Her Story
About Sofia
Sofia Melo serves as Energy Engineering Leader at Trane. She brings 18 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry, including four years focused on HVAC manufacturing and construction. Melo holds a Manufacturing Engineering degree and earned a Master's in Environmental Science focused on Sustainability from the University of Utah. She is a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer. In her role, Melo works closely with sales and operations teams to develop energy models and proposals, collaborates with utilities such as ConEd on incentives, and leads a team of 15 engineers ranging from recent graduates to those nearing retirement. She has successfully expanded local resources into a cohesive regional pre-construction team that is now the largest of its kind at Trane. Melo is a member of AE and attributes her success to strong support from family and friends, including her mother's high expectations and her desire to serve as a role model for her daughter. She advises young women entering the field to remain curious, open, and confident while avoiding a victim mentality.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sofia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've had a lot of support over the years from family and friends. My mom always expected a lot of me, which energizes me. Being a role model for my daughter motivates me to keep doing great things. Support from friends and family has been key.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be very open to opportunities and possibilities. Don't be afraid to ask someone to have a meeting or coffee because most people will say yes. Come prepared and be mindful of their time. Connecting with people, even those who seem senior, can lead to surprises.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be curious and be open. Don't fall into victim mentality, especially as a woman and Latin. Be yourself, don't let others tell you you're less, and improve every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is both a challenge and opportunity. We're using it in many ways at Trane, but need to leverage it for new tasks while reassuring people about job relevance and staying ahead by updating roles.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Connecting with people and understanding that we all might think differently but are still people. Try to understand each other, put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and work as a team. In personal life, it's the same - connecting with people in new communities.
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