Her Story
About Ana
Ana Leite has spent 14 years in the steel pipe industry since 2012. She earned an engineering degree in control and automation along with a post-graduation degree in material confirmation. Currently based in Youngstown, Ohio, as a Brazilian professional on expatriation assignment in the United States, Ana supports process operations on technical issues, participates in quality meetings, oversees CAPEX projects, and manages corporate presentations, reports, and director meetings. She maintains strong connections with the shop floor and operations teams. As a woman in a male-dominated environment and a foreigner adapting to a new country, she focuses on building trust and bridging cultural differences, viewing these as motivating challenges that allow her to make a difference and inspire other women. Her daily work blends operational support with strategic corporate responsibilities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ana
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid of getting there, because if you are there, it's already an answer that you are capable. Trust yourself. If you are there, it's because this is already an answer. Don't think that you're not capable of doing that.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Respect and seniority you don't impose, you need to earn that. Everything has your path. Take your time and take these steps. Everything is earned, it's not imposed. Show that you are capable of doing that. Your actions will show more than what you were just speaking. Show your value and earn that.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a woman in a male-dominated environment, being a foreigner in a different country on expatriation, building trust with people, and cultural impact between countries. It's a challenge that motivates me.
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