Alumna Spotlight: Project Management and Organizational Leadership

Meet Maribeth Castillo, ’16.

"Don't think about making women fit the world — think about making the world fit women.”

– Gloria Steinem

Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to historical achievements and contemporary society. Since 1987, it has been widely celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, corresponding with International Women's Day on March 8.

At Regis University, we’re thrilled to celebrate the month by hosting our sixth-annual Women and Leadership Conference. This year’s conference will explore the distinctive and shared experiences of women in different sectors — health care, technology, nonprofit leadership and art — to give participants a new perspective on their career trajectories.

In honor of Women’s History month, we’re also shining the spotlight on Maribeth Castillo, a recent graduate and proud alumna of Regis University.

Maribeth Castillo, ’16 grew up in the Philippines and earned her B.S. degree at PATTS College of Aeronautics in Manila before making her way to the United States. She began her Regis journey in 2013 and now holds dual master’s degrees from Regis in Organizational Leadership and Project Leadership and Management. She now works as a program manager at Johnson Controls, a multinational company which produces fire, HVAC and security equipment for buildings.

Could you tell us a little about your professional journey so far?

When I started the MSOL program in 2013, I was a customer service rep at Verizon, where I sold and fixed phones. I had zero project management experience. But I did not give up, I enrolled in the Regis program and I became a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Mile-Hi chapter, where I volunteered for events and was a mentor and mentee.

The folks I connected with at PMI recommended me for a role as a project coordinator who could work on internal team projects. The interview went well, and I was given an offer. I believe that my master’s degree from Regis landed me the job! 

One year later I was promoted to project manager, then junior program manager six months later and then full program manager six months after that — three promotions in three years.

How did your experiences at Regis prepare you for your current role?

The MSOL program opened doors for me in human resources, people management and being a leader in any field. The project management program was more granular and taught me how to lead and manage projects. Through both programs, I feel I was aided and equipped to take on leadership roles.

Do you have any advice for aspiring organizational leadership or project management professionals?

Advancing your education is what will make you different and stand out — that’s what employers are looking for and it provides an edge. It shows that you’re determined and ambitious and willing to put in the effort to complete a degree program.

Are you inspired by Maribeth’s story? Ready to start your own career in project management or organizational leadership? Apply today using our no-fee application or get in touch with a helpful admissions counselor.