Ariene Jamile Queiroz, Conqueror of the Agricultural Sector

Advances in training and gender integration have resulted in the empowerment of many women worldwide in the agricultural area, as is the case of Agricultural Engineer Ariene Jamile Queiroz, one of the leaders of The American Organization of Women Leaders in Automotive Maintenance (WAM21). Her extensive experience in the sugar and alcohol sector in the Automotive Maintenance area and her knowledge in agricultural mechanization, preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance, among others, have led her to her current position as Automotive Maintenance Manager in Brazil, demonstrating through her courage and abilities, how women can become an example of progress in a traditionally male sector.

An Agricultural Woman

A visionary father was the key piece for Ariene to make the decision to be an Agricultural Engineer and risk entering a world considered of men: "My father was absolutely right about the global power of agribusiness and he was the first person who believed in me as an agricultural woman and I am grateful for that… I lost my father in 2016 when he was only 58 years old, and I know he must be proud of me."

This young engineer has found in the Automotive Sector the best means to enhance her knowledge and the basis to fulfill her dreams and those of her family "Through him, I have been able to provide many things to my family: I bought a house for my mother to live in, I helped her finish her studies, I helped my nephew to attend fashion university, I helped my brother economically…. Finally, in addition to the pride, I can also give them a better life."

Also read: TATIANA CAMPS: "WOMEN ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY IN THE WORLD"

The Evolving Sector

Although much has evolved in the sector, the engineer Ariene thinks that there is still a long way to go to overcome the limitations of stereotypes and ingrained customs that cast doubt on the leadership capacities of women. "When I started working in the company in January 2016, it was very challenging, I was responsible for a CCT field team with 160 people in 3 work units. They had never been led by a woman and the vast majority had been with the company for more than 30 years, so the Initial acceptance was difficult. They saw me as a girl and showed that they did not believe in me, so I needed a lot of resilience and patience to win over the team and show that I was there to add… A year later working with them, we were recognized by the company for our results of that year's harvest, with a prize and a trophy."

Do Not Give Up

And what would Ariene Jamile Queiroz recommend to women who are projected in this field? "Let them remember that they are a source of strength, perseverance, and courage and that nothing and no one can prevent them from getting where they want… Because with courage, kindness, and humility, we can fly high."