Ingenious women – Tatiana Guerrero

Happy International Women in Engineering Day to all the women who inspire us to help build a more sustainable and equitable world!

“As a child, I was fascinated by science, math and innovation, but I didn’t know where it could take me. One day, I attended a lecture by Rodolfo Neri Vela, an electrical engineer and the first Mexican astronaut. I was so inspired that it made me want to build a career that was just as fulfilling.

When I graduated from university, I worked for several companies, seizing every opportunity to learn something new. Then, I was hired by Hydro-Quebec (activités hors-Québec), which was leading a project in Peru! At the time, I didn't even know French was spoken somewhere in America. I began to learn the language because I wanted to read all the documents and procedures I saw passing by.

I was lucky enough to work with forty or so Québec experts and to learn about the North American way of working. When the project was over and with support from my supervisors, I enrolled in a master's degree and then a doctorate at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.

As engineers, we’re responsible for improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens. For example, providing a community with reliable access to electricity can make a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of people. That's what inspires and motivates me!

I've been trained in industry best practices. Today, I have an extremely rewarding, satisfying and fulfilling international career. I wish everyone could be as happy as I am at work. So, it's important for me to share my knowledge as much as possible and pass on what I've learned and what I continue to learn every day.

Of course, I sometimes feel guilty about my work-life balance. But over time, I've learned to push that feeling aside. I remind myself that I'm also a role model for my daughters, and I dare to believe that, to some extent, it's thanks to me that they can look forward to a future that knows no limits or boundaries.

We're in the middle of an energy transition, and the role of engineers is crucial. It's vital to have the creative freedom to think up new solutions that put our planet first.”