She was born into a family of administrators, lawyers and members of the Peruvian Police. That is why, when Andrea Chipana announced her plan to be an engineer, everyone was speechless. Today she says with pride and a smile, “I am the first in the family!”
Not only in her family, but also in all the Infrastructure & Networks Department, where it is common for electrical, electromechanical and civil engineers to be men. There are only two women: Isabel Zorrilla and Andrea, the first civil project engineer.
As a member of the HV Operational Unit of the Management and Control Department, her goal is to ensure the best design and execution of Enel’s new electrical substations (ETS) and transmission lines. She prepares the technical file of each civil works project. Once in the hands of the contractor, she oversees the fulfilment of all the specifications. She also monitors the budget expenditure, so that there are no additional expenses.
She began as an intern in 2012, and she has grown as a professional by supervising projects. “Enel is aware that women have a lot to offer.” For her, who as a student liked watching how a building was designed, how a bridge, a neighbourhood, an electrical installation were built, this job gives her total satisfaction. How could it not, if to date she has been responsible for five new ETS: Malvinas, Comas, Huarangal, Mirador and Huandoy; and has one more in process: Filadelfia.
“And more are coming! They are under design... It is such a great feeling to see what I have shaped. The ideas, the information, the engineering development, the calculations, seeing them come true is so rewarding; and knowing what a new ETS brings to the community and new clients is even more rewarding”.
