Three decades ago Ilya R. Espino de Marotta earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from Texas A&M University. Later she completed her master’s degree in economic engineering at the Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua in Panama. As she worked her way through school, she studied management development at INCAE (Institute Centro Americano de Administration de Empress) Business School and later at the Kellogg School of Management. In 2007 the Project Management Institute certified her as Project Manager.
Marotta recently served as executive vice president for engineering and program management at the Panama Canal Authority. As executive vice president, she managed the construction of the new bridge on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama. She played a key role in designing and constructing the canal’s new locks.
A lot of history is packed into a 100-year-old organization, and one of the biggest milestones has to be a woman in the highest post. Marotta has explored every corner of the canal during 20 years of work. She first served as a design engineer. Then she worked as a mechanical engineer in the dredging division. In 1994 she was assigned to the accounting division as a valuation engineer, and in 1998 she was a capital investment program coordinator for the Department of Maritime Operations.
The iconic Panama Canal is a key conduit for maritime trade that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Marotta’s role takes her up in a helicopter once a month to direct a photography/videography team and monitor the progress of ambitious work underway. The expansion program was launched in 2007, shortly after Marotta was appointed an executive manager of the engineering department’s Resource Planning and Project Control Division. The division was tasked with the execution of expansion, supervising environment services, security, budget, risk assessment, cost control and execution time, communication, documentation, and legal services.
As an engineer, Marotta says she likes action and confesses to being impatient, open, direct, and more interested in getting things done than talking. Those who work with her consider her a natural leader.
What the field will look like in the future
“Heavy construction will always be required as society advances. Innovative and safe construction methodologies will allow for executing projects at lower costs. Program management will also contribute to more effective and efficient project completion.”
Advice for young people
“Technology will always be part of our lives. It’s constantly evolving and brings progress to the world. Since technology changes as new discoveries occur, we need to keep abreast and up to date.”
Must-have technical skills
“Analytical and mathematical capabilities, creative, innovative, and curious.”
Most important lessons learned in business
“Soft skills and attitude are key in any business. Transparency and dedication are pivotal to success. Always take on challenges, and do not be afraid to learn something new. Believe in yourself.”
Women and minorities in STEM
“Women and minorities should be encouraged to realize that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be interesting and rewarding. They should be exposed, and fun and creative teaching methods should be used to get them engaged.”
Outside her demanding job, she has found time to qualify as a licensed public translator. She received the prestigious 2014 “Outstanding Woman of the Year” award from the Panamanian Association of Business Executives.
She has also been recognized by the Circle of Intellectual Women of Panama with a Technology and Engineering Achievement award and holds the Distinguished Woman Award from the Association of Professional and Business Women of Panama.
Forbes Magazine of Mexico recognized her on its list of the 50 most powerful women in Central America.
She also devotes time to charities. Two close to her heart are the international Ronald McDonald House hospital charity founded by the McDonald’s fast-food chain and Panama’s National Cancer Association because both have supported her and her family over the years when one of her sons and then her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
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