Ana Taborda
Senior Account Executive
Wego Chemical
Ana Taborda, a Senior Account Executive, and the European Lead for PVA at Wego Chemicals, has built a career that is a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. With a background in materials engineering, Ana began her academic journey in Portugal, later expanding her horizons through an Erasmus exchange program in Italy. She then completed her master’s internship in Germany, where she continued to develop her expertise. Over the course of 17 years abroad, Ana thrived in Germany’s male-dominated automotive and chemical industries, where she faced the challenge of navigating different cultures and languages. Her experiences living and working in various countries have shaped her approach to business and leadership, making her a truly global professional
Balancing Career and Motherhood: Ana has not only excelled in her career but also managed to balance her role as a mother of two. Early on, she set clear expectations about work-related travel, ensuring she could fulfill her professional responsibilities while being present for her family. By limiting overnight travel and establishing a work-life routine, she has been able to succeed in both her career and her personal life. Ana’s openness to seeking help and embracing life coaching after her father’s passing allowed her to stay grounded and make informed decisions during challenging times.
Mentoring and Supporting Women in the Chemical Industry: A passionate advocate for gender equality, Ana has dedicated much of her career to mentoring women and creating supportive environments within the chemical industry. She co-founded an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at a major corporation, which grew from 10 members to over 1,000 under her leadership. Ana’s work in developing this ERG provided a safe space for women to share their experiences, learn from one another, and pursue professional growth. Her ultimate goal is to leave the industry better for future generations, especially for her daughter.
Resilience and Lifelong Learning: Ana’s approach to success centers on resilience, continuous learning, and embracing feedback. She believes that building a strong network of mentors and peers is crucial to personal and professional development. For Ana, resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges but also about growing from them. Her advice to others is simple but powerful: don’t be afraid to take risks, learn from the outcomes, and always strive to be kind—but never mistake kindness for weakness.
Advice for Women in Chemical Community: She encourages women to embrace resilience and continuously seek learning opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong network of peers and mentors, and not being afraid to reach out for support. Ana also advises women to welcome feedback as a tool for growth and to support each other along the way. Finally, she champions the importance of kindness, reminding others that while kindness is a strength, it should never be mistaken for weakness.
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