For Natalia Vasquez, engineering was never just about numbers—it was about building connections, solving challenges, and forging new paths. Born and raised in Medellin, Colombia, Natalia’s professional journey has already spanned three countries and 16,900 kilometers (or 10,500 miles), reflecting the quiet determination and curiosity that have shaped her life from the beginning.

Early Roots and Formative Lessons

Natalia credits much of her collaborative mindset to growing up alongside her younger sister, Elizabeth. Just a year apart, the two learned to navigate life together, supporting one another through challenges, celebrating small victories, and building the trust that now defines Natalia’s leadership style.

“My sister and I always had a strong bond,” Natalia shares. “That sense of teamwork taught me to stay steady under pressure and always work toward solutions together.”

Her early interest in business was influenced by her mother, a business manager, whose work inspired Natalia to pursue a degree that combines organizational strategy with technical depth. While exploring post-secondary options, an aunt introduced her to a specialized program in productivity and quality engineering. This discipline blends engineering production methods and continuous improvements with business administration and project management. It felt like the perfect degree.

Her formal education immediately resonated. Natalia says. “It combined everything I was interested in engineering, systems, and business logic.” She enrolled at Politecnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid, the only university in Colombia that offers this unique degree.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Courage

Natalia’s professional path in project controls began on the other side of the world in New Caledonia. This is where she started her career in document control, before advancing into project controls and commissioning coordination. “I found that tracking progress, analyzing performance, and seeing how all the parts of a project fit together was the work I enjoyed most,” she says.

Following her international assignment, Natalia returned to Colombia to work in cost control before seizing an opportunity again, this time across the Pacific Ocean. In 2023, she relocated to Australia, where she currently works as a project controller for Hatch in Brisbane.

“This field gives me an overall perspective of how things work, how teams move together, and how goals are achieved,” she explains.” It aligns perfectly with my aspiration to become a strong project manager.”

Throughout her journey, mentorship has played a powerful role. Sakthy Somasundaram provided earlier mentorship as a project manager in Sri Lanka. He guided her during her five years in New Caledonia. His background is from Sri Lanka with limited resources, which allows decision making for efficiency with no waste.” In Australia, she continues to receive guidance from Dan Sissini, a project controls lead who has supported her in finding work and provided great insight into challenging roles.

The AACE Community and Professional Growth

Although Natalia is a new member of AACE, she is an active and enthusiastic learner. “I haven’t yet attended the annual conference due to distance, but I greatly appreciate the organization’s support systems, especially the member assistance program,” she says. “I’d love to see more engagement and regional opportunities in the South Pacific. I’d be happy to support that effort here in Brisbane.”

In the meantime, Natalia actively taps into AACE’s digital resources. “The virtual library, technical resources, job descriptions, and AACE community offer so much value,” she explains. With a strong drive for self-learning and initiative, she encourages other professionals, especially those early in their careers to explore the wide range of AACE tools to stay current, develop new skills, and deepen their expertise.

Words to Work and Live By

One piece of advice has stuck with Natalia throughout her career: “The best path to success is to avoid saying no to opportunities that align with your goals.” It’s a mindset that has led her from Medellin to New Caledonia, to Perth, and now to Brisbane—saying yes has consistently opened new doors to fresh challenges, new experiences, and growth.

Where did your journey begin, and how did your upbringing shape your approach to work?

I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. I’ve always been very close with my younger sister, Elizabeth—we’re just a year apart. That bond taught me a great deal about teamwork, trust, and resilience. It has really shaped how I approach leadership today: staying calm under pressure, supporting my team, and working together toward solutions.

How did you decide on your career path in engineering?

My early interest in business came from my mom—she was a business manager and a huge influence. However, in my final year of high school, I began to become more curious about how things worked. I wanted to combine both interests. My aunt introduced me to a degree in Productivity and Quality Engineering, which blends engineering with continuous improvement, project management, and business administration. It felt like the perfect fit.

Where did you study, and what drew you to your university?

I studied at Politecnico Colombiano Jaime Isaza Cadavid—it was the only university in Colombia offering that specific degree at the time. I loved that it brought together everything I was passionate about: systems, processes, and business logic.

How did you get started in project controls?

My first major project was in New Caledonia. I started in document control and gradually moved into project controls, eventually focusing on commissioning coordination. I realized I really enjoyed measuring progress, tracking performance, and understanding how all the moving parts of a project come together.

Where has your career taken you since then?

After New Caledonia, I returned to Colombia and worked in cost control. Then in 2023, I moved to Perth, Australia—more than 16,000 kilometers away! It’s been a big move, but a great one. I’m now working as a project controller for Hatch in Brisbane.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love getting the full picture—seeing how everything fits together. Project controls gives me that perspective and helps me work toward my long-term goal of becoming a strong project manager.

Have mentors played a role in your growth?

Absolutely. My project manager in New Caledonia, Sakthy Somasundaram, was an incredible mentor. His background in Sri Lanka taught me how to make smart, efficient decisions—even with limited resources. And here in Australia, I’ve had the support of Dan Sissini, our project controls lead. He’s helped me find meaningful work and pointed me toward roles that challenge me and help me grow.

You’re a new member of AACE. What has your experience been like so far?

I haven’t been able to attend the annual conference yet because of the distance, but I truly appreciate the member assistance program and the support AACE provides. I’d really love to see more engagement here in the South Pacific, and I’d be happy to help support or organize activities in Brisbane.

How do you stay engaged with the AACE community from afar?

I make full use of the digital resources. The virtual library, technical content, job descriptions, and member discussions offer so much value. I’m someone who enjoys self-learning and takes initiative to keep growing. AACE makes that possible.

What would you say to professionals—especially those new to the field—about AACE?

Take advantage of the resources! There’s a wide range of tools to help you build your skills and stay current. Whether it’s formal training or just reading through member discussions, there’s always something to learn.

Any final words of wisdom for others in the industry?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is: “The best path to success is to avoid saying no to opportunities that align with your goals.” That mindset has opened doors for me—from Medellin to New Caledonia to Brisbane. Saying yes, even when it’s uncertain, has brought growth, new experiences, and amazing opportunities.