Florida Ice & Farm Co. (FIFCO) recently hosted 40 industrial engineering students from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) as part of the Women in Engineering social action project. The event aimed to inspire and empower future female leaders in engineering, providing an opportunity for students to engage with women professionals from various areas within FIFCO.
The visiting students attended a panel discussion featuring female employees representing departments such as Total Productive Maintenance, Planning, Finance, Trade Marketing, and Talent. Scarlet Pietri, FIFCO’s Talent Director, moderated the session and addressed topics including professional experiences, growth mindset, skills beyond technical knowledge, and personal guidance for career development.
“A few years ago, it was unthinkable to have an internal panel with so many inspiring female voices. Today, FIFCO has the voices of women who can influence others, with experiences built from here. It fills me with pride to know that today we can talk about possibilities, growth, and a purpose that transcends the technical,” said Scarlet Pietri.
The Women in Engineering initiative at UCR works to challenge gender stereotypes and support the academic progress of female engineering students through activities such as talks, workshops, company visits, and networking opportunities. The program involves collaboration among universities, private companies like FIFCO, public institutions, and foundations to promote female leadership in fields traditionally dominated by men.
“More than opening their doors to us, they opened their hearts. I felt so close to them that I could say, ‘Wow, thank you,’” said Valeria Cordero, a student at UCR’s West Campus.
For FIFCO, this partnership aligns with its corporate objectives and sustainability goals for 2027. These goals include increasing the number of women in leadership positions within the company. The initiative is also intended to strengthen FIFCO’s organizational culture focused on equity and comprehensive talent development while reinforcing its position as an employer committed to social transformation.
Supporting these programs helps create opportunities for women in decision-making roles based on their abilities and vision.
