I am a female pioneer in the Oil & Gas industry. I have progressed upward through managerial and executive positions in male-dominated industries in diverse international locations such as Angola, Indonesia, Romania and China. Simultaneously, I had 2 daughters who have now graduated from top universities.
I was elected International Woman, at the trophies of the women of the industry – 2018
I’ve made it to where I am today by taking it one step at a time. Along the way, I challenged sexism and common misconceptions of females in the workplace, while working on my own lack of confidence.
Over the last 30 years, I’ve climbed the corporate ladder, reaching positions such as Director or VP. I have also held different management roles, from small teams to 12,000 people functions. I have created three functions that have become pillars of the Forbes 500 companies I worked for.
I understand the hurdles young female engineers must overcome professionally and personally to succeed and I am passionate about guiding them to strive in all industries.
I succeeded in this difficult environment because I am strong – but this should not be a prerequisite. Competency, talent and hard work should be the only criteria to make a difference.