8M: Women who Inspire
#oronawomen
07 Mar 2025
At Orona, we believe that equality is a daily commitment—present in every decision and opportunity. There are times when it's important to pause and focus on the stories of some of the incredible women who are part of Orona. We want to amplify their voices, share their experiences, and highlight the value of their talent.
Susana Duque Dias
Director of Orona Portugal
In my experience as Director of Orona in Brazil and Portugal, I discovered that effective leadership really knows how to adapt its approach to the particularities of each context. This skill allowed me to face transformational challenges, to grow professionally and to lead with empathy, active listening and trust.

In Brazil, adapting to a different culture, even though we shared the same language, required an open mind and strategies that united teams towards common goals, fostering an inclusive and motivating environment. I have learned a lot from great leaders who taught me to lead by example.
In Portugal, I faced unique challenges that helped me inspire and foster the sustainable growth of the organisation. I am proud to have built strong teams, capable of achieving lasting results and offering development opportunities to the teams. This experience confirms that resilience and the ability to see every difficulty as a learning opportunity are key to lead with conviction, professionalism and integrity.

Being a woman in a leadership position in a historically male-dominated sector means, above all, taking on the responsibility of inspiring and paving the way for future generations. I believe that every obstacle can become an opportunity to evolve and reinforce our conviction that equal rights and empowerment are essential drivers for a truly inclusive future. That’s why I define my experience as an invitation to transform and overcome challenges with courage and determination .
I believe true leadership is born when personal and collective growth is combined with the conviction that every obstacle carries an opportunity to build something bigger. Therefore, my advice to future generations of women is to maintain confidence in their abilities and view every challenge as an opportunity to evolve. I encourage those who wish to follow a similar path to cultivate integrity, dedication, and the ability to listen with empathy. Success is measured not only by results but by how one contributes to creating an inclusive and inspiring work environment. By committing to involvement, collaboration, and an unwavering will to promote positive change, every woman will contribute to a future where rights, equality, and empowerment are fully realized, paving the way for a more just and prosperous tomorrow for all of us.
Success is measured not only by results but by how one contributes to creating an inclusive and inspiring work environment.
Izaro Zulaika
Head of Mechanical Development

I have always believed that the best way to teach is by setting an example. I think it is essential to show that the technical field is independent of gender. Both girls and boys should see that women are present in this sector, performing technical roles that are both interesting, fun, and practical.
My interest in this field comes from curiosity and the desire to understand how things work in our daily lives. This drive to improve and find solutions to the problems around us has been one of my motivations.
To future generations of women interested in the technical field, I advise them to visualize themselves doing what they love and what motivates them, and to work hard to achieve their goals. Although the path may present challenges, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to be in a place where you truly want to be.
Maria Jesús Rodriguez
Maintenance Manager for the Eastern Andalusia region

The main reason for my development in the technical management field was my great interest in organizing available resources and managing people, strengthening and growing every day in my position within our project, continuously adding skills.
My advice for future generations is to be true to themselves, without being swayed by alternative trends or stereotypes, which are not real. Set a goal and work towards it, always seeking the place where you feel most authentic. We all need to work toward labor equality, so that this day is celebrated equally and collectively.
Set a goal and work towards it, always seeking the place where you feel most authentic.
Garbiñe Usarralde
Factory worker

I come from a humble family that lived in a farmhouse, and from a very young age, I learned the value of hard work. Before going to school, I sold milk door-to-door, a task that taught me the importance of responsibility and effort, especially in such a demanding environment as the farmhouse.
I started my professional journey with a grocery store, which I managed for 13 years, but I was forced to step back for health reasons. I took this time to educate myself and complete a course for female mechanics. After working in different companies, I was given an opportunity at Orona’s production plant, where I have worked in different areas for 20 years. Throughout my experience, I have seen how working conditions have evolved, especially in ergonomics and load handling, which has favored the inclusion of more women in the production field.
To the next generations, I would convey the importance of working with effort, commitment, and responsibility, being brave enough to express your ideas with respect and honesty. In the end, if you are committed and work responsibly, your achievements will speak for themselves.
Elena de Felipe
Commercial Technician

I have always been interested in the technical field, so when I had to choose the branch to continue my studies, I opted for engineering. On the other hand, the fact that my work had a commercial component was both motivating and enriching because it gives me the opportunity to grow technically and learn how to navigate a human environment both inside and outside the organization.
I discovered a role with very dynamic functions, continuous learning, the possibility of adding value and being recognized for it.
To future generations of women, I would tell them to believe in themselves, in their abilities, and to pursue what excites them.
There is no need to prove anything beyond what is necessary. Knowledge, good work, commitment, and respect will place you in an undisputed position that will allow you to enjoy the journey and achieve the goals you set for yourself.
To future generations of women, I would tell them to believe in themselves, in their abilities, and to pursue what excites them.
Alejandra Borgas
Maintenance Technician

Since I was little, I have always enjoyed robotics and taking things apart and putting them back together to see how they worked. When it came time to choose a technical degree, a friend suggested I pursue electromechanical maintenance, specializing in elevators. The idea of understanding how things work intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. Once I started, I completely fell in love with everything related to electricity, especially motors and how they work.
My advice to future generations is to follow their heart, whether they want to pursue nursing or work in a workshop. The important thing is to do what they truly want, not what others expect of them. At the end of the day, it is them who enjoy their daily life, not others.
The important thing is to do what they truly want, not what others expect of them.
Izaskun Edilla
Production Director (Hernani)

In my career as a director in the fields of production, assembly, and maintenance, I have worked in predominantly male-dominated sectors. However, in my day-to-day life, I rarely stop to think about gender. Although I have often been the only woman in many teams, this has never been a hindrance for me. I prefer to focus on the fact that we are a united team, regardless of the gender of its members, although I must admit that I have had experiences that have surprised me in this context.
From a young age, I liked subjects related to science and technology, especially physics. When I had to choose a career, the technical subjects were the ones that interested me the most, which led me to pursue an engineering degree. 🔧 In the working world, I realized that what I enjoyed most was working with people, managing and leading teams, and improving processes.
My advice to future generations is to fight for what they love and want to do and be. If you love something, you’re already halfway there. And if you ever face a challenge because you are a woman, remember that the situation will only give you more strength to move forward because science and technology truly do not understand gender.
My advice to future generations is to fight for what they love and want to do and be. If you love something, you’re already halfway there.