, getting in theindustry, and that's like
that's why the biomech girl cameup is that.
(30:05):
That is already out there andit's gonna stay there and it's
gonna keep teaching people inthe future um, how to how to do
things.
And it doesn't matter if you'reyoung or a female or a Latina.
You can show people that you'recapable of more and if you want
(30:30):
to, you can.
You can get to whatever youwant to, as long as you work
hard for it that's it.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
Work hard.
Nothing is easy.
Some folks think it's just easy.
It's not easy.
They may think it's easybecause you work so hard at it.
They say, oh, myra does it soeffortlessly, but they don't
know behind the scenes, oh, no,no, no.
Speaker 2 (30:56):
I I at some point, when I was a volunteer at the
hospital, I also had a a job andI was also going to school.
So I was doing like threethings at the same time and with
not, you know, barely sleeping.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
But but which explains why you can do FBS, you
can do some family, you can goto school.
It's just in you, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:25):
I mean today, before I talked to you, before I got in
the podcast, I was like workingwith a couple of vendors to
plan something for Safami andlike we were running into, uh
through, some hiccups.
So I was like, okay, listen, Igotta get on this other call,
but this is what we're gonna doand, yes, I, I stay busy, for
(31:46):
sure, stay busy, and you know,you gotta find what you love and
and then all those thingsbecome just like either
something simple or somethingfun, which I find a lot of that
in this industry.
It's like to me it's fun, Ienjoy it so much.
Speaker 1 (32:08):
Yeah, you do a great job of making it seem like fun,
and that's commendable.
And just so you know, you havea legacy in place and I
guarantee you you have a legacyin place and I guarantee you, if
you go back to your old job andask them about you, they're
going to, they're probably stilltalking about you and that's an
attribute to your hard work andI commend you for that.
(32:29):
Now, I always ask thesequestions at the end of the
podcast and I'll ask you to usequestions Also.
I want you to give some adviceand I'll ask you to use
questions also.
I want you to give some advicebecause I've been talking to
young people now, so I want youto give some advice to a young
person that may be consideringthe bio-med industry, and
they're listening right now toour podcast.
Speaker 2 (32:56):
What would you tell that young person that it's?
It may seem difficult at thebeginning, but as long as you
dedicate your time and you study, you will.
You will learn a lot and youwill love it.
You will enjoy being in thisfield because, honestly, it's
(33:20):
not boring.
Every day is different and youget to learn a little bit of
electronics, a little bit ofmechanics, a little bit of
medicine, a little bit of uh itcomputers.
It's.
It's so like it has a littlebit of so many different things
(33:43):
in the way, and that's why it'sso much fun.
So you probably will feel likeoverwhelmed at the beginning,
but once you uh, you know youdedicate your time to study, you
will accomplish that and youwill enjoy it.
Speaker 1 (34:00):
Great answer.
Now, normally I would ask youto say something for those that
have been in the industry for awhile, but I just thought about
this while you were talking.
I want you to talk to the HTMmanager, who may have a Latina
technician and she may be shy orquiet.
(34:21):
What advice would you give thatmanager on how they may be able
to engage with that technician?
Speaker 2 (34:47):
um, I, to give them guidance, give them the right
tools and have the conversationwith them about hey, I'm, I'm
here if you need it, uh.
And and also tell them thatthey believe in them, just like
my supervisor told me he's likeyou have, if you want, you can
reach the sky, like the sky isyour limit.
And I don't know if he reallymean it or not, but I believed
(35:11):
it and because of that Iaccomplished so much.
But I believed it and I,because of that, I accomplished
so much.
And again, stuff that I didn'tknow I was capable of and it's
just because I knew somebodyelse was watching and believing
in me and stuff that I evendidn't believe in me.
Speaker 1 (35:31):
Absolutely.
I mean, that's the whole nameof this game.
Right, you have to pay itforward.
I mean, what good is it for youto get someone to help you and
you don't do the same in return?
And that's something I alwayssay.
That's how you get compoundinterest.
You have to continue to payforward and that's the reason I
have this podcast, so people canhear your story podcast, so
(35:56):
people can hear your story, andyou don't know who it's going to
touch.
It's going to touch somebody.
I promise you it touched me.
So, yeah, I know it's going totouch someone.
And that's keep doing the greatthings you're doing.
All right, I mean it's, it'snoticed and you're very much so
necessary and appreciated fromafar.
So I can guarantee you the onesyou are shoulder to shoulder
with appreciate you and I cantell by the pictures from your
(36:18):
going away festivities that youare very much loved, cherished
and admired.
So congratulations on all thegreat things you're doing and
keep up the good work, andanytime you want to come back on
, you are more than welcome.
Speaker 2 (36:36):
You're one of the family and I got some stuff on
my list I need to talk to youabout, because I'm about to put
you to more work but, Iappreciate you here thank you,
brian, thank you for having meand also thank you for doing
this for the industry and thefuture of the industry, because
we need this.
We need our voice out there, uh, and show them like you know
(37:01):
we're.
We're the people behind thescenes, but, uh, we need people
like you to show that we arethere yeah, unseen but
unstoppable.
Speaker 1 (37:14):
Right, exactly, there you go.
Mara didn't just enter thisfield, she elevated it from
doubt to certification, from shybeginnings to industry
leadership.
She's a reminder that yourbackground doesn't limit your
(37:34):
breakthrough For anyone watching.
Believe in your grind, trustyour growth and remember being
unseen doesn't mean you're notpowerful.
Until next time, keep showingup and keep elevating the
standard.
Unseen but unstoppable.
(37:56):
Y'all be safe out there.
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