When Fadime Efe moved to Australia to grow her engineering career, she found more than just a new job. She found a community of women like Karen Manzini and Elena Redondo, each navigating their unique paths in a traditionally male-dominated field. Together, they are building purposeful, sustainable careers at Alstom with confidence, connection, and care.
“I wanted to contribute meaningfully and grow professionally in a place that values diverse perspectives,” says Fadime. All three women found their spark in engineering early, driven by curiosity, community, and the thrill of solving real-world problems. But what truly ignited their growth was joining Alstom, a company that champions diversity not as a policy, but as a practice.
Each engineer’s path at Alstom reflects the company’s robust support systems. For Fadime, it was the global HeForSheForAll mentoring program that connected her with women across continents. Through monthly sessions with a global mentor and a cohort of mentees, she felt empowered to shape her career with clarity and support. “Seeing women from around the world uplift each other made me feel truly empowered,” she shares.
Karen, who joined Alstom shortly after relocating from Zimbabwe, found herself in a high-responsibility role as an Electrical Systems Engineer. With limited background knowledge of the systems she was now responsible for, she faced a steep learning curve. “There was a time one of my systems had significant reliability issues and I was still very new,” she recalls. “What stood out was the support I received from my colleagues. We worked together until we understood the root cause and implemented solutions. I never felt like I was facing the challenge alone.”
For Elena, now a Maintenance Engineering Lead, Alstom has been a place where she continues to evolve her career. Originally from Europe, she transitioned from design roles into maintenance, and now leads engineering operations. “When you see how your ideas are taken seriously and implemented, that’s when you know you belong,” she says.
Did you know Alstom provide access to various career development programs to all of their people?
Beyond formal programs, what unites their stories is a workplace culture that values empathy and equity as much as technical excellence. At Alstom, inclusion isn’t treated as a one-off initiative but as an ongoing practice that touches every level of the organisation. From flexibility in work hours to mentorship opportunities, there’s a clear effort to ensure employees can thrive in their roles while maintaining balance outside of work.
“Weekends are truly a time for renewal for me,” says Fadime. “I don’t receive work-related emails or calls, which allows me to fully focus on my personal life and loved ones. It’s an incredibly refreshing feeling.” Even when late meetings arise with global teams, she notes, there’s flexibility and understanding. “This level of respect for personal time is something I genuinely appreciate.”
Karen echoes this sentiment. As a mother, she finds the flexible schedule instrumental in maintaining a balance between her home life and professional responsibilities. “It gives me the space to be fully present both at home and at work,” she says. The trust and flexibility offered by Alstom empower her to pursue leadership development while staying connected to her family.
In addition to professional development, Alstom’s culture also encourages community involvement and advocacy. Fadime now serves as the ANZ Women in Service ambassador, a role that allows her to support and elevate other women across the organisation. She also leads a grassroots initiative for Turkish migrant engineers, creating a supportive space for women jobseekers to network and grow. “Even the smallest contribution to gender equality is a responsibility we carry for future generations,” she reflects.
What also sets Alstom apart, according to these engineers, is its proactive system for support and accountability. “At Alstom, there is a standardised support system in place that doesn’t just focus on women – it’s designed to support all employees,” says Fadime. “If you raise a concern, it is never ignored. Whether big or small, it’s addressed with care and seriousness.”
This commitment to fairness extends to career growth as well. Karen recently joined a year-long Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program, which she sees as an investment in her future potential. “It will help me build confidence and develop leadership skills that are essential for the next steps in my career,” she shares. Elena also benefits from continuous check-ins and development conversations with her manager, ensuring she has the guidance needed to grow in her role.
Their collective experiences show how a supportive environment can help women in engineering build long-term, rewarding careers. Alstom’s approach demonstrates that when companies commit to meaningful support, women are empowered to define their own paths to success.
“I wish for a working world where every woman can fearlessly and freely unlock her full potential and live as the most empowered version of herself,” Fadime says. Her words capture the spirit of what Alstom is striving for—a workplace where diversity is not just acknowledged, but celebrated and cultivated.
From different continents, cultures, and career paths, these women have found more than just jobs. They have found meaningful careers.
What strengths could you unlock in a workplace like Alstom, where your full potential is seen and supported?
