8M: Women who Inspire

Being a woman in a leadership position in a historically male-dominated sector means, above all, taking on the responsibility of inspiring and paving the way for future generations. I believe that every obstacle can become an opportunity to evolve and reinforce our conviction that equal rights and empowerment are essential drivers for a truly inclusive future. That’s why I define my experience as an invitation to transform and overcome challenges with courage and determination .

I believe true leadership is born when personal and collective growth is combined with the conviction that every obstacle carries an opportunity to build something bigger. Therefore, my advice to future generations of women is to maintain confidence in their abilities and view every challenge as an opportunity to evolve. I encourage those who wish to follow a similar path to cultivate integrity, dedication, and the ability to listen with empathy. Success is measured not only by results but by how one contributes to creating an inclusive and inspiring work environment. By committing to involvement, collaboration, and an unwavering will to promote positive change, every woman will contribute to a future where rights, equality, and empowerment are fully realized, paving the way for a more just and prosperous tomorrow for all of us.

I have always believed that the best way to teach is by setting an example. I think it is essential to show that the technical field is independent of gender. Both girls and boys should see that women are present in this sector, performing technical roles that are both interesting, fun, and practical.

My interest in this field comes from curiosity and the desire to understand how things work in our daily lives. This drive to improve and find solutions to the problems around us has been one of my motivations.

The main reason for my development in the technical management field was my great interest in organizing available resources and managing people, strengthening and growing every day in my position within our project, continuously adding skills.

My advice for future generations is to be true to themselves, without being swayed by alternative trends or stereotypes, which are not real. Set a goal and work towards it, always seeking the place where you feel most authentic. We all need to work toward labor equality, so that this day is celebrated equally and collectively.

I come from a humble family that lived in a farmhouse, and from a very young age, I learned the value of hard work. Before going to school, I sold milk door-to-door, a task that taught me the importance of responsibility and effort, especially in such a demanding environment as the farmhouse.

I started my professional journey with a grocery store, which I managed for 13 years, but I was forced to step back for health reasons. I took this time to educate myself and complete a course for female mechanics. After working in different companies, I was given an opportunity at Orona’s production plant, where I have worked in different areas for 20 years. Throughout my experience, I have seen how working conditions have evolved, especially in ergonomics and load handling, which has favored the inclusion of more women in the production field.

I have always been interested in the technical field, so when I had to choose the branch to continue my studies, I opted for engineering. On the other hand, the fact that my work had a commercial component was both motivating and enriching because it gives me the opportunity to grow technically and learn how to navigate a human environment both inside and outside the organization.

I discovered a role with very dynamic functions, continuous learning, the possibility of adding value and being recognized for it.

To future generations of women, I would tell them to believe in themselves, in their abilities, and to pursue what excites them.

There is no need to prove anything beyond what is necessary. Knowledge, good work, commitment, and respect will place you in an undisputed position that will allow you to enjoy the journey and achieve the goals you set for yourself.

Since I was little, I have always enjoyed robotics and taking things apart and putting them back together to see how they worked. When it came time to choose a technical degree, a friend suggested I pursue electromechanical maintenance, specializing in elevators. The idea of understanding how things work intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try.  Once I started, I completely fell in love with everything related to electricity, especially motors and how they work.

My advice to future generations is to follow their heart, whether they want to pursue nursing or work in a workshop. The important thing is to do what they truly want, not what others expect of them. At the end of the day, it is them who enjoy their daily life, not others. 

In my career as a director in the fields of production, assembly, and maintenance, I have worked in predominantly male-dominated sectors. However, in my day-to-day life, I rarely stop to think about gender. Although I have often been the only woman in many teams, this has never been a hindrance for me. I prefer to focus on the fact that we are a united team, regardless of the gender of its members, although I must admit that I have had experiences that have surprised me in this context.

From a young age, I liked subjects related to science and technology, especially physics. When I had to choose a career, the technical subjects were the ones that interested me the most, which led me to pursue an engineering degree. 🔧 In the working world, I realized that what I enjoyed most was working with people, managing and leading teams, and improving processes.

My advice to future generations is to fight for what they love and want to do and be. If you love something, you’re already halfway there. And if you ever face a challenge because you are a woman, remember that the situation will only give you more strength to move forward because science and technology truly do not understand gender. 

When I started working at the cooperative, there were hardly any similar companies, and this one was entirely male. I started in the office with between 15 and 20 people; I was the only woman. A few months later, when I turned 18, I was offered to become a partner, and I gladly accepted. The workday lasted nine and a half hours, with a half-day on Saturday, while the rest of the employees worked full days. The company was located in the old cement plant of Cementos Rezola in Ergobia. The conditions were not the best, but there we were.

To future generations of women who want to follow a similar path, I would say: work with determination and enthusiasm. Beginnings can be tough, but with effort and preparation, you can reach goals that once seemed far away. Being a woman does not mean that there are positions you cannot access if you are truly willing, and these challenges make us grow and feel proud of what we have achieved.

Working at Orona for a year has allowed me to see how important this day is for valuing women in all aspects of their lives, both personal and professional.

Even though the sector is still mostly male, I feel fully in my place at Orona. The company fosters an inclusive environment where I can express myself, grow professionally, and build my career, while actively contributing to team projects.

Working at Orona since March 18, 2024, has allowed me to confirm my interest in maintenance, a job I discovered during my 3rd-year internship. I enjoy the variety of tasks and that it is a useful job in everyday life.

I don’t see a difference between myself and a man, but it hasn’t always been that way. It is therefore important that people fought for me to be able to feel this. I feel well integrated in the company: the other technicians and managers do not exclude me, although they may pay a little more attention to what they say.

Working at Orona for five months in the Southwest region has allowed me to oversee staff health and safety while supporting managers and field teams on a daily basis. I also work on the quality of elevator installations to help maintain ISO 9001 certification.

For me, International Women’s Day is a moment to highlight the role of women in the workforce and society. As a woman at Orona, I feel fully in my place. I was very well received and experience a true team spirit and family atmosphere within the company. Everyone can express themselves and grow, regardless of gender, which is very rewarding on a daily basis.

Working at Orona since 2011 has allowed me to build a versatile and rewarding career. After my first permanent contract as an Administrative Assistant, I moved to the role of Administrative Manager at the Toulouse branch for seven years, and in 2022 I took on the responsibility of RAF Southwest, a real challenge that I faced proudly while continuing to learn and grow through my teams.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight progress in gender equality. It also allows the achievements of women leaders, who inspire and pave the way for others, to be recognized.