Poorvi Patel
Poorvi Patel is a seasoned engineer and energy innovator currently serving as a Global Product Specialist for Small and Medium Power Transformers at Hitachi Energy. With over two decades of experience in Transformers, she is deeply committed to advancing sustainable practices—focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions and finding cleaner, more efficient ways to generate energy. In her role, she works remotely while frequently traveling to manufacturing facilities, participating in standardization meetings, and ensuring power towers remain up to date and safe in the field.
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Poorvi’s passion for the energy sector extends beyond her work. She has been recognized with prestigious honors such as the ABB CEO Award and IEEE Awards and continues to serve on industry committees. Her love of learning fuels her continued research into power and energy sources. Outside of work, she enjoys creating jewlaries, hiking, and walking the trails at Rockwood Reservation. With a Ph.D. from Lund University and a master’s degree from Luleå University of Technology, Poorvi combines deep academic insight with hands-on industry leadership to help shape the future of sustainable power.
• Luleå University of Technology- M.Eng.
• Lund University
• IEEE
• Cigre
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and hands-on experience—I earned my degree in Sweden while working on-site at a paper mill, which gave me the practical knowledge that set me apart and helped me step directly into the field after graduation, field testing transformers and working alongside my male peers from day one.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been being a woman in a male-dominated industry, but thankfully that’s changing as more men are becoming open to women’s contributions; having worked successfully in this field for over 25 years, I see great opportunities for continued progress and inclusion.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are dedication and balance, especially as a mom to my son and daughter—I strive to give my best in both roles every day.