Mariella Angulo: "We can break through any barrier we face.”

How did you discover your interest in mechanics?  

My uncle was a bus driver, and I used to ride along with him, collecting fares. He encouraged me to enroll at SENATI, a technical training center for mechanics, after noticing I was good at helping whenever something needed fixing on the vehicle. At first, I just held the tools while he worked, but soon I started working on the parts on my own. Not only was I good at it, I genuinely enjoyed it. The training was very hands-on. I spent six months attending classes, then we rotated through different repair shops around Lima.  

What was it like starting out in a male-dominated field?  

It was tough at times; there was a lot of sexism. Some coworkers didn’t want to be in the same group as me, and I overheard many sexist comments. For example, there wasn’t even a women’s restroom in my area, so I had to use the teachers’ restroom to change or walk 10 minutes to the textile training facility just to change. Out of 160 students in my class, I was the only woman. But I also met some good people, especially instructors who taught me a lot and pushed me to be my best.   

Mariella with Antonio Huertas at a volunteer event in Peru

Tell us about joining MAPFRE

While working in a repair shop, I met a appraiser who worked at MAPFRE, and one day he mentioned a job opening there. My supervisor encouraged me to apply. At first, I hesitated because I thought appraisers didn’t do much and I wasn’t interested in the role, but some colleagues convinced me, and I got the job. I still remember my boss saying when hiring me, “You’ll never smell like gasoline again.” That moment stuck with me. At MAPFRE, I started as a platform appraiser and was later promoted to area appraiser. At that time, I was the only female area appraiser in all of Peru.  From there, I was promoted to coordinator, then supervisor, and now I’m head of appraisers. I’ve really noticed the company’s commitment to female leadership here, which is different from other places I’ve worked. Plus, the company has given me opportunities to train in various areas. In recent years, I’ve updated my skills as a claims adjuster at Cesvi in Argentina and Colombia, and CESVIMAP, and I’ve also trained in management and artificial intelligence. 

What advice would you give to a woman in a similar situation?  

To girls and young women dreaming of careers traditionally seen as “for men”, I’d say don’t limit yourselves. It’s up to us to decide whether or not to do it. We are the ones who can break barriers and prove it’s possible, but you have to approach it with confidence and determination. Family support is important, but above all, work hard at what you truly want. Never stop studying and training. There’s so much to learn! All my mentors have always emphasized this, and it’s something I carry with me.  

Do you think society still has work to do in terms of gender inclusion?  

YES. While I celebrate the progress we’ve made since I started this journey, there’s still a lot to be done. For instance, I think women are sometimes overprotected in ways we don’t actually need. That’s why, whenever I can, at community events I participate in, I like to talk to girls about my experience and tell them that we can do anything, and they should always do whatever they like most.  

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