Exclusive interview with two prominent women from Enagás Renovable to mark International Women’s Day

As part of International Women’s Day, we wanted to have a conversation with two outstanding professionals from Enagás Renovable, whose dedication and experience are fundamental to the company’s growth and success.

Alejandra Lwoff is an inspirational leader whose career in finance, corporate development and mergers and acquisitions spans more than 25 years. As Chief Financial Officer of Enagás Renovable, Alejandra Lwoff has played a pivotal role in the company’s financial strategy, bringing her knowledge and vision to drive sustainable growth in the renewable gas sector.

Alejandra Siles, Senior Planning & Financial Controller, has contributed significantly to the operational and strategic success of the company, standing out as a benchmark in the management of Enagás Renovable’s investee companies, where her dedication and experience are essential to ensure sound and effective financial planning.

Through this interview, we will explore the perspectives, experiences and achievements of these two outstanding women, celebrating their talent and contribution to the path towards gender equality and empowerment in the professional sphere.

On International Women’s Day, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

AS: For me, it is a day to highlight the importance of women both professionally and in all aspects of life.

AL:Yes, although I would prefer it to be a day that did not have to exist, because it would mean that equality of women and men has been achieved in all areas.

What would you say to a young woman who has just finished high school, is about to start a university degree and doesn’t know which sector to go into?

AS: She should think about what interests him in terms of his future, where he wants to see himself in a few years’ time, how he imagines his future…

AL: I would tell her that she can achieve whatever she sets her mind to. That you can study whatever you want, because the choice of a career does not depend on whether you are a man or a woman, but on what you like. And the professional possibilities that she can have in her life are in her hand, and depend on her effort and her achievements.

What do you think is the biggest challenge of being a woman these days?

AS: On a professional level, maintaining equality, which I believe has already been achieved in many areas of work. On a personal level, reconciling work and family life.

AL: Yes, in short, to achieve everything.

Have you had to face many difficulties to get to where you are now because you are a woman? 

AS: Honestly, I don’t think so. Although I am aware that I am lucky because it doesn’t always happen this way in certain sectors or companies.
 
AL: Like Alejandra, fortunately not. I have been lucky enough to work in companies with a very clear culture of equality and with people who demonstrated it on a daily basis, although I am aware that it is not the most common and there is still a long way to go.

Have you had female mentors or role models in your career and how have they influenced you?

AS: Yes, even in my first job in 2007 I had several female bosses who taught me the importance of effort and perseverance; they were my role models in my professional career, as was my mother. Nowadays, I also have two wonderful mentors (Alejandra Lwoff and Irene García) who inspire me, give me a lot and make me a better professional. They have had a very positive influence and have helped me to achieve my professional challenges.

AL: For my part, the most feminist person I have ever known was my father. Throughout his professional life he always supported the women in his team to achieve their professional goals, and he always conveyed a clear idea to me: that I could do whatever I wanted and get wherever I wanted, as it depended exclusively on my effort.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in your career so far?

AS: To be able to reinvent myself within the financial sector, as I started my professional career, after my studies in Business Administration and Management, in the tax field (fiscal) and now I have a more complete financial profile, as I manage accounting, management control and tax.

AL: That my children think that my work is important, and that they see me as an example. The key to achieving equality is that the next generations experience it as “normal”.

What do you think are the most effective initiatives the company has implemented to promote gender equality?

AS: Flexible working hours and the possibility of combining office and remote work are great tools for reconciling work and promoting gender equality.

AL: Policies to support work-family reconciliation: flexibility, team empathy, and a culture of work by objectives.

How do you perceive the professional development opportunities for women in Enagas Renovable?

AS: The same as for men, in other words, I don’t see any difference in opportunities between the two. What’s more, in our management team, made up of 6 people, there are currently 3 women, so this reinforces that we all have the same opportunities at Enagás Renovable.

AL: I share Alejandra’s opinion. It depends on the merits and worth of each person. Although, unfortunately, perhaps this is not so common in other companies.

In an ever-changing world, the commitment and dedication of women like them in the renewable energy sector not only reflects gender equality in action, but also demonstrates the fundamental role women play in building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.