Ysabel Ledezma’s journey from military service to a successful career at Siemens Energy’s Wind Power business, Siemens Gamesa, embodies the transformative power of leadership and adaptability.  

As the Technical Training Manager at Siemens Gamesa’s Training Center in Orlando, Florida, Ledezma draws deeply from the discipline and experience gained during his tenure with the U.S. Army National Guard. In a recent interview with Military Makeover: Operation Career, the now-retired military veteran offered profound insights into his path and shared guidance for veterans navigating their own transitions. 

Who Is Ysabel Ledezma

His military career included a year-long deployment in Iraq in 2005. Following his service, Ledezma faced challenges, including layoffs that prompted a career pivot, leading him to rediscover his purpose as a wind technician at Siemens Gamesa.  

His professional foundation is built upon a degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Texas-Pan American, complemented by a master’s in Engineering Technical Management from Texas A&M. This academic journey laid the groundwork for his ascent within the organization, where he now trains, hires, and mentors fellow veterans. “I’ve always believed that my military training gave me the discipline to excel,” he states, reflecting on how those lessons profoundly influenced his contributions at Siemens Gamesa. 

Ledezma’s academic experience also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence. He recognizes that many veterans struggle with this skill set during their transition into civilian roles, as the military environment often focuses on clear orders and obedience. This shift toward collaboration and empathy can pose significant challenges. “Most military people have a hard time with emotional intelligence,” he explains. “You’re used to people doing what you say just because you say it needs to be done. It doesn’t really work that way in the real world.” This understanding shapes his mentoring approach, as he encourages veterans to cultivate emotional awareness and effective communication in their new environments. 

In fact, among Ledezma’s most rewarding achievements at Siemens Energy is his role as a mentor. He takes great pride in witnessing the success of those he has trained. “Seeing people you’ve hired and mentored surpass you is probably my crowning achievement,” he reflects. His commitment fosters a sense of purpose and community among veterans within a civilian team. “It’s about building a family, not just a workforce,” he says. 

Thriving at Siemens Gamesa

Ledezma’s transition to civilian life is enhanced by the steadfast support of his family, who take great pride in his military service. He shares his life with a loving wife and has a son and daughter. A year ago, a particularly endearing moment arose when his daughter requested that he wear his military uniform for her wedding. This heartfelt gesture signified the enduring importance of his military identity, which continues to shape his life even after retirement. Now, at Siemens Gamesa, he finds a renewed sense of purpose that intertwines with this cherished aspect of his identity. 

Through his role at Siemens Gamesa, Ysabel Ledezma serves as a champion for veterans, exemplifying how military skills can seamlessly translate into civilian success.  His journey illustrates the strengths veterans bring to the workforce, demonstrating that with the right support, they can thrive and make a significant impact in their civilian careers. 

Eager to guide fellow veterans, he shared an encouraging message for those contemplating a transition from military service to Siemens Energy or its Wind Power business, Siemens Gamesa: “Take a chance on us.” 

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