On Overcoming Obstacles for Women in Stamping
This is part two of our Women in Stamping Series, celebrating equality and opportunity.
See Part 1 | See Part 2 | See Part 3 | See Part 4
The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by innovation in technology and the changing face of its workforce. Women are playing a key role in this evolution. However, managerial positions in the automotive industry remain male-dominated, with women holding only 20% of these roles according to the 2021 Automotive Diversity Survey by Automotive Business. Thankfully, this number is on the rise, and more women are confidently stepping into technical areas like engineering, production, and quality.
Below you’ll find stories of women who have overcome barriers and are excelling in their positions.
Statement from Camilla Valim, Budget Engineer at Delga
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
Fig. 1: Camilla Valim – Delga
My name is Camilla de Oliveira Valim. I am 25 years old and hold a technical degree in Mechatronics and a bachelor’s degree in industrial mechanical engineering, both from the ENIAC University Center. I’m also pursuing an Executive MBA in Project Management at the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. My technical background includes courses and certifications in projects, software, engineering, and stamping.
I have always been interested in engineering. As a child, I wanted to be a civil engineer until I began a technical course in Mechatronics in high school. The engaging content made me realize that mechanical engineering would be my destiny.
In mid-2015, I had the opportunity to join the automotive market at Autokiniton (formerly Tower International). There I experienced the best and most challenging 7 years of my personal and professional life. I started as a young apprentice at the age of seventeen and progressed to the Estimating department—not realizing the endless information and knowledge I would soak up. I was the first female estimator to join the team, and throughout my time there, I learned from incredible professionals who encouraged me and contributed to my training. Despite being a male-dominated team, I was always treated with respect, integrity, and valued for my technical skills.
I always knew that entering the automotive world would be a big challenge—one where I would have to try harder, study more, and dedicate myself fully to be on par with my colleagues, simply because this field is predominantly male and there are few women working in it. I felt this pressure even from the beginning of my engineering course, where there were less women enrolled than men. However, I didn’t let this intimidate me. I successfully completed my course and even received an award for the best final paper in the Mechanical Industrial Engineering course for the 2nd semester of 2019. This further encouraged me and proved that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
At the beginning of 2022, the Delga Group invited me to join their Budgeting team, and I accepted the challenge. I was given a respectful and rewarding welcome and I’m treated equally to my colleagues, with the same responsibilities, duties, and recognition. The team is incredibly supportive, and we consistently collaborate with respect and value each other’s potential.
I feel proud to be part of this team of women who have chosen to enter the automotive market—strong, courageous, intelligent, independent women capable of fulfilling any role and facing any challenge. We encourage each other, defend our space, and fight for recognition. I’m happy with my professional and academic choices, with the opportunity to contribute and share my knowledge, and with the recognition I receive for who I am and the professional I have become.
I look forward to a future in which the equality we have fought for is a deeply rooted cultural norm in society. A future where all companies, regardless of their industry, address gender equality with fairness and as a matter of due course. I believe this will lead to a significant increase in the number of women occupying operational, technical, and leadership positions, strengthening diversity and promoting a fairer and more inclusive society.
Statement from Bruna Araújo da Silva, Manufacturing Engineering at Delga
Fig. 2: Bruna Araújo da Silva – Delga
My name is Bruna Araújo da Silva. I am 30 years old and hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidade do Grande ABC. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA in Project Management along with some courses related to product and process development. I’m also Green Belt/Six Sigma certified.
My interest in the industry sparked in 2009 during a visit to the factory where my father worked as a turner. On that tour, I observed a single woman leading a predominantly male sector. This was deeply inspiring, showing me that I could pursue any path I wanted. My brother, already studying engineering at the time, was another source of motivation. The following year, I began studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. However, I faced a significant challenge: my father lost his job and could no longer support my studies. Through determination, persistence, and faith, I secured a full scholarship, marking the start of what once seemed like a distant dream. On my first day at university, I noticed the gender imbalance with thirty-five men to three women in my class. This disparity only strengthened my resolve to excel and achieve my goals.
That same year, I started looking for internships. Having never worked in the industrial sector and being a woman with no experience, I knew it would be a challenge to break into the industry. This was highlighted during a company’s selection process. I passed all the tests, but on the day of the final interview, I was informed by HR that I would not continue in the process. Their explanation was devastating: “You were the best candidate, you passed all the stages, but the manager doesn’t want to hire women.” With these words, I saw my world come crashing down, leading me to consider quitting university and changing industries. However, I gathered all my strength and persevered, setting myself the goal to overcome any difficulties. The following month, I secured my first internship at an electrical panel company, where I learned a great deal and, after a year, was hired.
In 2012, I joined an internship program at Volkswagen, which played a crucial role in my professional career. It confirmed my passion for engineering and fulfilled my dream of working for an automaker. The following year, I took part in the selection process at Delga Diadema for an internship in manufacturing engineering. I was selected, as the only woman among ten participants.
Delga presented my biggest challenge. Initially, it was not easy, as I faced prejudice, including from colleagues in the same sector who doubted my competence simply because I was a woman. Nevertheless, I did not give up. I was determined to build my career, and nothing was going to stop me. I achieved several goals, including participating in an exchange program in Toronto, Canada. All of these accomplishments were the result of hard work and dedication. I had excellent mentors at Delga, and my primary motivation was to learn, gain experience, and excel. I progressed through various roles, from trainee to assistant, analyst, and now a Process Engineer. Currently, I am the coordinator of the continuous improvement group, generating significant gains for the company through a number of applied projects. This brings me immense fulfillment, and I am extremely proud of my commitment and perseverance in the face of challenges, and the recognition I’ve received for all my efforts.
One piece of advice I offer to all women: Do not be ashamed of your dreams, confront your insecurities, and do not let anyone define your success! We can be anything we want or dream of. And most importantly, never give up!
