My
name is Anghela Nicole Tamayo Saquicela. I was born on September 23, 1998, in
Cuenca, Ecuador, but I have always felt that I am both from Cuenca and from San
Juan Bosco. San Juan Bosco, a canton in the province of Morona Santiago in the
Ecuadorian Amazon, holds a special meaning for me because that is where my
maternal roots are from. I grew up reading by the shores of the majestic Pan de
Azúcar River and listening to stories from my grandfather, one of the founders
of this beautiful canton. On the other hand, Cuenca embraced me as a student
and shaped me as a professional. Both places are my home, so whenever someone
asks where I’m from, I proudly say that I’m from Cuenca and San Juan Bosco.
Beyond
that, I am Ecuadorian, and that’s something I carry with a lot of pride. My
beloved Ecuador, like other countries in our region, faces daily struggles but
never loses its sense of community. To me, my origin represents resistance,
belonging, and the constant fight to move forward.
If I
had to describe myself at 26 years old, I think the words “dreamer” and “brave”
define who I am today. My path to electrical engineering was unexpected, but
also one of the best surprises of my life. When I was in my first year of high
school, my mom decided to change my school as a sort of punishment for
“misbehaving.” At that moment, I didn’t understand it, but today I consider it
one of those unexpected turns that change the course of your life for the
better. My new school, the Unidad Educativa Técnico Salesiano, was a technical
institution, and it was there that I discovered my passion for engineering.
I
remember that the only specialty with available spots was “Installation of
Electrical Equipment and Machines.” To many, this field seemed to be “for men,”
but for me, it became an opportunity that opened doors and sparked a deep
interest in engineering. Being the first woman to graduate from that specialty
was not only a personal achievement but also a key moment that helped me build
the confidence to continue on this path in university. I was fortunate to have
professors who transformed what could have been an intimidating experience,
being the only woman, into an enriching stage. This experience taught me what
it means to be a woman in a traditionally male space: to be resilient,
persevering, and able to face any challenge with confidence.
As a woman, friend, and professional, I believe in the importance of dreaming big and working with purpose. My friends and family are my greatest support, and I strive every day to repay the trust they’ve placed in me. Professionally, my origin and my experiences have taught me that the greatest challenges often turn out to be the best opportunities for growth.
Define yourself in only three words.
Dreamer, brave, resilient.
3. We know Anghela is an Electrical Engineer and currently, she is studying a master
degree thanks to a Fullbright scholarship. Could you please talk us about this?
I
earned my degree as an Electrical Engineer at the University of Cuenca, a
public institution that provided me with a solid foundation in engineering and
a broad perspective on the energy challenges facing my country. My thesis
focused on determining households without access to electricity using satellite
imagery and artificial intelligence techniques, which was the first step in my
commitment to universal energy access. As a result, approximately 2% of
households in the Cuenca canton lacked electricity access as of 2021,
particularly in rural areas. This project gave me the opportunity to witness
firsthand how the lack of energy access limits community development.
I
later had the opportunity to work at the Empresa Eléctrica Regional Centro Sur
C.A. in the Morona Santiago branch. There, I faced the direct issues that limit
energy access: challenging geography and a lack of infrastructure. Many times,
customers couldn’t receive service due to the difficulty of extending existing
networks or implementing new distribution networks, leading to long waiting
periods. But beyond the technical challenges, what truly impacted me was seeing
how the lack of energy access directly affected people’s lives.
My
passion for changing this situation led me to apply for the Fulbright
scholarship, with the firm conviction that the knowledge gained in an
international academic and professional environment would allow me to
contribute to solving these problems. Currently, I am pursuing a master's
degree in Engineering and Public Policy at Northeastern University in Boston.
This interdisciplinary program not only allows me to deepen my technical
knowledge in engineering but also helps me develop the skills necessary to
influence public policies that can ensure universal and sustainable energy
access.
What
motivates me the most is understanding how policies and technologies must
intertwine to create sustainable energy solutions. In 2024, Ecuador faced an
energy crisis due to extreme droughts, which caused power outages of up to 16
hours per day. This type of situation highlights the urgent need to incorporate
renewable energy sources, but also the importance of having backup systems and
strategic planning to prevent future power outages.
My goal with this master's program is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how engineering and public policy can work together to improve energy infrastructure and ensure that more families, especially in the most isolated and rural areas of Ecuador, have access to reliable and affordable electricity. I am convinced that the future of energy in Ecuador depends on a combination of technological innovation and policy reforms that facilitate the transition to a more sustainable and climate-resilient energy model.
4.
What
motivated you to pursue that master's degree, and why the Fulbright
scholarship?
My
decision to pursue a Master's in Engineering and Public Policy stems from my
desire to comprehensively address the energy challenges of Ecuador. Through
this program, I am acquiring the necessary tools to improve both the
sustainability and resilience of our energy matrix and to ensure that universal
access to electricity remains a priority. My goal is to find solutions that not
only allow for the modernization of the energy system, but also its expansion
to vulnerable and rural communities, where access to energy remains a
challenge.
The
program has allowed me to explore how energy policies and technologies are
advancing globally and how these lessons can be applied to Ecuador's reality.
In the context of climate change, my purpose is to contribute to creating a
more inclusive energy system that integrates renewable sources while respecting
the natural environment. Through this training, I am enhancing my knowledge to
drive opportunities for the most underserved communities and contribute to the
well-being of all Ecuadorians.
Fulbright
is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, and its educational
and scientific exchange program provides an ideal platform to apply solutions
based on global experiences. My alma mater, the University of Cuenca, has been
the birthplace of several Fulbright scholars who have become role models and
inspired me to dream of this scholarship. One of these examples is Engineer
Antonio Borrero, a former Fulbright scholar and former faculty member of the
university, who encouraged me to apply and helped me understand the profound
impact of being a Fulbrighter. Thanks to that inspiration and this scholarship,
I now have the opportunity to fulfill my dream of studying abroad and applying
the knowledge gained to contribute to the development of my country.
5.
What
is your life like currently in the United States, and what cultural values do
you find there?
My
experience in the United States, after six months here, has been one of the
most challenging of my life, but also one of the most enriching. Being away
from my family and friends, in a completely different environment, has required
me to step out of my comfort zone, which has allowed me to learn and grow both
personally and academically. Despite the language barriers and the adjustment
to a new system, every day I face new opportunities to improve.
Academically,
the education system in the United States is demanding and competitive, and as
an international student, I have to put in double the effort. However, Boston,
as an academic city, has provided me with unique opportunities to attend
seminars and activities at renowned universities and companies. Although I am
still learning how to make the most of these opportunities, I feel privileged
to be part of this academic environment.
One
of the cultural aspects I’ve observed the most in the United States is the
emphasis on independence and individualism, values that are reflected in the
way people manage both their professional and personal lives. Autonomy and
responsibility are highly valued here, which has influenced how I approach my
own projects.
As
for the climate, especially during the winter, adjusting has been a challenge.
While the snow was exciting at first, the constant cold has been difficult,
often limiting my outdoor activities and certainly being a bit depressing at
times. Additionally, the city has a fast-paced rhythm, and people are usually
very focused on their own activities, making it feel different from the warmth
of human connection that prevails in Latin America.
In my
first month here, I had the opportunity to participate in a pre-academic
cultural adaptation program at the University of Oregon, as part of my
Fulbright scholarship. This experience allowed me to meet Fulbrighters from
different parts of the world and taught me that, beyond our differences, we
share the same goal: to learn and contribute to the development of our
communities. This experience helped me appreciate the importance of cultural
exchange and respect for diversity, values that, while constantly evolving, are
fundamental in American society.
6.
What
tips would you like to share with other women reading this to help them access
a Fulbright scholarship?
To
access a Fulbright scholarship, it is essential to have a clear and genuine
purpose. You must show passion for your area of study and a firm commitment to
the development of your country. Fulbright seeks individuals who not only excel
in their field but are also willing to return to their country to apply what
they’ve learned and make a positive impact in their communities.
Love
for your country and the desire to contribute to your environment are key.
Demonstrating how you will use what you’ve learned to create change—whether
academically, professionally, or culturally—will make your application stand
out. It’s also important to have an open and resilient attitude to overcome the
challenges of studying abroad and learning from other cultures.
Finally,
never underestimate the power of your personal story. Sharing your experiences,
achievements, and how you’ve faced obstacles shows your ability to make the
most of this opportunity. Perseverance and determination are qualities that
Fulbright values, and they are looking for women committed to making a positive
change in the world.
7.
Is
there anything else you'd like to share with our readers? What would you say to
inspire them to pursue their dreams?
As a
woman, the path has not been easy in the professional field I work in, but I am
convinced that we are setting precedents for a fairer and more equitable future
for the next generations. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that the pursuit
of our dreams is never linear. Sometimes the road is uncertain and difficult,
but it’s important to remember that, together, we are stronger.
I
want to tell all women not to give up on their dreams, no matter how
complicated the outlook may seem. If you ever feel discouraged or lost,
remember that only by walking differently will we find true change.
I am
completely open to helping in any way I can, so don’t hesitate to reach out to
me. Together, we can move forward and create a more inclusive path.
Thank
you, Anghela for sharing your time and valuable experience with us!
La historia de Anghela es un ejemplo motivador de superación y liderazgo femenino en un campo tradicionalmente dominado por hombres, y el artículo logra transmitir su mensaje con claridad y emoción. Felicitaciones!!!
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