Stephanie Rotella, Civil Engineer PUC: “I am convinced that empowering more women in this field will contribute to greater equity”.
Stephanie Rotella, a civil engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), is one of the many professionals leading one of Viña del Mar’s most ambitious environmental projects, soil remediation and bioremediation in Las Salinas.
However, her story begins much earlier, as she tells it, when her parents motivated her in the field of scientific curiosity and what hard work could accomplish.
In her field, she assures that being a woman in STEM is challenging, but rewarding and assures that more of them, should choose and dare to be in this world: “I believe that our vision of the world is fundamental not only to advance in science and technology, but also for environmental regeneration and to build a sustainable future”, she assures.
Trajectory
Can you tell us about your academic and professional background? What inspired you to choose a career in STEM?
I am a Civil Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) and I studied Sustainability at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). I started my career more than 12 years ago working at Copec. For more than 10 years, I have been part of the team of professionals leading the process of cleaning up Las Salinas, a project to recover land in Viña del Mar and reintegrate it into the urban fabric with multiple uses. I am the daughter of Italian parents who founded their textile company in the 60’s, and since I was a child they instilled in us scientific curiosity and the value of hard work. This vision of solving real challenges was fundamental for three of the six siblings, men and women alike, to opt for engineering.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in a predominantly male field? How did you overcome them?
It is true that engineering has traditionally been a masculinized profession, but in my experience, I consider that the female technical perspective has been key in my development and in the contributions I have brought to the teams I have worked on. Rather than seeing obstacles as a negative, I have seen the opportunity to enrich the approach to projects through a holistic female vision. Being a woman has been an advantage that has allowed for a more holistic perspective when addressing challenges and creating solutions in the projects I have been involved in.
What do you consider to have been your greatest achievement in your field and why is it significant to you?
One of my greatest achievements is the work at Las Salinas, a pioneering soil remediation project that is currently in its last phase using the bioremediation technique. This technique, based on natural processes, is safe for people and the environment, and its effectiveness is proven. In Chile, we are just formalizing public policies for soil remediation, so we have advanced in this innovative technique thanks to the constant dialogue with the community and the support of universities in the region. For me, this project is significant because it has a direct impact on society, recovering spaces for a sustainable and positive use.
Women in STEM
How do you think gender diversity influences innovation and development in STEM?
Gender diversity brings a plurality of thoughts and approaches that, when collaborating among teams with different perspectives, create profound synergies. These generate knowledge that enriches the development not only of specific projects, but of the entire region and country. In my collaborations with universities such as UTFSM, PUCV, UV and Playa Ancha, I have seen firsthand how diversity enriches the work and allows for more complete and creative solutions.
Are you involved in any initiatives or projects that promote the inclusion of women in STEM? Can you share more about it?
Yes, I have been fortunate to participate in initiatives that promote science in educational establishments. It fills us with joy to see more and more women interested in the world of science. We know that scientific interest and vocations are awakened at an early age, and it is essential to foster these talents in children and young people. Through these initiatives, we help new generations to discover their interests and make professional decisions that contribute to the development of the country, especially in areas such as quality research, where women bring a unique and valuable perspective.
Future according to Stephanie
How do you see the future of women in STEM? What changes do you expect to see in the coming years?
Throughout my career, I have had the honor of working with great women, and in the coming years I hope to see many more collaborating in STEM and other fields, developing their dreams without limits. I believe that our worldview is critical not only for advancing science and technology, but also for environmental regeneration and building a sustainable future. I am convinced that inspiring and empowering more women in these disciplines will contribute to greater equity and global well-being, building a more just and balanced future.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM?
I would tell them to dare, to explore their interests and discover all the potential they have to contribute to society. STEM is a challenging but deeply rewarding path. Science and engineering need the creativity and perspective of everyone. With effort and dedication, they can be part of a significant change in the world, because every contribution counts to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Stephanie Rotella is a Civil Engineer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and a Sustainability Specialist from MIT. With more than 12 years of experience, she has been instrumental in soil remediation in Viña del Mar, leading the bioremediation project in Las Salinas. She has successfully faced the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male field, bringing an integral perspective to her projects. Committed to the inclusion of women in STEM, she promotes educational initiatives to inspire new generations. Her work seeks to generate a sustainable and equitable future, where gender diversity drives innovation.
