Shirley Ulloque’s heat treat career is a story of determination, rapid growth, and technical excellence. Originally from Colombia, she entered the industry in 2015 at Bluewater Thermal after moving to the U.S., applying for a load builder position simply to get her foot in the door. Recognizing her degree in electronic controls, the company hired her as a quality technician instead — setting the stage for a remarkable rise.

In just a few years, Shirley advanced from quality technician to operations manager, then to plant manager. Her drive to master every facet of the heat treat process eventually led her to join Super Systems Inc. as a field service technician. In this role, she applies her deep technical knowledge to diagnose and resolve complex controls and equipment issues, often working directly on-site with clients.

Shirley’s reputation is built on her willingness to take on any challenge, whether that means climbing inside a furnace, troubleshooting intricate control systems, or mentoring others through difficult problems. Her precision, persistence, and problem-solving mindset elevate both the teams she works with and the quality of service delivered.

Along the way, Shirley also achieved U.S. citizenship, reflecting her resilience. From newcomer to respected technical leader, she exemplifies the grit, adaptability, and expertise that define the next generation of heat treat professionals.

Nominated by: Bodycote