By Ana Carolina Parrado Rodríguez
Commercial Manager, Impovar S.A. | Board Member and Treasurer, Cámara Chilena de Refrigeración y Climatización A.G. | Member of the CTT Committee, ASHRAE Chile Chapter
“A valuable professional connection is measured not only by the business it generates, but also by the knowledge it shares, the doors it opens and the positive impact it can have.”
My journey began 16 years ago at Impovar S.A., a company involved in importing and distributing construction materials in South America. I have developed much of my professional career there and currently serve as Commercial Manager.
Through Impovar, I had the opportunity to discover a broad, technical and challenging industry connected to different areas of construction and its specialist disciplines. Over the years, I deepened my knowledge, developed business relationships and came to understand the importance of materials, innovation and technical solutions in the delivery of projects.
My introduction to HVACR was a natural progression, particularly through our membership of the Chamber for more than 15 years, supplying products and solutions for refrigeration, air conditioning and heating.
It has been a journey of continuous learning. I have come to understand that commercial leadership also requires knowing the industry, listening to its specialists and continuing to evolve.
Being part of the Board of the Cámara Chilena de Refrigeración y Climatización has brought enormous professional and personal growth.
It has allowed me to broaden my perspective beyond commercial management, understand the sector’s challenges more closely, collaborate with others and contribute to initiatives that seek to strengthen our industry and shape its future.
It has also given me the opportunity to work with highly experienced professionals, learn from different specialisms and contribute my own experience, bringing a commercial and strategic perspective to industry discussions.
One of the things I value most is participating in training and activities that connect us with younger generations, especially young women discovering their opportunities in technical and professional fields.
I firmly believe that leadership is about the position we hold and our ability to contribute, build trust and open opportunities for others.
Professional relationships have been fundamental to my journey. I am convinced that the best opportunities arise when there is trust, respect, collaboration and a genuine willingness to share knowledge.
Over the years, I have built relationships with customers, suppliers, specialists and representatives of different organisations, including through my membership of the ASHRAE Chile Chapter. These connections have supported my commercial development and enriched my understanding of the industry and its regulations.
My involvement in the Chamber has strengthened these connections in particular. It has allowed me to meet people with different experiences and perspectives, create new opportunities for collaboration and participate in initiatives that extend beyond the interests of any individual company.
I have learned that a valuable professional connection is measured not only by the business it generates, but also by the knowledge it shares, the doors it opens and the positive impact it can have.
If this journey has taught me anything, it is that industries develop through knowledge and technology, but grow stronger through people.
Based on an interview supplied by the Cámara Chilena de Refrigeración y Climatización A.G. The answers have been translated from Spanish and lightly edited into a continuous article.
Local Voices | Chile
Local voices. Global connections. One HVACR community.
This article shares Ana Carolina Parrado Rodríguez’s contribution to Global HVACR Women Week 2026, taking place from 25–31 October.
It forms part of our Local Voices — Speak Up. Write Now. 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.
