Yailén Rodríguez Velázquez’s professional life is a clear example of how passion, hard work, and breaking stereotypes can build a solid career. With 14 years of professional experience, this chemical engineer —who graduated from the University of Oriente in 2012— has demonstrated that women’s talent knows no bounds. Today, she works successfully at the Copextel Las Tunas branch, where she joined in January 2024 to contribute her analytical vision and problem-solving skills.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- For her, choosing engineering was not a decision made lightly. “I decided to study this field because of my 12th-grade chemistry teacher, whose excellent classes made me fall in love with the subject,” she confesses.

However, her path was not a straight one. At one point, she considered other professions: “I really changed my mind very quickly until, finally, chemical engineering emerged as my calling.”

In a field that has historically been male-dominated, Yailén proudly points out that times have changed and today both men and women occupy these roles with complete ease.

“These days, we women have proven that we’re capable of excelling in whatever we set our minds to. For me, being an engineer is a source of pride—gender doesn’t define professional ability.”

This young engineer deeply values the formative impact her degree has had on her daily life. “My life has been shaped by engineering. I’m so grateful for all the tools my engineering education gave me to tackle everyday challenges —that analytical ability instilled in me by the excellent faculty.”

With a decade and a half of experience under her belt, Yailén has no plans to slow down. Her professional goal is clear: to continue on the path of learning. “Knowledge takes up no space,” she states, making it clear that staying up to date and intellectual curiosity are pillars of her life.

But her influence extends beyond the workplace. As a mother, she hopes to instill in her son the value of professional fulfillment. “I think my son is also proud of his mom,” she says with emotion.

“Although I respect whatever decision he makes in the future, I always advise him to study what he’s passionate about so he can become an excellent professional.”

Yailén Rodríguez Velázquez undoubtedly embodies the new generation of Cuban women who, through talent and perseverance, have carved out a place for themselves in the exact sciences.