Susana Méndez (left) and Yolanda Gallego (right) are two women with different profiles and paths in the technological-industrial field and as part of the AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre. As for Susana Méndez, doctor, she has spent most of her professional career at AZTERLAN where she currently is the Director of Foundry Technologies. When it comes to Yolanda Gallego, she joined the Technological Services area of AZTERLAN 3 years ago as a machine operator at the AZTERLAN workshop. On the occasion of March 8, we wanted to know part of his personal journey and his vision regarding the demands of this day.
Can you briefly explain your scope of work at AZTERLAN?
Susana: I am currently Director of Foundry Technologies. I coordinate the activity of the research teams oriented to the fields ferrous and non-ferrous foundry and transversal developments regarding environment and advanced manufacturing technologies. Together with the Director of Forming Technologies, we lead the activity of R&D and technology transfer to companies of our technology center. Previously, at AZTERLAN, I have held other positions as coordinator of the Chemical Testing area of AZTERLAN and Corrosion area, I developed these activities in parallel to the coordination of the Quality System of testing services.
Yolanda: I joined AZTERLAN 3 and a half years ago, after finishing my machining studies. Currently, I am a workshop technician, and I am mainly dedicated to the machining of the different models of specimens that, later, undergo different types of characterization tests.
What is your perception of the presence and participation of women in the technological and industrial field?
Yolanda: Currently, in the industrial field, the male predominance is still evident, although my perception is that the participation of women is increasing, with greater acceptance and a good reception for women, as well as a good work environment for us. In the technological-scientific field I believe that the presence of women is greater.
Susana: Coinciding with Yolanda’s perception, women’s participation goes from more to less as they move along the path from the scientific world to the technological and industrial world. It is true that much progress is being made regarding the female presence in general, also in some fields that have historically been quite masculine, such as castings sector. It could not be any other way. Therefore, it is important not to take a step back and maintain our natural participation until we stop being news as a collective.
What reflection would you like to share on this International Women’s Day?
Yolanda: In my opinion, the International Women’s Day is a good moment to think on the progress made and the challenges still pending to achieve full equality between men and women.
Susana: This day makes me think very clearly about parity, equality, shared responsibility… and not only in the workplace, but also in the personal field, because we also work in other areas than the professional. As a mother of 3 daughters with ages close to emancipation and professional work, I love to see how certain fears or prejudices that I had many years ago, have disappeared for them, nor do they consider them. I am aware that there is still a long way to go and that minds take a long time to change, but I trust not only women’s but also the male’s effort to achieve this great task that equality is.
