From Lima to Paris: Sofia Ore Vasquez, pioneer of the energy transition

From an early age, Sofia Ore Vasquez was immersed in an environment conducive to engineering. With a father and a brother in the electrical engineering field, she was deeply influenced by their stories and experiences. “My father always told me about his work on renewable energies in the Peruvian mountains, and my brother taught me to appreciate the evolution of technologies, while showing us an energy future geared towards innovation,” says the Peruvian student. This constant family support and her determination to live up to her parents' expectations prompted her to enter Peru's National University of Engineering (UNI), where she acquired a solid grounding in electrical engineering. Following this, she continued her studies in France with a double degree at IMT Atlantique, specializing in Energy Transition and the Environment.

This journey was made possible thanks to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, a true springboard for her ambitions, culminating in her being awarded first prize at the WEIT ceremony by Élisabeth Moreno, former Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister, responsible for Equality between Women and Men, Diversity and Equal Opportunities. “I felt extremely honored to receive this award from such a prestigious jury, in the presence of my parents, who had come to France for the very first time to share this moment with me." A great joy and pride after many years of effort and commitment for the student. “Today, this award gives me even more motivation to continue making my contribution to the energy transition”, continues the winner.

Multiple influences and an international background

Sofia's experience extends far beyond the borders of Peru. As she points out, “living in several countries has enabled me to develop a profile focused on the management of engineering projects with an international dimension, while strengthening my ability to adapt to new cultural and professional environments”.

And with good reason: her career path has led her to work for major French companies such as RTE (an EDF subsidiary), where she took part in the development of electricity interconnection projects between France and its neighboring countries. Today, she is continuing her studies with an internship at EDF, where she will be working on French nuclear strategy, with an ambitious goal: to contribute to the development of the nuclear market internationally. 

Concrete initiatives for the energy transition

Sofia Ore Vasquez not only follows an academic curriculum, she is also actively involved in projects linked to the energy transition. During her internships, she contributed to projects aimed at optimizing energy production, particularly in the solar and nuclear sectors. She also worked on the adaptation of the French electricity transmission network to the challenges of the energy transition, an enriching experience she had during her first internship in France.

Alongside her studies and professional commitments, Sofia Ore Vasquez applies an “energy sobriety” approach in her personal life. She takes care to reduce her energy consumption, favors public transport and seeks to minimize her unnecessary purchases. “It is about making responsible choices on a daily basis, such as using second-hand sales apps or prioritizing the recycling of objects, while remaining true to my personal values and my commitment to sustainability,” she explains.

A future vision of innovation and sustainability

In addition to her studies, the young Peruvian has strong professional ambitions. In April 2025, she will begin her end-of-studies project at EDF, in the strategy team of the Nuclear Development department. She will analyze nuclear markets in France and abroad, with the aim of proposing innovative solutions, such as the export of SMR (Small Modular Reactors) to developing countries. For Sofia, this project is an opportunity to combine its technical and intercultural skills while contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Actively defending the place of women in STEM

The student is also committed to the inclusion of women in scientific and technical careers, otherwise known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). An active member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), she participates in programs such as “Women in Engineering” and “Women in Power”, which aim to promote gender equality in science and technology-related professions. She is also vice-president of the IEEE Chair (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) at IMT Atlantique and is involved in the organization of the Women in Engineering International Leadership Summit (ILS) 2025.

The young student is convinced that gender equality requires concrete commitment from an early age, particularly through mentoring programs. “Mentoring is essential to help young girls consider careers in science. It is vital that they have role models, people they can identify with and who support them on their journey,” she asserts. Thanks to her own experiences, Sofia hopes to encourage new generations of women to embark on technical and scientific careers, without feeling limited by stereotypes.

An inspirational role model for future generations

Sofia Ore Vasquez is not just an engineering student. She embodies the vision of a new generation of women engineers, resolutely focused on innovation and sustainability. Winner of the WEIT award, she is keen not only to showcase her academic and professional achievements, but also to contribute to a greater cause: the inclusion of women in the energy transition. “My aim is to prove that anything is possible, no matter where you come from, as long as you give yourself the means to achieve your goals. If my story can inspire other girls, then I'll have achieved what I set out to do,” she explains.

Through her actions and her journey, the young Peruvian shows that the energy transition can only be achieved with an inclusive approach, bringing innovative perspectives and fostering the diversity essential to meeting the challenges of tomorrow's world.