Empowered by Technology: My Career Journey
Read on to learn more about Fernanda’s career journey alongside us. From support intern to IT leader, she’s taking hold of her passions, speaking about her drive to success, continuously learning, and growing within her skill sets.
“My journey in technology began with curiosity. At 17, I took a basic computer systems course without imagining it would mark the beginning of a path that would transform my life. I grew up in a humble neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, without role models in technology and with no one to guide my decisions, but the moment I sat in front of a computer, I discovered a passion that would shape my future.
With a lot of effort, I studied Computer Science while working at the same time. It was difficult, and many times I felt like giving up, but I kept going. My first job was as a support intern; I carried floppy disks under my arm and visited clinics to install systems. I wasn’t the most technical person, but I did have something that made a difference: the ability to communicate, connect, and build trust. Without realizing it, that was where the professional I am today began to take shape.
Aware that I needed to improve my English to advance my career, I sold my car and moved to Australia. I studied, worked as a waitress, and returned to my country with a new world of possibilities. That leap changed my life: I started working in global companies and growing in service desk solutions, telecom, and operations. Later, when I became a single mother, my professional purpose was redefined: beyond resolving tickets, I wanted to contribute through service, continuous improvement, and human-centered leadership.
That’s how in 2017 I discovered Nestlé was a place where my potential would be recognized and where I could enjoy motherhood while continuing to grow professionally. I found a type of leadership that transformed me. Nestlé gave me tools, training, support, and the space to balance my career and personal life.
Today I lead a multicultural team in IT & Digital Americas, a space where people from different countries and backgrounds work as One Team, driving digital transformation through technology, data, and diverse talent. I deeply believe in close, human, and empathetic leadership, because when people feel valued, we become agents of impact for the business, the community, and our brands.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that technology alone doesn’t change anything. What truly creates impact is how we work together to generate value and move forward toward the future.
That’s why the phrase that has always guided me—and reflects who I am as a professional and as a person is: “No one is better than all of us together.”
We’re ‘all in’ on uncovering how technology can enhance the day-to-day of our culture. Want in on the action and learn more about what we have to offer? Be sure to enroll in our talent community to receive personalized job alerts that fir your skill set.
