Women in Sustainable Hydropower Case Study: Paola Andrea Valencia
Meet Paola Andrea Valencia, Corporate Identity Manager at Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), Colombia.
Tell us about yourself and your role at EPM.
My name is Paola Andrea Valencia and I currently work as Corporate Identity Manager, a department attached to the Vice Presidency of Communications and Corporate Relations which is fundamental for the management and strengthening of the communication, image and reputation of the organisation.
I am a Graphic Design and a Marketing specialist. I have been at EPM for more than 18 years where I have held different roles associated with design, management of brand and advertising.
Our team leads the management of the EPM Group brand, we strategise and execute marketing plans and we manage the reputation and relationship actions that contribute to business objectives. This role also includes carrying out market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and challenges in brand management, always keeping in mind that customer experience is essential for reputational success.
For me, leading this process is a joy because it is challenging, creative and there is a lot to manage, so having the support of a qualified and proactive team like the one that works in this area is essential.
As a successful female role model for other women interested in working in the hydropower industry, what advice would you give them?
I consider the most important thing is that women need to be confident in ourselves. Women need to believe in their abilities and be confident about what they can contribute to their organisations and trust themselves that they are capable to face challenges and overcome obstacles.
It is also essential to always seek opportunities to learn and develop professionally and to know the latest technologies, trends and best practices in your field.
Finally, it is essential to always speak and support your own ideas and opinions with confidence and clarity. Work to create an environment where all voices are valued and respected, and most important of all, never see or feel excluded or different.
Why do you think the industry has historically lagged behind in establishing female representation and how do you think this can be changed so we no longer need to have these conversations?
The lack of female representation in some public service companies could have been due to certain stereotypes and prejudices that have excluded women from these areas. To change this view, it is necessary to continue promoting education and awareness about the importance of gender diversity in companies. This must continue to be implemented through policies and practices that promote gender equality and the relevance of spaces that showcase what men and women bring to the table to achieve the same goal, work environments that are safe and respectful.
Finally, a broader cultural change is needed in society to eliminate gender biases and promote equal opportunities for women and men in all areas of life.
Is there anything else you would like to share? I’m thankful for these opportunities to showcase the contributions both men and women make in the workforce to achieve the same purpose: contributing to the harmony of life for a better world.
IHA has joined forces with GWNet to create Women In Sustainable Hydropower (WISH), a space where women in, and interested in, a career in hydropower can connect, share experiences and provide support to other women. This will help guarantee the development of a gender-balanced sector that makes the most of 100% of the global workforce available for driving the clean energy transition.
