Pictures of Leadership: Women on #TeamADM in LATAM Share their Stories

Part of how we help create a gender-equal world is by celebrating women’s achievement, raising awareness of bias and taking action for equality. During the month of March, we’re spotlighting women on #TeamADM who are shaping the future of agriculture and nutrition. In this second edition of our series, meet two of our colleagues working in the LATAM region, and learn more about the decisions they made, and the paths they forged to get where they are today.

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Driane Nascimento, Production Manager, ADM Brazil

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

My career started at the Evialis Group in Brazil in 2012 as a quality control intern. After one year and three months, I had the opportunity to be part of the staff in the position of quality analyst. During this period, I became intently focused on studying manufacturing processes, and quickly realized that manufacturing was my area of expertise and that combining my knowledge of animal nutrition, quality and processes would be my path forward. Within six years, I had the opportunity to act as a Quality Supervisor, Production Analyst and Continuous Improvement Coordinator, going through the acquisitions of the Invivo and Neovia groups during this period. After the acquisition by ADM, with great pride, hard work and learning, I was promoted to Production Manager in April 2020, and today I manage the same unit where I started as an intern.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be a career change?

The crucial moment for my career was in 2017 when I was offered the challenge of working in the area of continuous improvement, executing projects to improve processes and equipment. With the excellent support and mentoring I received, I was able to deliver the expected results and objectives, in addition to having the opportunity to develop skills in the area of people and project management. At the age of 33, I know that I am just beginning, with many challenges and goals to meet as part of #TeamADM.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

Develop your self-awareness. If you know yourself well, it allows you to make decisions and make choices in line with who you are and where you want to go. This awareness can help you navigate toward situations where you will thrive. In addition to helping to know the strengths and weaknesses, to know what brings joy to your life, clarity about your values and what you really want in your life.

Valéria Urban, Commercial Manager, ADM Mexico

Tell us about your pathway at ADM so far.

I joined ADM Mexico in 2008 as an Assistant in the commercial area. During this time, I always sought to exceed expectations, and in a timely manner. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to start managing a small group of clients to market corn from the ports of Tuxpan, Veracruz and Coatzacoalcos and little by little, I developed and increased the market. Then, in 2019 I was given the position as Foreign Grain Marketing Manager and I currently manage a complete port, with the task of continuing to grow the entire market in southeast Mexico.

Which moment or decision would you consider to be a career change?

In 2013, I decided to ask for the opportunity to dedicate myself 100% to the commercialization of grains. My commercial director supported me totally and a new stage began. Since then, I have not stopped learning and growing with ADM.

What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers or who may feel stuck in the same place?

Never lose sight of your goals. Even if the road is hard, don't stop until you get to where you want to be.