By Diana Ñaupa Congachi
Electronics Engineer, Commercial Executive and HVAC&R Solutions Specialist for the Retail and Industrial Sectors
In HVAC&R, a conversation, a recommendation or an open door can change a professional career. Throughout my journey, I have seen that growth depends not only on technical preparation or years of experience, but also on the people we meet, the knowledge we share and the opportunities we create for one another.
I am from Peru and trained as an electronics engineer. My journey in HVAC&R began in December 2014, when I started my professional internship at a company specialising in servicing and installing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
I began as an administrative assistant and, through effort, perseverance and continuous learning, progressively took on new challenges as a service supervisor and head of operations. Along the way, I had the opportunity to lead technical teams, manage services for major business groups and participate in industrial projects. That experience helped me discover how different engineering disciplines can come together in HVAC&R, each bringing a valuable perspective to the sector.
My training as an electronics engineer has enabled me to work in HVAC&R from both a technical and commercial perspective, complementing the knowledge of specialists from other disciplines. This professional diversity should be seen as a strength that helps us develop more complete solutions and an industry with a greater capacity for innovation.
My professional journey has included challenges and periods of change. Pursuing new goals and taking on different responsibilities taught me the importance of trusting my abilities, remaining open to learning and recognising that we can continue to grow at every stage of our careers.
Today, I work in a commercial role, specialising in HVAC&R solutions for the retail and industrial sectors. My experience allows me to understand customers’ needs from both technical and commercial perspectives, seeking solutions that add value and support their operations. This role has also confirmed that trust and professional relationships are as important as technical knowledge in building projects that last.
As a woman in this industry, I believe it is essential to create spaces where we can share experiences, knowledge and opportunities. That is why I value initiatives such as “Frías del HVAC”, a community of women seeking to strengthen our connections through collaboration, ethics and respect. Building a community also means making other professionals’ work visible, recommending talented people and opening doors whenever we can.
I believe connections between women can bring significant change. A recommendation, a conversation, a job opportunity or a willingness to share knowledge can make a difference to another woman’s career. We do not always need to do something extraordinary to help; often, listening, offering guidance and sharing what we have learned is enough.
I would like to see more opportunities for women from different companies, specialisms and countries to meet. We can learn from one another, exchange technical experiences, address shared challenges and demonstrate how much women’s talent contributes to air conditioning and refrigeration. Our different professions, experiences and generations can become a network of learning and support for us all.
Global HVACR Women Week is an opportunity to strengthen these connections and remember that one woman’s growth can also help many others grow.
I am convinced that we can build a community where we move forward together. When we share our knowledge, recognise other professionals’ work and open doors, we contribute to a more inclusive, collaborative industry that is better prepared for the future.
We can expand the opportunities for more women to participate, lead and grow in HVAC&R. United by refrigeration and guided by ethics, we can connect, learn and open new paths.
Local voices. Global connections. One HVACR community.
This article was contributed by Diana Ñaupa Congachi for Global HVACR Women Week 2026, taking place from 25–31 October. It was originally written in Spanish and has been translated into English for publication.
It forms part of our Local Voices series, in which women share their experiences of working in HVACR and the connections that have made a difference along the way. By sharing these stories, we hope to help others find people they can learn from, exchange ideas with and support.
What connection has made a difference to you? We welcome contributions from women across HVACR, wherever you work and whatever stage of your career you have reached. Your story does not need to be long or polished—a simple experience could help someone else take their next step.
To share your story or find ways to take part, visit globalhvacrwomenweek.com.
