Mariah Coté, 32
Project Coordinator/Project Solutions
Border States
Asked about her entry into electrical distribution, Mariah acknowledged “The industry was never really on my radar. While I had been exposed to it for much of my life and even visited several Border States locations when I was younger, my passion was always in the travel and tourism industry.”
But after spending about five years in hospitality management, primarily in hotel management and event planning, and envisioning building a career in that field, she was ready for a change from the long hours and unpredictable schedules. “My brother, who worked for Border States at the time, encouraged me to apply for an open position and give it a shot,” she said. “The opportunity came just before COVID, and looking back, it was truly a blessing in disguise.”
She joined Border States in August 2019 as a customer service rep in the Denver branch. “In 2022, I relocated to Fargo, N.D. and became a cost coordinator at the Branch Support Center gaining broader exposure to company operations,” she recalled. “In 2024, I moved on to my current role as a fully remote project coordinator within Project Solutions.”
What appealed to Mariah as a new hire was how welcoming and supportive everyone was. “From day one, people were willing to answer questions, share knowledge, and help me succeed.
What continues to appeal to me today is the culture,” she said. “No matter what role I’ve been in, I’ve found that many of my coworkers feel like family. The people I work with genuinely care about each other, want to see one another succeed, and are always willing to help when needed. That sense of support, teamwork, and opportunity for growth is what has kept me here and helped me build my career.”
Asked about a challenge facing the industry Mariah pointed to helping people understand the variety of career opportunities available. “Many people assume you need a specific background or technical expertise to be successful in this field, but there are countless roles that support the industry and many different paths to a successful career,” she explained. “Since joining Border States I’ve worked in three very different roles. Each one has given me new experiences and helped me develop different skills, which has shown me that there isn’t just one mold you need to fit into to build a career in this industry.”
Mariah believes sharing stories like hers can help attract the next generation of talent and encourage others to consider careers in this industry. “By helping people see the variety of opportunities available and creating environments where they feel welcomed and supported, we can continue building a strong and diverse workforce for the future,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mariah’s career goals are less about reaching a specific title and more about continuing to grow and make an impact. “I’m focused on continually educating myself about the industry, expanding my knowledge, and learning from the people around me,” she said.
“I also want to build my confidence in training and mentoring others. I was fortunate to have people invest their time and knowledge in me throughout my career, and I’d like the opportunity to give that same support back to others.”
Also important to Mariah is building meaningful relationships both within the company and with its customers. “Some of the most rewarding parts of my career have come from the connections I’ve made, and I believe strong relationships are one of the biggest factors in long-term success,” she said. “At the same time, I’m a strong believer in work-life balance. As I continue to grow in my career, I think carefully about how my professional goals align with my personal life. For me, success is not just about career growth. It’s about continuing to learn, helping others grow, building impactful connections, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and the things that matter most outside of it.”
What would Mariah tell someone just entering the industry? “Keep an open mind and not feel like you need to fit a specific mold to be successful,” she said. “There are so many different career paths within this industry, and valuable skills can come from a variety of backgrounds. I would also encourage people to build relationships and ask questions. Some of the most knowledgeable people in this industry are eager to share what they know, and those connections can make a huge difference in your career. For me, the people have been one of the best parts of the industry. It’s not just about the work; it’s about finding mentors, learning from others, and building relationships that help you grow. Most importantly, don’t be afraid if you don’t know everything right away. Stay curious, be willing to learn, and take advantage of opportunities as they come. You might be surprised where the journey takes you.”
Outside of work, Mariah is all about experiences and making the most out of life. “Travel has always been a huge passion of mine, and I’m naturally curious, so I love exploring new places, trying new things, and learning from different people and cultures,” she said. “If you get me to talk about Christmastime in Europe, good luck getting me to stop. It’s one of my favorite times to travel and a topic I’m always happy to revisit. A lot of my favorite memories involve traveling with friends and family, and spending quality time with them is something I truly value.”
Mariah is also a big sports fan, especially hockey, and you’ll often find her cheering on the Colorado Avalanche. “That said, I’m always up for attending just about any sporting event,” she said. “Living in Denver is a bonus because there is always something going on. I enjoy finding opportunities to catch live music, whether it’s country, pop, EDM, or just about anything in between. If there’s a dance floor nearby, there’s a good chance you’ll find me there too.”
When not traveling or attending events, “I enjoy catching the latest movies and simply being around the people who matter most to me,” she added. “At the end of the day, I believe life is about experiences, relationships, and making memories. I try to stay curious, say yes to new opportunities, and live life as fully as possible.”
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
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