Meet our Engineering Heroes

We’re profiling the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering, who recognise a problem, then dare to be part of the solution; who undertake everyday ‘heroics’ as much as emergency ones.
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, meet some of our heroes who make the world more resilient, livable, energized and ultimately more sustainable. 

Meet Alice Lecocq, Project Director Hydropower in France, who makes every drop of water count.

Tell us about your background. 

I was interested in Applied Sciences, so I choose Physics, Technology and Engineering Science for my preparatory classes, a relatively new program at the time. The school was close to home and had an excellent reputation, so attending was a no-brainer. 
Afterwards, I joined the engineering school ENSE3 in Grenoble for its Hydraulic Engineering and Civil Works course. 
While studying engineering, I was very keen on working internationally. So I did all my internships abroad, and my first job was in Australia. After seven years overseas (Australia and East Timor) working on various projects in the water sector, and specifically in dams, I returned to France. That’s when I joined Tractebel.  

Why Tractebel? 

Tractebel gives me the opportunity to provide tangible and sustainable solutions in direct consultation with the clients and the people who will benefit directly from our projects. Working on large-scale structuring projects is a great source of motivation for me. I enjoy taking part in the wide range of discussions that go from technical and economic to environmental and social issues, all with a large variety of stakeholders. We work and build together, capitalizing on the experience and the know-how of each party. 

Is engineering a man’s world? 

I certainly work with a lot of men, but women have their place and are increasingly numerous. This evolution brings valuable diversity and improved performance within the company, as well as in the day-to-day teamwork. 

Meet Eileen Spencer, Project Engineer for Transport Infrastructure in Chile, who enhances the way people and communities move.

Can you explain, in a few words, your job as an engineer?

I’m the project coordinator for a very motivating project on building an electric transport system in the city of Santiago, in Chile. My job consists of coordinating the different disciplines involved in the project and producing the deliverables, while ensuring consistency and quality. More than being an expert in a specific area, I’m the interface between the various disciplines, ensuring the client’s compliance requirements and expectations, within the schedule and budget framework.

What are the skills of an expert in transport infrastructure projects?

Besides the interpersonal skills, you need to multitask, and also understand the needs of the city.
You must be organized and always plan the next steps, and be able to work under pressure without compromising the quality of the deliverables.

What is the most satisfying part of a project or your job in general, and why you enjoy it?

For me, the human relationships are the most important. When we get to know our clients, contractors and colleagues, and grow to trust each other, the workflow is much easier.
It is also very satisfying when we see the results of our work when it has a positive impact on people’s quality of life. That gives all the meaning to our work.

We see a growing trend of female talents pursuing careers in engineering. What are your views on women in engineering?

I’m very proud of women entering typically “male” careers, because each time it means another female role model for young girls, someone to show them that there is a place for them in any kind of field. It’s crazy that nowadays we still have so many differences between genders regarding the opportunities we have or the challenges we face day-to-day, but at the same time, we are living in a very important era where these differences are becoming visible, and society is taking action to fix them. There is a long way to go though.

What would you share with them about your career experience?

I would like women to know that it is only ourselves who set the limits, and nobody else. So it is possible to be wherever you want to be, and make any of your dreams a reality. However, we don’t have to push ourselves to be “wonder woman” - I think sometimes many of us are too demanding of ourselves both in our personal and professional lives, and feel that we have to make huge efforts to demonstrate our capabilities. So yes, we can achieve what we want, but it is also important to listen to yourself and respect your own time and needs.

What would you say to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering?

Engineering is a versatile career with a huge range of fields. I would tell everyone, not only women, that we need more capable and creative minds to come join us in building a sustainable world. It is our home that is at risk, so the more brilliant and motivated minds, the better.

Meet Khun Ning, Project Manager for Renewable Energy in Thailand, who transforms the way we produce and consume energy.

Can you explain your job in a few words?  

I am a Project Manager for Renewable Energy projects both in solar power and wind power. I’m based in Bangkok, but my projects are not only in Thailand, but also in Asia Pacific regions like Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. Most of the services are Owner’s Engineer and Technical Advisors to the Clients. My main task is managing the project to achieve a goal such as reaching the Commercial Operation Date on time and to the Owner’s satisfaction. I am not working alone, of course, I have the team’s support in delivering high-quality, successful projects. 

When did you know you wanted to be an engineer and why? 

Actually, I am not an engineer by degree. My background is in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, but in this case, it works. I always do my best to accomplish the work I have been assigned. And yes, now here I am working among engineers! Ever since I was a child, I’ve been questioning things and trying them out. Later, I came to realize that these are known as “experiments.” And that is why I chose to major in Analytical Chemistry, and later Environmental Science. 

What are the necessary skills to succeed? 

Be responsible for what you do. No matter how busy you are, find a work-life balance. And listening is the key to working with a team. Also, be direct and do not play games. You can gain the trust of your team and your contractors from this, and easily improve working in solidarity together. 

What is the most satisfying part of your job? 

When faced with a challenge like a difficult scope of work that I never encountered before, then nailing it bit by bit. That gives me a sense of satisfaction (hooray!) Also, meeting crazy deadlines given by the Client. When I achieve these two things, it is so satisfying for me. 

What would you share to next generation about your career experience to encourage them to pursue the engineering path? 

No matter what your gender or background, just say to yourself “YOU CAN DO IT. AND DOING IT YOUR WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY.” You are a unique being on earth. If you try something once and fail, then try again and try harder. Eventually, you will get it right

Discover more about our Journey to Gender Parity: our long-term commitment to closing the gender gap.