Journeys

Confidence that lights the way to new paths

Every journey has a starting point. Sometimes it stems from a shared opportunity, encouragement received at just the right moment, or the trust of someone who believes in another person’s potential. In the electric power sector, stories like these help build careers, strengthen teams, and transform lives.

That’s how it was for electrician Leidiane Teixeira, from Neoenergia Elektro. She met Kellen Oliveira at the Electricians’ School, and when she received a call from Neoenergia offering her a job, she didn’t miss the chance to recommend her classmate as well—and so, the two began their careers together at Neoenergia, strengthening a friendship that is now also part of both their professional histories.

The story of Alan Pereira and Edson Souza also shows how small gestures can lead to big changes. When Edson, who was already working at Neoenergia Pernambuco, noticed that Alan—his teammate on the soccer team—was interested in the electric power sector and wanted to build a career in the field, he told him about the opportunity to attend the Electricians’ School. This encouragement was the first step toward enabling Alan to turn his curiosity into a concrete opportunity for professional development.

Both stories have something in common: they began with someone willing to reach out and share an opportunity. A word of encouragement, a referral, and trust in another person’s potential were enough to open doors to new dreams, learning experiences, and achievements.

At Neoenergia, we celebrate not only the professionals who bring energy to millions of people, but also the stories that showcase the transformative power of this profession. Stories of people who found a new path through training, knowledge, and the trust of someone who believed in their future.

Because the energy that drives this profession goes beyond the power grid. It is also present in human connections, in the exchange of experiences, and in the ability to turn an opportunity into a better future for many people.

An inspiring journey

At just 23 years old, Pablo Lemos is a model of resilience and leadership. A young Black man from the outskirts of Salvador, he is the oldest of four children and was born in a community in Salvador, where from an early age he dreamed of building a solid career and transforming his circumstances.

In 2021, Pablo landed his first formal job as a Young Apprentice at Neoenergia Coelba. Determined, he seized every opportunity and stood out for his dedication and eagerness to learn.“I took advantage of every chance the company gave me. I learned a lot from my colleagues and was also able to contribute to their growth,”recalls Pablo.

His efforts were recognized, and Pablo reached a new milestone in his career by taking on the role of Assistant 2. Working in the area of relations with city governments and municipalities across the state, he demonstrates that there are many ways to contribute to the electric power sector.

“You don’t have to be an electrician or an engineer to work at Neoenergia. I’m a law student, and the company recognizes the value that my knowledge brings to the team,”he points out.

Landing his first job was a milestone for him and his family. “When I told them I’d been hired, it was a celebration. Today, I’m a role model for my siblings and my community. I want to show that, no matter where you come from, it’s possible to shape your future through knowledge and education, ” he says proudly.

In addition to his work, Pablo is also involved in Neoenergia’s Volunteer Program, which mobilizes employees for sustainable and social initiatives. Inspired by the initiatives that helped him in the past, he began creating projects focused on his community. “I’ve been helped by social initiatives, and today I can give back by bringing energy and hope to others. Neoenergia offers much more than just electricity—it lights up lives, ” he concludes.

Breaking Down Stigmas and Advancing in Their Careers

With five years of service at Neoenergia Coelba, including two at the Camaçari UTD On-Call Unit, Jaira Santos made history by becoming the first woman to join the Camaçari on-call team. Coming from a family of electricians—her father, brothers, and brother-in-law—Jaira always wanted to follow in their footsteps and saw Neoenergia’s Electrician Training School as an opportunity to turn that dream into reality.

“The Electricians’ School was a turning point in my life. It opens doors and introduces women to a field that is still very male-dominated. I’m proud to wear the Neoenergia uniform every day and to be part of a company that values and empowers women to work in the electrical field,”says Jaira.

Despite the challenges and stigmas that still surround women’s presence in the sector, Jaira points out that women have demonstrated competence and excellence in their roles.“My biggest challenge is confronting the prejudice of those who doubt women’s abilities. But that motivates me even more. Many people are surprised when they see me working, and I’m happy when I inspire other women to take an interest in the profession,”she says.

Fulfilled by the career she has chosen, Jaira emphasizes that her greatest joy comes from solving problems and helping to bring energy to people.“I’ve found myself in this profession. I’m not an obstacle—I’m here to solve problems and make a difference. That makes me extremely happy,”she concludes.

Here's to many more successful days!

With eight years at Neoenergia, Valéria Santos has built a career marked by growth, dedication, and leadership. She joined the company through a recruitment process for an Operations Center Engineer position, already aware that she was becoming part of a nationally recognized company.

Throughout her career, she has worked in operations, pre-operations, and process performance, always focusing on improvements, safety, and efficiency. Since May of last year, Valéria has served as Supervisor of the Jaboatão UTD, leading a team of more than 50 employees. On a day-to-day basis, she balances desk and field duties, monitoring processes and proposing improvements to facilitate the work of electricians in the field, while always keeping the customer at the center of the business.

As a woman in a leadership position, Valéria highlights the significance of being part of the transformations the company is undergoing.“Seeing women occupying roles that were once uncommon—including on the front lines of operations—shows that we’re on the right track,”she says. For her, witnessing the emergence of a school for female electricians and the growing presence of women in the electrical sector is a source of pride and inspiration.

Joyce Marques is Neoenergia’s first female inspector in Pernambuco. As the oldest of five siblings, she learned the value of responsibility at an early age. She joined the company in a humble way, while studying radiology and working as a day laborer, until the opportunity arose to become a young apprentice at Senai.

Selected for the state’s first co-ed class of electricians, she became the first female electrician at UTD Sul.“It was very challenging, since there were no women in that field,”she recalls. With dedication, she worked as an on-call electrician for four years, became a technician, and is now studying electrical engineering.

Three years ago, Joyce took on yet another challenge by becoming the first female line and network inspector in Pernambuco. In her day-to-day work, she navigates traffic and hard-to-reach locations to ensure the quality of the power supply, contributing to the well-being of millions of people.“It’s great to know that I’m working to solve a problem that will benefit the population,”Joyce said.

Working with the power system is no simple task, but Elaine Maria da Silva França has always performed her duties with responsibility and dedication since joining Neoenergia. Currently in her 8th semester of electrical engineering, Elaine began her career at the utility as an intern. After graduating, she was hired as an engineer and began working on the power system, at substations, and on transmission lines.

Married to a Neoenergia employee and the mother of two girls, Elaine has accumulated ten years of field experience working as an automation, protection, and telecommunications engineer.

It was during this period that the opportunity arose to work directly with the President of Neoenergia Pernambuco. Even though she didn’t think she would be selected, she applied for the position and began working as a technical advisor to the President, a role she held for two years. This experience allowed her to view the company from a more strategic and broader perspective.

“Back then, I never would have imagined that a woman could hold the position of technical advisor to the President’s Office. Even so, I applied for the position and was hired.”

Later, she was invited to work at the Integrated Operations Center (COI) as a supervisor, working behind the scenes of the electrical system and monitoring all of Neoenergia Pernambuco’s circuits. It was a challenge that, at first glance, seemed daunting, especially since it was a predominantly male environment. Even so, Elaine always had the support and understanding of the team.

With 22 years at Neoenergia, Elaine highlights the opportunities for professional and technical growth she has encountered throughout her career. “I plan to stay here for many years to come. I’m fascinated by what I do and by what the company accomplishes every day to benefit the public.”

Danilo Alves joined Neoenergia Coelba in 2022 as a young apprentice in the Occupational Health department. Since then, he has embarked on a journey of learning and growth: he began by learning about document management and was later transferred to the management of third-party health service providers. In just two years, Danilo became a key member of the team, applying much of the knowledge he gained in the field of health to the management of third-party contractors.

As a person with a disability, Danilo proves that there are no barriers for those who seek to achieve their goals. With dedication and integrity, he has been performing essential work for Neoenergia Coelba, inspiring everyone around him.

Investing in talent and offering opportunities for growth is essential for strengthening teams and advancing careers. One example of this is employee Marcela Conceição de Sousa, the first female live-line electrician at Neoenergia Coelba.

She joined the company in 2022 through the Electricians’ School after seeing a news report about the enrollment process. Before that, she worked as a nurse and saw the program as a chance to change careers, learn a new trade, and grow professionally. After completing the course, she worked for about two years in the on-call unit until she fulfilled her dream of joining the live-line team, which works on the energized power grid.

Her dream of working on the production line emerged after her first experience in the field, where she observed another employee at work and immediately felt the desire to dedicate herself to working in that area.“Even though I’m the first woman, I feel completely included. I’ve had the full support of my colleagues, and I believe that more and more women will take on these roles,”she says.

Working on live lines requires a great deal of attention and heightened responsibility, since operations on the power grid are performed while the circuit is energized. “The biggest challenge is staying focused on safety at all times to mitigate all risks,”explains Marcela, who continues to inspire other women to believe in their potential and seek out new opportunities.

With five years of service at Neoenergia Coelba, including two at the Camaçari UTD On-Call Unit, Jaira Santos made history by becoming the first woman to join the Camaçari on-call team. Coming from a family of electricians—her father, brothers, and brother-in-law—Jaira always wanted to follow in their footsteps and saw Neoenergia’s Electrician Training School as an opportunity to turn that dream into reality.

“The Electricians’ School was a turning point in my life. It opens doors and introduces women to a field that is still very male-dominated. I’m proud to wear the Neoenergia uniform every day and to be part of a company that values and empowers women to work in the electrical field,”says Jaira.

Despite the challenges and stigmas that still surround women’s presence in the sector, Jaira points out that women have demonstrated competence and excellence in their roles.“My biggest challenge is confronting the prejudice of those who doubt women’s abilities. But that motivates me even more. Many people are surprised when they see me working, and I’m happy when I inspire other women to take an interest in the profession,”she says.

Fulfilled by the career she has chosen, Jaira emphasizes that her greatest joy comes from solving problems and helping to bring energy to people.“I’ve found myself in this profession. I’m not an obstacle—I’m here to solve problems and make a difference. That makes me extremely happy,”she concludes.