After spending time with their mentees, four of our leaders—among the many who took part in the program at Tecpetrol—reflect on what they took away from the experience. They share the insights gained and how the exchange inspired both sides to keep growing in their professional journeys.

On Saturday, March 15, Tecpetrol joined the “Global Mentoring Walk”, an inspiring event held every year by Vital Voices Global Partnership. The walk brings together mentors and mentees in pairs, inviting them to reflect on their professional journeys—sharing both achievements and challenges—while simply walking and talking.

This year, the event took place in 26 cities across Argentina, and in 185 cities in 61 countries around the world. Tecpetrol was represented in Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Salta, and Chubut.

Diana Trujillo, Optimization & Planning Manager, joined the walk in Rada Tilly. As a mentor, she embraced the importance of “active listening,” recognizing that the goal isn’t to offer quick advice or ready-made answers—especially when meeting someone for the first time. Her mentee was an artist with a bold dream: to expand his art school in the heart of an oil-producing city.

“I told him I'm Ecuadorian, from Ecuador, and moving here really opened up new possibilities for me,” said Diana Trujillo. Being in a male-dominated industry, that change helped me grow—personally and professionally. It showed me I could adapt, bring value in a new environment, and keep moving forward in my career.” Reflecting on the experience, she added, “We both got something out of it. It’s great to start building a network that could grow into something even more meaningful down the line—for both the mentor and the mentee.”

Claudia Galarza, Geotechnical Manager, joined the Buenos Aires walk and was paired with a newly graduated geologist curious about leadership and career growth. “I wanted to help him believe in himself and remind him that he can absolutely go after his goals,” she said. “I had people who lit the way for me, so I thought it was important to share that journey. Things have changed—women have made real progress in this industry. It’s not the same as it was 20 years ago.”

“She also pointed out, “Women carry a lot—family, finances—but only 6% of CEOs in the world are women. What really stuck with me from this experience is the idea that we should be a prism for one another. If we all shine, we can build something bigger together. A constellation. It’s just easier when we support each other.”

In Neuquén, Chiara Dolci, Planning Expert, joined the walk and found strength in the shared energy of the group. “There were a lot of us, and that made me feel supported. It’s a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone,” she said. “These kinds of spaces help you build connections, feel stronger, and keep moving toward whatever you set out to do.”

Chiara was paired with a biologist who had quit her job to start an independent path more in line with her values. “She had made a big decision, and we connected right away,” says Chiara. “I’ve had a few years of experience myself, so I felt ready to step into the mentor role too. It really felt like an exchange—we shared stories, found a lot in common, and built a real sense of empathy.” She also shared a moment that captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “Just as we all set off for the walk, it started pouring—really unusual weather for my city. But the energy was so good, so positive, that no one cared about getting a little wet.”

In Salta, Luciana Fernández, Community Relations Sr. Analyst, was matched with not one but two mentees—one with a degree in Data Science, the other in Law, Notary Public, and Communications. “Both were highly qualified and looking to transition into roles with a social impact, which is why they were paired with me,” she explained. “Since I work in Human Resources and Community Relations, we had a lot to talk about.”

Luciana had taken part in the event before, but this year marked a new chapter. “The last two years I participated as a mentee,” she said. “This time they asked me to join as a mentor, and I said, ‘Yes, I’m in!’ It felt really meaningful to give back what I once received.”

The event itself is simple but powerful. Though called a "walk," it's really about the conversation—just like when, nearly 30 years ago, American executive Geraldine Laybourne agreed to mentor a young woman who often asked her for advice. Short on time, she invited the young woman to join her for a walk in Central Park. That walk turned into a mentoring model that lives on today, now coordinated by Vital Voices Global Partnership.

During the event, pairs stroll together until they find a quiet spot to talk. In some cases, their conversations last around 35 minutes; in others, they stretch to an hour and a half.

The activity shines a light on the value of women’s leadership and the powerful, transformative impact that mentoring can have. Launched in 2008, the initiative has become an annual tradition, held each year in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Representing Tecpetrol were Claudia Galarza from the City of Buenos Aires; Emiliana Ratti from Comodoro Rivadavia; Andrea Fernández, Yaín Agustina Camps Fernández, Marcela Morales, Itatí Soldini, Chiara Dolci, Cecilia Carreño, Claudia Chavez, and Martina Bualo from the city of Neuquén; Diana Trujillo Martínez, Yael Bernardi, and Sandra Fernández from the city of Rada Tilly (Chubut); María Laura Solbiati, Gabriela Quirós, Flavia Yáñez, Luciana Fernández and Inés Torino Araoz from the city of Salta.