Energy
is neither created nor destroyed; it transforms within YOU.
I am Elsa Jeaneth Herrera Pantoja, proudly from
Ibarra, born in the beautiful province of Imbabura, and mother to a daughter
who inspires every step of my journey.
From a young age, my mother instilled in me a love for
mathematics and science, sparking an insatiable curiosity to understand how the
world works. My father, a natural leader with a remarkable ability to
communicate and connect with people, taught my siblings and me that "Luck
is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." — Seneca.
During my childhood, I was fortunate to have
extraordinary teachers who recognized my potential and allowed me to develop
leadership and teamwork skills from school. This led me to become an
outstanding student, earning honors and winning the gold medal in provincial
mathematics competitions. I learned early on that "self-confidence is the
secret to success."
Seeking a career that combined my passion for science
and love for travel, I discovered that my true calling wasn't just in science
but in applying it to make a real impact in the world. I found the perfect
opportunity in Petroleum Engineering. With the unwavering support of my parents
and family, I moved to Quito and graduated with honors as a Petroleum Engineer
from the Central University of Ecuador. Later, I earned a Master's in Business
Administration from the University of Cádiz.
With over 21 years of experience in operational
management, strategic planning, and business development in the Oil & Gas
sectors in Ecuador and Brazil, and in unconventional renewable energy projects
like geothermal in Chile, I've worked with companies such as CNPC Ecuador,
Petroamazonas, the Ministry of Energy, Petroecuador, ENEL Green Power, and the
National Geothermal Company of Chile (ENG), playing key roles in large-scale
projects.
As a pioneer in the geothermal industry, I led
landmark projects like El Zoquete and Cerro Pabellón in Chile—the latter being
South America's first geothermal power plant and the world's first built at
over 4,500 meters above sea level.
Currently, I am the CEO and founder of PRIME
Soluciones, an innovative company offering strategic consulting and
comprehensive solutions in energy projects within the oil and geothermal
sectors, sustainable engineering, and construction. We have a clear vision
toward energy diversification with a strong focus on solar thermal and
photovoltaic renewable energies. One of the projects I'm most passionate about
is developing export-quality organic products produced in Imbabura by
associations of entrepreneurial women.
Being a woman in the oil drilling industry has been
and continues to be a challenge, as it's a sector historically dominated by men
and characterized by demanding working conditions. Female participation in
operational and technical areas is approximately 20%, and even lower in
leadership and executive positions within the energy sector, both in Ecuador
and globally.
I am convinced that one strategy to reduce this gender
representation gap is through women's networks. It's crucial to strengthen
these collaborative spaces where we can increase our visibility, share
knowledge, and reinforce our presence in the sector. For this reason, I support
initiatives like Energy Leaders And Legacy Alliance (ELLA), Women in Geothermal
(WING) Global, and WING Ecuador, Women in Supply Chain (WINS) Ecuador, actively
participating in them, where sisterhood and gender equity are fundamental
values.
At the start of my professional career, I found myself
in an environment where female mentorship was virtually nonexistent. I faced
sexist attitudes and gender stereotypes that challenged my growth. However,
this experience led me to pave the way and build a support network with leaders
and mentors who recognized my potential as a woman and professional. Thanks to
their trust and guidance, I've had the opportunity to work in places I never
imagined, experience invaluable cultures and culinary traditions, and create
memorable moments I deeply cherish.
When motherhood entered my life as God's greatest
blessing, I believed I was ready to embrace my roles as a woman, mother, wife,
and professional simultaneously. However, I soon realized that trying to do
everything at once was neither sustainable nor fair to myself. I learned that I
can be the best version of myself by living each facet with presence and
purpose, one at a time. Accepting this reality allowed me to free myself from
the pressure of perfection and focus on what truly matters: living each day with
authenticity and dedication. It's not about doing everything, but about doing
it with love and awareness. Walking this path has been possible thanks to the
unwavering support of my life partner, my husband, and my support network of
family and friends.
With this new approach to life, I aim to inspire my
daughter and future generations to achieve their goals and objectives, building
a world where gender equity doesn't need to be demanded through laws or
regulations, and where glass ceilings are increasingly shattered—not only by
women but by brave men and women who dare to do so.
I've learned that the most powerful energy doesn't
come from external sources but from the internal conviction that we can change
realities. Every step we take in the energy industry is an opportunity to
demonstrate that leadership has no gender but is defined by vision, commitment,
and passion. In this way, we will build and create better opportunities in
education, encouraging greater participation of girls and boys in STEM careers,
contributing to the creation of new visions for a more sustainable world.
Like energy, women have the power to transform
themselves and their surroundings. I invite every reader to believe in their
potential, seek support networks, and become mentors to others. Together, we
can ignite a revolution of feminine energy that lights the path toward a more
just and prosperous world for all.
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