Amanda Acevedo and the Art of Starting from Scratch

 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to carve my own path, learn as much as possible, and be independent. This desire was born from the example I saw in my family: people who came from various rural areas to Bogotá, Colombia, to start from scratch. They are tireless workers and strong individuals. My mother always guided me to make decisions without fear, just as she did. My father, a self-taught man, sparked my curiosity for electrical engineering. He faced many challenges and eventually led teams in the electrical sector. With that motivation, I decided to study Electrical Engineering at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. There, I found great mentors, friends, and lessons that helped pave my way.

During my undergraduate studies, I discovered the many possibilities my career had to offer. I participated in research and symposia, especially with our thesis project on power quality. Throughout this journey, I was accompanied by my best friend, professors, and fellow members of the research group on electromagnetic compatibility. However, toward the end of the degree, I shifted my focus toward designing electrical installations and medium-voltage networks. This was my first major professional turn, moving slightly away from the academic world.

After graduation, I took on the role of project inspector, which allowed me to develop management skills and discover a new side of engineering—and of myself. I realized I wanted to lead projects and have a comprehensive view of every stage and aspect. This led me to rethink my professional path and open myself to new possibilities.

For someone introverted like me, wanting to lead teams felt like starting over. That’s why I decided to study project management and strategic leadership. This stage was key to my personal and professional growth: I learned to see engineering from a new perspective and met professionals from various disciplines who enriched my training with their experiences.

With a bit more experience, and while working in a team where I built great friendships, another opportunity arose that once again pushed me out of my comfort zone: becoming an investment analyst for electricity distribution projects. The transition was tough. I had to quickly learn new concepts and terminology. But, as in other moments in my life, I was fortunate to find mentors—wise and generous women who are still friends today—who taught me what I needed to contribute to a team with a big responsibility: ensuring that investment projects in Bogotá and Cundinamarca have the resources they need to move forward.

Four years later, I felt it was time for a new challenge. I applied for a position in renewable energy, hoping to return to the more technical side of engineering without leaving behind my project management perspective. I thought I would not get the opportunity due to my limited experience in the sector, but the opportunity came. I felt lost at first, afraid to leave a familiar path behind. However, as so many times before, I found a generous team, willing to share their knowledge. Thanks to them, I began developing solar projects that today contribute to the country's energy transition.

One of the biggest challenges for women in the energy sector is imposter syndrome—that insecurity that makes us think we’re not ready to lead or that we’re at a disadvantage in a historically male-dominated field. But my experience has taught me otherwise. We have the technical skills, the leadership capacity, and the resilience to take on complex projects. Moreover, our collective experience will help ensure that future projects incorporate the lessons we've already learned.

The greatest lesson is knowing we are not alone. The renewable energy sector, young and growing, faces many challenges, but it is also full of professionals willing to build support networks. This, more than anything, makes all the difference.

Today, I face the challenge of leading a team on a project that is just beginning. I feel grateful for every shift in direction, for every opportunity, and for all the people who have walked alongside me and taught me along the way. I hope to contribute through my experience and inspire other women to grow in the energy sector. There are many opportunities, and we all have something valuable to learn.

My next step will be to strengthen my leadership skills and deepen my knowledge in renewable energy project financing, to help make clean, sustainable energy accessible to everyone.