Dreamers & Makers

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we spoke with our colleague from the São Paulo office, Mariana Navarro. An electrical engineer with a postgraduate degree in project management, Mariana works in the development of infrastructure and mobility projects.

What do you think are the key aspects to speed up equality between men and women?

In my opinion, ensuring that women have the same opportunities for education and employment as men is a fundamental aspect to accelerate equality. 

What do you think the biggest challenge for women is right now? What role should society play?

I believe the greatest challenge for women today is balancing work and personal life. Initiatives like remote work and flexible schedules, which we already have at Sener, greatly facilitate this balance. Additionally, another important point is the equal division of household tasks among all adult residents of the household. 

I’ve been fortunate to work in companies like Sener that are concerned with social inclusion in every aspect, but I recognize that many women face prejudice and difficult situations at work.

What are the challenges and opportunities that women face when they reach the professional field?

For me, it’s hard to discuss challenges since I’ve been fortunate to work at companies like Sener, which prioritize social inclusion in every aspect, where there are no gender, nationality, or age differences, and where everyone is respected and has the same opportunities. However, I recognize that many women face prejudices and difficult situations in their workplace. What I can say to them is that it’s not necessary to stay in a place where they don’t feel welcomed and respected; there are other opportunities out there. 

As for your story, what attracted you to your profession? In what areas would you like to keep advancing, what challenges have you set for yourself?

Since childhood, I’ve always been fascinated by understanding how things work and have had a great interest in physics at school. This interest led me to pursue electrical engineering. Joining Sener to work on mobility projects has been both challenging and highly rewarding. I intend to delve deeper into this type of projects. 

Knowledge is the greatest asset we can have in our professional life; knowledge brings us security and opportunities. 

Finally, what advice would you give to a teenage girl or young woman who is starting her career? A woman who inspired you?

My main advice is to always study, as knowledge is the greatest asset we can have in our professional life; knowledge brings us security and opportunities. Don’t forget to build your support network, have a good relationship with your coworkers, and share knowledge with them; it’s a great learning opportunity. 

My greatest inspiration is my mother, a woman who has always had the courage to face all the challenges that came her way and who has always been a great advisor and friend.