Miriam Marlene Gonzales
I currently work as a Polymers Feedstock Coordinator, responsible for ordering and managing raw materials and additives to support continuous production. My role requires strategic planning, problem-solving, and close coordination with operations, suppliers, and internal teams to prevent disruptions and improve efficiency.
My career path has included instrumentation technology, construction support, AutoCAD drafting, and turnaround operations, which has given me a well-rounded technical and operational perspective. I am passionate about process improvement, organization, and creating systems that make work more efficient for everyone involved.
Outside of my professional career, I am a licensed cosmetologist and business owner and actively serve in my church community through leadership and mentoring.
• Licensed Cosmetologist
• Instrumentation Technology Certificate
• Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) Degree
• Construction Site Safety Certification (CSST)
• Cosmetology License – 2005
• Instrumentation Technology Certificate – 2011
• Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Degree – 2014
• Biblical Counseling Program (Currently in Year 2)
• Church Leadership & Volunteer Ministry Teams
• Church leadership and community outreach
• Mentorship and counseling support through faith-based programs
• Former Secretary – Gift of Joy Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous learning, strong mentorship, and putting God first in every season of my life. Having supportive husband and family and leaders who believed in my potential combined with my willingness to invest in education and growth allowed me to move from contractor roles into leadership and operational positions. Faith, resilience, and hard work have been the foundation of every step forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take shortcuts, stay consistent, and keep showing up with excellence even when no one is watching. Growth takes time, but persistence always pays off.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself, think long-term, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejections. This industry can be challenging, but it also offers incredible opportunity for growth. Invest in education, ask questions, work hard, and trust the process. Every closed door is preparing you for the right one.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is supply chain reliability and material availability, especially with global sourcing. At the same time, this creates opportunities for innovation, stronger planning systems, process improvements, and cross-department collaboration to improve efficiency and resilience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, faith, accountability, continuous growth, teamwork, and service to others. I believe in leading by example, working with excellence, and using my skills to make a positive impact both professionally and within my community.
Locations
LyondellBasell
Pasadena, Tx.