Women in the Global Battery Industry (WGBI) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural appearance at FENIBAT 2025 in Londrina, Brazil, celebrating the successful launch of its Latin America Chapter and bringing together women from across the region to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their presence in the battery industry.
A reception that united the region
The highlight of WGBI's FENIBAT experience was the Latin America Reception, drawing over 40 attendees from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia, Argentina, and beyond. Women representing diverse sectors of the battery industry gathered to celebrate the chapter launch and forge meaningful connections that will strengthen the regional network.
Grace Rocha, WGBI Latin America Chapter Leader, and Eugenia Montes, a chapter member, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of connecting women in the industry and outlining what WGBI can offer as the organization expands into new global chapters. The evening's personal touch came when each attendee introduced themselves with a passed microphone, creating an intimate atmosphere that fostered genuine connections among participants.
The reception was made possible through generous sponsorship from Grupo Moura and WGBI's sustaining sponsors, demonstrating strong industry support for the organization's mission.
WGBI voices take center stage
WGBI members showcased their expertise across FENIBAT's main stage, representing the organization's leadership across various aspects of the industry:
Grace Rocha delivered a compelling presentation sharing the vision behind the Latin America chapter launch. Her presentation explored the mission and goals of the new chapter while underscoring the critical need for representation and support for women throughout the battery industry. As R&D Leader at ITEMM, Rocha brings deep technical expertise in electrochemistry and manufacturing processes, having discovered her passion for these fields during her career development.
Paloma Barbieri, Production & Operations Director at Baterias Pioneiro and new WGBI Latin America member, presented on the future of energy, examining the journey of lead-acid batteries and the advancement of AGM technology. She explored critical developments in battery technology and energy storage solutions, exemplifying the type of leadership and expertise that WGBI seeks to elevate within the Latin American battery industry.
Melissa Oliveira, Americas Sales Manager for Energy Storage & Industrial Filtration at Ahlstrom, presented on fiber-based solutions for the lead-acid battery industry. As both a WGBI member and leader in the field, Oliveira represents the expertise and innovation that characterizes the organization's membership, highlighting cutting-edge developments in battery technology applications.
Addressing regional challenges and opportunities
The Latin America Chapter, officially launched in January 2025, is dedicated to advancing women's roles and opportunities in the battery industry across the region while addressing unique challenges. Rocha has
identified specific barriers facing women in Latin America's battery industry, including cultural norms, limited resources, and a significant gap between academia and industry that creates additional obstacles for women pursuing careers in technology.
Unlike regions where industries actively sponsor university projects, Latin American universities often lack similar support, limiting the development of laboratories and researchers. To address these challenges, WGBI envisions playing a crucial role in increasing the visibility of the battery industry in academic settings. This approach could attract more women to the sector while strengthening the connection between research and practical applications.
Building on core mission
The Latin America Chapter operates within WGBI's established framework of four key pillars that have proven successful globally:
✨ Networking - through dedicated events like the FENIBAT reception that bring women together
✨ Professional growth - through committee participation that develops leadership and critical industry communication skills
✨ Education - via webinars, meetings, and discussions with subject matter experts in the field
✨ Mentorship programs - that identify role models to inspire the next generation through formal mentor-mentee partnerships
Industry recognition and future vision
WGBI's presence at FENIBAT 2025 garnered notable support from industry partners, including recognition from Lee Puckett at Atomized Products Group Inc. and continued support from APG. This acknowledgment from established industry players underscores the growing recognition of WGBI's important role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the battery sector.
The combination of the well-attended reception, powerful main stage presentations, and enthusiastic industry support demonstrates significant appetite for WGBI's mission throughout the region. The connections made at FENIBAT 2025 will serve as building blocks for expanded programming, enhanced mentorship opportunities, and stronger regional networks that will benefit women across Latin America.
With the Latin America Chapter now officially launched and celebrated, WGBI is well-positioned to continue expanding its global impact while addressing unique needs and opportunities within each regional market. The success at FENIBAT 2025 marks both a celebration of current achievements and a launching pad for the future of women's leadership in the global battery industry.
