Santiago, March 2025. Last Saturday, members of the Women@Ausenco internal committee, including María Paz Núñez, Vice President in Chile, took part in the Mentoring Walk organized by Vital Voices in collaboration with the Women Economic Forum (WEF Chile).
The initiative brought together over a hundred women from various industries for a mentorship and networking day aimed at empowering female leadership.
During the event, each participant took part as either a mentor or mentee, creating a space for conversation where experiences, professional challenges, and key learnings were shared. The activity, held in an open and dynamic setting, fostered the exchange of knowledge and the creation of new connections between women leaders and young professionals.
Building Networks and Leadership in the Industry
María Paz Núñez emphasized the importance of making an impact beyond the mining sector and enhancing collaboration among women to overcome common challenges. “The experiences are transversal. We all face similar challenges, and that is why it is crucial to support each other and continue promoting these types of mentorship spaces,” she commented. She also encouraged more women to get involved in networking initiatives, stating that “they are key to strengthening our presence in the industry and continuing to move toward a more equitable environment.”
She further reaffirmed Ausenco’s commitment to gender equality through various internal initiatives, such as the Women@Ausenco committee. “From our role, we continue driving change that creates real opportunities for women. Our goal is to build a safe and equitable environment where everyone can develop professionally and reach their full potential,” she added.
Corporate Commitment to Gender Equality
On her part, Nicole Verdugo, President of WEF Chile, highlighted the crucial role of companies in promoting policies that support female leadership, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men. “We are in a challenging time. Everything we’ve achieved is not guaranteed. It is crucial for companies to understand the value of women in their organizations and commit to fostering gender equality,” she stated.
She also mentioned the importance of having allies, including men, to continue pushing for policies that support women in the workplace. “Younger women are seeking spaces where they are offered facilities and policies that ensure their safety and well-being. The challenge is to work together, with public policies, business practices, and organizations committed to this goal,” she concluded.
The Impact of Mentorship
Andrea Chávez, Pipeline Engineer and part of Ausenco’s Graduate Program, shared how enriching the experience was and the value of having a mentor in the early stages of her career. “It was very motivating to hear different perspectives. It gave me confidence to listen to how other women have paved their way in the industry and what strategies they’ve used to face challenges,” she commented.
Romina Ramos, Document Control Lead for Chile & Peru at Ausenco, emphasized the importance of such spaces for reflection and learning. “It allowed us to learn about the professional experiences of other women and analyze the challenges we face in our own development. These instances are essential to keep moving forward,” she stated.
By participating in the Mentoring Walk, Ausenco reaffirms its commitment to the professional development of women and the creation of leadership networks that will have an impact in the industry and beyond.