At Hughes, women play key leadership roles across the company, from marketing to human resources, operations to support, engineering and beyond. We believe that diverse teams foster fresh ideas and perspectives, fueling innovation. A wider talent pool strengthens collaboration, enhances problem-solving, and drives competitiveness in our industry.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting four leaders at Hughes who share their experiences and provide insights to young professionals who are starting their careers.
Theresa Ganal | Sr Director – Network Management Centers
Prior to joining Hughes over 25 years ago, Theresa was in the U.S. Army for nearly 8 years. During her tenure, she was a cryptographic repairer and attended military school to then become an information systems analyst. During her final month in the Army, a human resource recruiter from Hughes reached out for an interview.
Today, Theresa is the senior director of Network Operations at Hughes, managing the Regional Management Centers, the Operations Support Group, and the Gateway Field Support Group, all integral components of the business.
“What makes Hughes a great place to work is the people. I’ve made long-lasting friendships with co-workers who inspire me to be a better person, contributor, mentor, and leader. At Hughes, we are encouraged to think out of the box, show initiative, and collaborate,” Theresa said.
As Theresa noted, “STEM is our present and future, but it needs people that are curious to learn.” The STEM field is vast and her advice to young professionals is to be curious, always be open to learning, be accountable for your actions, and don’t lose track of what’s important in your life.
Holly Bowen | VP Hughes Consumer Marketing
Holly has worked in several roles at Hughes over the past 25 years. Initially on the Strategic Marketing team within the Enterprise Division, she leveraged the consulting, writing, and marketing experience she gained while working at a small satellite communication company prior to Hughes. Other positions held at Hughes include franchise marketing, small business marketing, and finally in her current role as vice president of consumer marketing.
When asked about why she enjoys working at Hughes, Holly replies: “I’ve always been impressed with the incredibly talented and dedicated individuals I’ve had the opportunity to work with across the business units. And I appreciate how such a motivated and diverse team can work together to successfully deliver on our objectives.”
For Holly, working in a STEM-related field is exciting—no two days are ever the same. Technology is constantly evolving, so one is always learning and adapting.
Her advice to young professionals: “Take every opportunity to learn as much as you can. Learn on the job, learn from others (both mentors and peers), and learn from outside sources, like industry conferences and associations.”
Christine Carstens | VP Total Rewards
Christine has been with Hughes for nearly 25 years, building a dynamic and fulfilling career within the Human Resources organization. She began in the Recruiting department, then in 2009 she took on an exciting opportunity with the Benefits team as the senior manager of Employee Benefits. Christine oversees the Total Rewards organization, which includes Benefits and Compensation for the company, as well as managing the HR systems.
Christine said: “One of the key reasons I have remained with the company for so long is the continuous opportunity for professional growth. Hughes has provided me with the ability to evolve, take on new challenges, and develop a well-rounded skill set in HR—all within a supportive and collaborative workplace.”
Christine believes that one of the key mindsets to develop is thinking ahead. For example, when responding to a request for information, always put oneself in the recipient’s shoes and ask: If I were receiving this, would it provide everything I need? Would I have any follow-up questions? What additional context or details could help to make a decision?
Her advice to young professionals interested in a STEM career is to be proactive, inquisitive, and engaged in every aspect of their work. “Don’t wait for opportunities or information to come to you—seek them out. Ask thoughtful questions, anticipate needs, and take initiative in your responsibilities.”
Adileh Sharieff | Sr Director – Planning and Strategic Programs
Adileh has been with Hughes for 25.5 years, and has enjoyed the opportunity to evolve through various roles within the company. She started her career in Network Operations, where she learned the ropes, and then transitioned to Systems Integration and Testing. This experience enabled her to build lasting relationships and contribute significantly as the business scaled up systems and resources. She now manages a Project Management team within North America Operations to oversee the rollout and implementation of new projects.
An accomplishment she is most proud of is her role in the Women’s Impact Network (WIN). Adileh says, “When women support each other, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. Together, we can make a significant difference and pave the way for future leaders.”
“Hughes is a great place to work because of the collaborative people” she says. “The ‘we can do it’ attitude, the culture of teamwork, and the shared history earned through overcoming past challenges make Hughes a great place to work.”
Her advice to young professionals in STEM is to find a mentor at work to bounce ideas off of. “Enjoy what you do and let your passion drive you to excel. When things start to feel monotonous, seek out new challenges to keep yourself engaged and growing.”
Hughes is committed to empowering the next generation of professionals to make an impact across our organization. If you're seeking a dynamic career in an innovative industry, explore our open positions today!