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The Walter L. Cook Award for Distinguished Service is presented to a member of BSCAI who has made notable contributions in furthering the reputation and programs of the association, and across the commercial cleaning industry. The 2023 recipient is Maria Tueros, regional HR, business manager at UG2 Facility Services, Chicago.
Tueros has been actively involved in BSCAI initiatives for over 15 years. Among her most recent highlights include her second year serving as the president of the organization's Mid-Atlantic Chapter since January 2022. Initially taking on the responsibility during a team of constant post-pandemic upheaval, her leadership has proven she’s up to the task.
“Maria has been leading the board as they emerge from the pandemic working to get in-person education, training, and social events back on the schedule,” notes Jason Diverno, chief experience officer at Prestige Maintenance USA, Plano, Texas. “She has been critical in rallying the turnout, connecting the chapter with speakers and training resources, helping with sponsorship and fundraising, recruiting new local members, and inviting new leaders to the board of directors.”
Tueros has had significant involvement with the development and running of multiple training programs for her field teammates. Through her BSCAI connections, she is always willing and excited to share these with fellow BSCAI members, along with best practices and lessons learned while conducting them.
She takes pride in the opportunity to coach managers and encourage participation in Registered Building Service Manager (RBSM) certifications. It’s through these avenues that she believes the contract cleaning industry can continue to optimize customer service and employee morale. When it comes to mentoring, she says the best advice is always to be open to suggestions and potential improvement.
“We always have an open-door policy where our managers and team members can feel comfortable to express their ideas, knowledge, or concerns and assist them to find a solution,” says Tueros. “I am a people person and like to help every person as they deserve to be helped.”
Tueros credits her years with BSCAI as instrumental in her own professional development, reflecting on previous Mid-Atlantic chapter presidents as many of her most impactful mentors over her career.
“Seeing them share their knowledge and experiences helped me grow within the industry,” she says. “I wanted to be those leaders, to teach and help others reach their professional goals.”
As for her future goals outside of BSCAI, Tueros is the owner of a small minority women-owned company, Total Services LLC. With the certifications she’s already earned, such as CBE, SWAM, and LDBE, she plans to utilize the valuable experiences and connections made from BSCAI to mentor more women and help them find their footing in the industry.
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