In the dynamic world of engineering, few stories are as inspiring as that of our Hilda Bastos, Commercial Proposals Manager at EnerMech. Working within the Commercial Operations group, she manages technical and commercial proposals, margin analysis, and contract reviews, focusing on the offshore pre-commissioning business line in the Americas. Her role spans across the USA, Mexico, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil.
Her journey into engineering was driven by a desire for challenge. Hilda saw engineering as a path to a better future for herself and her family, believing that engineers have the power to do anything.
Over the years, she has observed a growing awareness of the value of diverse teams in engineering. Despite this, true progress in gender equality, especially in industries like Oil and Gas, still feels slow and somewhat unintentional.
Among Hilda’s proudest achievements is moving to the USA to join the Applications Engineering Team for Process and Pipeline Services. This opportunity allowed her to work with some of the most experienced professionals in the pipeline industry, significantly contributing to her growth.
The best career advice she has received is to take ownership of her career development and advocate for herself. She believes that increasing female representation in leadership roles is crucial to inspire more women to pursue engineering.
Looking to the future, Hilda hopes for an engineering world that embraces equity, recognizing the unique challenges women face and providing the necessary support and flexibility. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, advocacy, and support in achieving success in engineering.