From Preschool to Project Management: How Mariana Salazar Found Her Path at Intrado

Not every career begins where you think it will. For Mariana Salazar, her journey into the world of emergency communications didn’t start in a tech office or business school, it began in a preschool classroom.

Before she joined Intrado, Mariana spent her days guiding young children through their early learning milestones. It was a role that demanded patience, organization, multitasking, and a calm demeanor, skills she didn’t yet realize would one day become foundational to a completely different career.

Then in 2024, Mariana was selected to join the Intrado Summer Internship Program, a moment she still describes as pivotal.

“I came in with a background in teaching, so I didn’t exactly check all the usual boxes. But the team was so encouraging. I think they saw potential in me, and I was really grateful for that.”

During her internship, Mariana was introduced to the fast-paced, mission-driven world of public safety technology. She took the opportunity to learn the tools, observe the workflows, and build relationships. Though she wasn’t placed directly on the ECATS team during her internship, the experience gave her a window into the company’s culture and the meaningful work being done behind the scenes.

One of the colleagues she met during her internship, Danielle, stayed in touch even after the program ended. When an opening for a project coordinator role became available, Danielle reached out. Mariana took a leap and applied.

“I wasn’t super familiar with ECATS yet, but I knew I wanted to stay at Intrado. It felt like the right place for me. I was nervous, but I decided to go for it.”

That leap paid off. Mariana joined the team, and what began as an entry-level role quickly grew into a successful new career path. Today, as an Associate Project Manager, she supports over 30 projects, from onboarding and kickoff meetings to ongoing implementation and support.

Her day-to-day responsibilities vary widely. One hour, she’s on a call with a PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point); the next, she’s reviewing technical tickets with the engineering team or following up with vendors like AT&T and Motorola. With each project at a different stage of development, organization and communication are everything.

“There are a lot of moving pieces to track. You have to stay on top of updates from so many directions, internal teams, vendors, customers. It’s a lot, but I genuinely enjoy it. It keeps me engaged.”

She also plays a key role in internal kickoffs, where she meets with the sales account executives who first brought in the project. These meetings lay the foundation for what comes next: understanding the client’s needs, establishing expectations, and identifying key contacts on the customer side.

Once the project begins, Mariana works closely with the analyst and engineering teams, translating technical information into actionable steps and helping everyone stay aligned. She's the person who connects the dots, ensuring timelines stay on track and communication flows smoothly.

What’s most remarkable is how Mariana has translated her experience as a teacher into this role.

“Honestly, I didn’t realize at first how transferable those skills were. But teaching 25 preschoolers? That’s project management. You’re coordinating activities, managing behavior, dealing with surprises, it all maps over in some way.”

She also credits her growth to continuing education. Before even securing her full-time role, she started a project management certification program to prepare herself. That early initiative helped her bridge the gap and prove her commitment.

“There are so many resources out there, certifications, webinars, even free training. If you’re trying to pivot into project management, taking the time to learn the fundamentals can really set you apart.”

For those considering a similar move, Mariana’s message is clear: you don’t need a traditional background to succeed in project management. What matters most is your mindset, your willingness to learn, and the unique strengths you bring from your previous experiences.

“We all have skills that apply. Whether you’re planning a wedding, managing your household, or leading a team, you’re already practicing parts of project management. You just have to believe that those skills count, and be willing to grow from there.”

When she’s not balancing timelines and to-do lists, Mariana finds joy in life’s smaller moments. She loves reading, singing, and especially, watching nostalgic movies.

Family is another constant in Mariana’s life. Her parents had her in high school, and she speaks about them with deep admiration and gratitude. Every milestone in her career feels like a shared achievement.

“They’ve always been my support system. Every new opportunity is a step forward for our whole family.”

She also gives credit to her current team at Intrado for making remote work feel collaborative, connected, and rewarding.

“I really have an amazing team. They’re helpful, supportive, and so knowledgeable. It makes such a difference, especially when you're navigating new responsibilities.”

A Story of Potential, Persistence, and Purpose

Mariana Salazar’s story is more than a career journey, it’s a testament to what happens when someone is given a chance, believes in themselves, and leans into the unfamiliar.

At Intrado, we’re proud to highlight individuals like Mariana who bring fresh perspectives, strong work ethics, and a deep sense of purpose to the work we do every day. Her path is a reminder that potential comes from every career field.

Mariana with family

Mariana and her Bf

Food cooked by Mariana

Cake baked by Mariana

Intrado – always there in an emergency.