Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back. For industry pioneers like Tina Marquez, it’s a time to look to the future. Reflecting on a successful career at Nicor Gas, Tina hopes to inspire her children, grandchildren, and girls in STEM to shatter glass ceilings.
Tina’s hard-earned hardhat sits atop 30 years of experience in a typically male-dominated field. After working as a stay-at-home mom for six years, Tina joined the company reading gas meters for what was then called Northern Illinois Gas. Tina carved her own path growing into multiple leadership positions at what is now Nicor Gas, worked as a distribution mechanic in Crystal Lake, ultimately landing her in the role of Superintendent of Central Region Transmission in Elk Grove.
With her two young children in tow throughout much of her early career, she chose to view any hurdles as learning opportunities.
Camp GADgET – Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering and Technology – holds a special place for Tina as summer program that exposes middle and high school girls to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Tina served on GADgET panels introducing girls to potential futures in manufacturing and engineering, and she views the program as a launchpad for young women leaders.