On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the female talent driving innovation and transforming key sectors for sustainable development, such as transport and infrastructure. This year, under the theme “Leveraging synergies between artificial intelligence, social sciences, STEM, and the financial system to build an inclusive future”, the message is clear: progress is only real when it is shared.

Artificial intelligence, engineering, and technology are transforming the way we plan, design, and operate our cities and transport systems. But for these solutions to generate a positive and equitable impact, it is essential to integrate diverse perspectives, draw on the social sciences, and mobilize investments that support female talent. Without women in decision-making roles, innovation risks leaving too many people behind.

Listening to move forward

At ALG, we wanted to listen to those voices. Through conversations with women from different practices and different offices, we explored how they experience their professional development, which skills they consider key, and how they perceive progress toward equality in STEM environments.

For Alba Freixa, Senior Engagement Manager in Aviation, professional growth is built on a constant attitude of learning:

“If every day you wake up eager to learn and to understand the project you are working on, you will be building a solid path in consulting. Curiosity is also crucial when facing setbacks, which will always arise. They may be technical errors, misunderstandings within the team, or differences with managers from various backgrounds. If you approach them with the intention of understanding their root cause and learning from them to avoid them in the future, your career will be significantly strengthened.”

Similarly, our Senior Engagement Manager in Land Transportation, Sofía Capriles, highlights the importance of combining technical knowledge with critical thinking and collaboration:

“Teamwork, adaptability to change, and problem-solving through critical thinking have been key in my career. Analyzing complex situations, questioning assumptions, and finding practical solutions make a difference in demanding technical environments. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, where very different profiles coexist, enriches outcomes and helps you grow as a professional.”

Technical… and human skills

In highly specialized sectors such as aviation, our Team Leader Marina Estal, emphasizes the importance of a strong technical foundation, combined with human skills:

“Continuous technical training has been an essential foundation in my professional development. Staying up to date with scientific and technological knowledge has allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of the systems I work with and to provide real value in highly technical environments.”

But that knowledge alone, she explains, is not enough:

“Empathy and rigor have been equally decisive. Empathy has helped me communicate better with multidisciplinary teams, and rigor has strengthened my professional credibility in a sector where safety is critical.”

That balance was key in one of her greatest professional challenges:

“During my time at the Ministry of Transport, I worked on integrating civil-military coordination into airspace management—an environment that is highly regulated and required reconciling very different interests and organizational cultures.From that experience, I learned that beyond technical knowledge, empathy and active listening are fundamental to unlocking complex projects and building sustainable solutions.”

Leadership, role models, and inclusive culture

For Sofía, leadership in consulting goes beyond technical decision-making:

“I understand leadership as the ability to build and strengthen solid teams. Leading is not only about making technical decisions but also about recognizing each team member’s strengths, giving them space to grow, and supporting them so they can excel. In consulting, leadership is exercised through knowledge, but also through listening, trust, and the ability to guide the team even in high-pressure contexts.”

This leadership becomes especially meaningful when it turns into a reference point for other women:

“Being a role model implies responsibility, but also an opportunity to generate positive impact. For me, it means demonstrating, through actions and consistency, that it is possible to grow professionally in a demanding environment without giving up authenticity. It also involves mentoring, supporting, and giving visibility to the talent of other women, helping to create an environment where more people feel capable of aspiring to greater responsibilities.”

For Verónica Veleda, Senior Consultant in Maritime, company culture is a decisive factor:

“ALG’s culture strongly supports female talent through its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Performance, skills, and contribution weigh more than gender. In addition, a collaborative and open communication style, together with the presence of visible female role models in leadership positions, helps normalize women’s presence in consulting.”

Advice for the next generation

The interviewees share a clear message for women who want to develop their careers in STEM and consulting. Verónica summarizes it as follows:

“Developing a genuine interest in what you do and maintaining an open attitude toward continuous learning helps you grow steadily and gain confidence, especially in demanding and constantly evolving sectors. It is important to normalize mistakes as part of the professional journey. Facing difficulties with a constructive mindset allows you to extract valuable lessons and move forward with greater confidence.”

Alba adds a direct message in response to stereotypes:

“If you’re interested, go for it. Don’t listen to those who tell you it’s a ‘male-dominated’ world. Although there is still progress to be made, there are spaces where opportunities are real and equal for everyone. Don’t let stereotypes influence your decisions. If you are passionate about a field, take the leap without hesitation.”

A commitment reflected in the data

At ALG, this commitment is also reflected in our numbers. Since 2023, female representation across our workforce has remained steady at around 33%. Moreover, over the past two years, we have made significant progress, with women accounting for approximately 42% of new hires, clear evidence of our firm commitment to continuing to build more diverse and inclusive teams.

Looking ahead

We are aware that equality is not measured solely in numbers, but data help establish a starting point and reinforce a commitment to continuous improvement. That is why, beyond promoting the recruitment of women, we believe in the importance of highlighting role models, creating environments where talent can grow, and helping more women and girls envision their future in science, engineering, and transport.

Because building infrastructure is also about building opportunities.

About the authors

Melina Díaz Christiansen

Bachelor's degree in Social Communication, master's degree in Journalism, and specialized in digital communication and marketing. Communication Manager at ALG.