Quota Hire or Qualified? Women Owning Their Power in Engineering

Quota Hire or Qualified? Women Owning Their Power in Engineering

From You don’t look like an Engineer by Laura Miranda & Sohan Roopra

January 8, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 47

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and experiences of women in engineering, focusing on issues like unconscious bias and leadership styles.

In this Episode of You don't Look Like and Engineer, we delve into what it really means to build a career as a woman in the energy and engineering sectors. Carolina Mayol, a senior grid connections engineer, and Jasmine Wiklander, a senior energy and infrastructure recruitment consultant, share how childhood passions, cultural identity and career twists led them into renewables and people-focused work. Together, they unpack “quota hire” versus “qualified”, how unconscious bias shows up in hiring and promotion, and why women are often required to overperform just to be seen as equally capable. They explore confidence gaps, risk-taking, leadership styles that don’t fit the traditional “boys’ club”, and the power of using your voice without dimming your femininity or authenticity. This is a practical, honest conversation for women in STEM, leaders, and anyone serious about building truly inclusive teams.

People in this episode

Hosts: Laura Miranda, Sohan Roopra

Guests: Carolina Mayol, Jasmine Wiklander

Topics covered

  • women in engineering
  • career development
  • unconscious bias
  • leadership styles
  • confidence gaps
  • inclusive teams

Keywords

  • quota hire
  • qualified
  • STEM
  • energy sector
  • cultural identity
  • renewables
  • women empowerment

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