“We have to overcome challenges; we must break paradigms”.
The first time she had the opportunity to develop a project, some of her colleagues said it was not her turn, she was second in line because she was new. She was a woman. “At that time, my mentor advised me to handle it without hurting susceptibilities, without showing off. One of my life lessons was to be humble, respectful of others and grateful for opportunities,” recalls Karina Meza Folgar, who now works as the Project Control and Support Manager at Conecta
In her path the phrase “breaking paradigms” has been a constant. Starting at her home, with a brother who’s hearing-impaired, the word impossible does not exist. At home she learned that achievements would be the result of the effort they made. She visualized herself working outside of Guatemala, and through constant training she achieved it..
Knowledge is power
Karina was a child who enjoyed reading. “I needed to understand and know a little bit about everything,” she says. When the time came to choose a university career, she decided on Administration.
That first project she remembers developing was a Management Information System for Central America. It was in an area generally run by men: systems. “The experience outside Guatemala taught me to mobilize and take care of myself. I was alone. I was 23 years old.
The complexity of the projects increased as did her experience: first Central America, the Caribbean and then South America. She also headed a regional back office for Central America and the Caribbean. Karina says that “the leader was an English psychologist and systems expert; she was an inspiring woman. Her forte was to be informed, she never stopped learning and she knew how to manage change. She was my second mentor.
She was always self-taught and took advantage of continuing education opportunities, which is why she is the first PMI (Project Management Professional) certified woman in Guatemala. This degree opened doors for her, such as a job in Turkey and participating in the merger of an oil company.
The nature of projects is complex, “that’s why I like it: I love challenges”. At Conecta he appreciates that his bosses and colleagues value the contribution of each of the collaborators in the different areas, “each one has a gift and talent that makes the company grow. I like working for the company because it contributes to the development of Guatemala”.
