Her Story
About Esha
Esha Manchanda has spent about 10 years in the energy industry, building expertise through roles in oil and gas, renewables, and utilities before focusing on sustainable aviation fuels. Based in Chicago, Illinois, she works to minimize the carbon footprint of air travel, applying her passion for environmental sustainability that extends from her personal values into her professional contributions. Esha attributes her success in this male-dominated field to confidence in her qualifications, a strong reputation, and clear boundaries, and she advises young women entering the sector to protect their standing while seeking support through organizations such as Women in Energy and the Society of Women Engineers. She actively mentors younger engineers and women in the industry, offering guidance on establishing careers and presenting themselves effectively, and she contributes to her community by donating previously worn professional clothing to assist with job interviews. Esha takes pride in the positive relationships she has maintained across the companies where she has worked.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Esha
01What do you attribute your success to?
It starts with confidence for sure. There's a lot of situations where you are going to be the only woman in the room, but my family is good thing to remember, I wouldn't have been hired if I wasn't qualified. I have every right to be here, and I know what I'm doing. Another thing that's really important to me is my reputation and my balance. Applying that to the corporate world as well. The second you're being mistreated or something is happening that you don't feel comfortable with, you need to leave or escalate that situation and not just tolerate it.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being very clear with your boundaries and exactly what that looks like for you. Protecting your reputation because there will be situations especially in oil and gas, in those very old school male-dominated fields, you will be tested. Being super clear when you go into that and remembering that you didn't get there twice. Also, finding organizations like Women in Energy and Society of Women Engineers to connect and figure out how to go through challenges together.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Environmental sustainability is very important to me, it's something in my personal life, so getting to apply all of that to this field was super cool. Reputation and balance are really important to me in my personal life and applying that to the corporate world.
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