UTEP Alumna Yolie Diaz ‘92 Builds a Career of Impact 

September 2025
By Alexandra Sanchez '17

By Alexandra Sanchez ’17 

When Yolie Diaz walked across the stage at The University of Texas at El Paso in 1992 with her Bachelor of Business in Accounting, she already had a clear vision for her future. She had both academic knowledge and real-world experience as an accounts payable and receivable clerk and knew that one day she wanted to own her own company. 

That dream became reality when she founded Mirador Enterprises, Inc., a facilities maintenance and management company specializing in federal projects. Though she once envisioned a career in retail, Diaz found that her calling was to provide services in the facilities maintenance and construction management industry. This came unexpectedly when she was working as a regional accounting manager for Texas Gas Service. With opportunities and experience in federal contracting and an interest in managing large-scale projects, this inspired her to take a leap into entrepreneurship. 

Today, over 70 percent of Mirador Enterprises’ business is construction management projects, with the company overseeing dozens of jobs at any given time. The company hires and manages project teams, working closely with subcontractors to ensure projects meet strict federal compliance standards.  

“With the federal government, you must do everything by the book,” Diaz said. “Ethics, integrity and professionalism are non-negotiable.” 

However, her journey has not been without challenges. From staffing hurdles to navigating complex federal regulations, Diaz has faced a learning curve of running a fast-growing business. Yet, she credits her success to building a loyal and long-term team while maintaining high ethical standards and fostering respectful relationships with clients and subcontractors. For women aspiring to enter construction or entrepreneurship, Diaz offers practical advice: gain technical knowledge in your field and pair it with business expertise.  

“If you know you want to be in construction, consider degrees in engineering or architecture along with an MBA,” she said. “Surround yourself with a strong network—family, friends, mentors—because the higher you climb, the lonelier it can get.” 

Her philosophy on leadership is rooted in service.  

“We want our customers to look good. That means delivering quality work, performing with excellence and always being fair,” she explained.   

For Diaz, the rewards of business ownership outweigh the sleepless nights. She encourages young professionals to gain experience, pursue advanced education and be prepared for the dedication it takes to succeed. 

 “Nothing good is going to happen without a ton of effort,” she said. “But the rewards are amazing—not just financially, but in the ability to help others and create opportunities for your team.” 

Beyond the numbers and project schedules, Diaz is known for her approachable leadership and dedication to mentorship. She takes pride in creating opportunities for her employees, many of whom have been with the company for years and enjoys seeing them grow in their careers. 

 “I want people to know that success in business isn’t just about profit—it’s about building others up along the way,” she said.  

Diaz credits her time at UTEP for teaching her discipline, perseverance and the value of community, which are lessons she carries into every project Mirador undertakes.