International Women’s Day with Caren ⭐

Empowered women empower the world 🌎

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women who shape our community and drive our industry forward. To kick things off, we reached out to ​@Caren Bueno at Corbett Irrigation, a powerhouse professional whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique.

We asked her to take us back to the beginning and share the story of how she first broke into the field, the hurdles she cleared, and the spark that started it all:

1. What sparked your interest in the irrigation industry?

If I am honest, my interest in irrigation did not begin with a lifelong dream. It began with a practical need. I was seeking stable work and a career path that would allow me to grow. At the time, my partner was working as a field technician, and that is how I was first introduced to the industry.

Before I officially joined the company, I participated in a community project at Ayer High School, where the company donated and installed an irrigation system with the help of employees and their families. That experience shifted my perspective. I saw firsthand how much teamwork, knowledge, and responsibility are required to build something that continues serving others long after the installation is complete. It was no longer just sprinklers in the grass. It was infrastructure, pride, and long-term impact.

With a background in Civil Engineering, I have always been drawn to systems and infrastructure, even if I did not initially recognize irrigation as part of that world. When I stepped into the Service Division during a period of transition with the implementation of Aspire, I chose to approach it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I committed to understanding both the operational systems and the technical foundations behind the work. I asked questions constantly and leaned on a knowledgeable and patient team who took the time to explain everything clearly.

Coming to the United States was already a life-changing opportunity. Entering this industry became another. What began as a practical step forward became a meaningful path of professional growth. The industry gave me an opportunity, and I chose to grow with it.

2. What is one of the most rewarding projects you have worked on recently?

One of the most rewarding projects I have worked on recently involved strengthening our operational structure in two key areas: labor tracking and seasonal preparation.

First, we enhanced the tracking of indirect and overhead labor across divisions using Aspire. We identified that shop time and other non-billable labor were not consistently allocated to the appropriate divisions, which made it difficult to understand true operational costs. Without an accurate structure, visibility becomes limited, and decision-making slows down.

I worked on helping restructure how indirect time was categorized and routed within the system, creating greater clarity and consistency. This allowed leadership to better understand where time was being allocated and how each division was performing operationally.

At the same time, we also reorganized our maintenance proposal workshop process. In previous years, proposal preparation often created unnecessary pressure close to the start of the season. Last year, we restructured the workflow so proposals were prepared in advance and ready to be sent in January. That shift reduced stress, improved client communication, and positioned the team to begin the season with better organization and confidence.

Together, these initiatives reinforced something I strongly believe in: when structure is intentional, and processes are defined ahead of time, the entire operation runs more smoothly. For me, it was rewarding to see how operational clarity directly supports efficiency, confidence, and stronger seasonal execution.

3. What is one pro tip or piece of wisdom you wish more people knew about your field?

One lesson I have learned, especially while working with systems like Aspire, is that structure does not happen by accident. It requires intention.

In the beginning, I underestimated how much a well-designed workflow can impact daily operations. Over time, I realized that taking the time to understand the system deeply and organizing processes carefully makes everything smoother when the busy season arrives. Clear lists, defined workflows, and consistent structure reduce confusion and create confidence across the team.

Another important lesson for me has been the value of asking questions. Early on, I asked a lot of them. Sometimes I felt unsure, but I learned that curiosity is far more powerful than silence. Most growth came from moments when I chose to seek clarity instead of pretending I already understood.

Working in this field has taught me that mastery is not about knowing everything. It is about being willing to learn continuously, refine your processes, and stay humble enough to improve.

4. What does it mean to you to be a woman leader in the trades? 

For me, it means stepping forward with intention.

I did not enter the trades trying to break barriers. I entered because I needed an opportunity. Over time, I realized that every step I took was shaping more than just my own path.

When my younger sister told me she sees me as an inspiration, it made me pause. It reminded me that leadership is not always about titles. It is about consistency, growth, and the example you set through your actions.

Being in this industry has shown me that strength does not need to be loud to be powerful. It can be steady. It can be thoughtful. It can look like asking questions, mastering systems, driving a company truck with confidence, and standing firmly in your role without apology.

My background taught me early that there is no substitute for effort. I have worked in environments where I had to adapt quickly, take responsibility, and earn trust. Those experiences built resilience and gave me the confidence to step into challenging spaces with clarity and determination. They reminded me that competence is not handed to you. It is built.

To me, leadership in the trades means expanding what is possible through action. It means showing that technical skill, operational clarity, and courage belong to anyone willing to develop them. It means choosing growth consistently and allowing that growth to inspire others.

5. When you’re finally off the clock, what’s your favorite way to recharge and spend your time?

As a mother to an eighteen-month-old little boy, most of my favorite moments happen at home. I recharge by slowing down, being fully present, laughing with him, listening to his growing vocabulary, and watching him explore the world with curiosity and joy.

Motherhood has shifted my perspective in the best way. It has made me more intentional about how I spend my time and more appreciative of simple, meaningful moments.

I also value carving out quiet space for myself. Sometimes that looks like discovering a new café and allowing myself an overpriced coffee without guilt. Other times it means stepping away to call my family, reflect, or simply process the day. Not every day is perfect, and I have learned that giving myself space to feel and reset is part of staying balanced.

For me, recharging is less about escaping work and more about reconnecting with what matters - family, growth, and the small, meaningful moments that make life rich.

We are delighted to honor the remarkable women in our communities who drive change and foster innovation in the fields of landscaping, lawn care, irrigation, and commercial cleaning. This day reminds us of the importance of equal representation and the power of women's contributions in our industry. ✨