Interview: Project Manager
Ariel Galvez is a Project Manager at Nantum AI. A versatile problem-solver, her professional journey has taught her that true expertise transcends specialization, focusing instead on adaptability, innovation, and positively impacting individuals, communities, and organizations. Ariel is committed to applying this mindset to Nantum clients by promoting continuous improvement and delivering successful projects.
What’s your role at Nantum AI?
I work on the Customer Experience Onboarding team as a Project Manager. I am responsible for managing the configuration and installation of our hardware at customer buildings, which enables us to collect necessary utility and HVAC equipment data.
How did you first hear about Nantum AI and what drew you into the sustainable technology industry?
I discovered Nantum AI while searching for new positions on LinkedIn. I studied the helping professions and tried to find my groove in nursing, social work, and teaching throughout my early career. I realized these roles weren’t as fulfilling as anticipated even though I thought these routes were the only way to make a difference in people’s lives. I discovered that moving into sustainability and technology is a great way to challenge myself with a role that aligns with my core values of creating a positive impact through my work.
What’s the most rewarding part of working at Nantum AI?
Working with a great team to tackle project challenges or troubleshoot technical issues is one of the most rewarding parts of working at Nantum AI. Another would be constantly learning something new, which keeps the daily work engaging.
What’s the biggest misconception about the work you do?
One misconception is that a formal education in engineering is necessary to learn how to work on projects like Nantum installs. Of course, having a formal education in related disciplines helps, but what I’ve found is that if you’re open-minded and determined to learn, you can do just about anything. If I weren’t open to challenging myself and being the person who always has more to learn versus the person who has an answer for everything, I would have missed out on great learning opportunities at Nantum.
“Having a formal education in related disciplines helps, but what I’ve found is that if you’re open-minded and determined to learn, you can do just about anything.”
— ARIEL GALVEZ, PROJECT MANAGER
Where do you see this industry in 5-10 years?
I believe there is significant progress to be made in enhancing the sustainability of our everyday lives. Fortunately, many innovative individuals and companies are out there pushing the boundaries of progress. Nantum is just one of many. Coming from a background in Education, I am particularly interested in how we can improve school infrastructure in terms of sustainability and building health. There is a considerable amount of research highlighting the impact of building health on students' academic performance and mental well-being. If you read Joseph G Allen’s “Healthy Buildings,” schools are one of his primary examples for highlighting the importance of building performance AND health. Today, numerous schools urgently require substantial upgrades to their facilities. By investing in a product like Nantum, schools could significantly reduce their second-largest expenditure: maintenance and energy costs. This leads to financial savings but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable learning environment.
What does your family *think* you do?
My fiance knows what I do best since I’m constantly explaining to him what I learn daily as a way to solidify the knowledge for myself. My daughter thinks I stare into a box all day and smash my hands on the keyboard. My mom thinks I install air conditioners; my dad thinks I renovate commercial office spaces. It really varies.
What advice would you give a young student considering a career in sustainable technology?
Explore all of your options, not just the ones you’re comfortable with! If I stayed in my comfort zone of the helping professions, I would have never discovered that I enjoy working in tech and sustainability. You may think you know exactly what you want to do in college, but then when you get out into the “real world,” you realize there are so many avenues you can take. If you’re curious about a role or industry, connect to your network and ask people in those fields questions about their day-to-day careers and if they have any advice for someone in your shoes. If you want to change majors or careers, just do it. Don’t fall for the sunken cost fallacy. I took a risk switching careers the way I did, and it was one of the best decisions I have made.
