Amalia Avakian thrives on turning challenges into triumphs
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Meet Amalia
Amalia Avakian, our construction manager at New Fortress Energy, is not just creating structures – she's also using challenges as the building blocks for stories of success.
Her journey began with her fascination for bridges and other large construction projects.
“I was always interested in how a human being could create these structures from zero, and how these projects benefit society,” she recalls.
Amalia's curiosity led her to become an engineer when others said it was difficult, and then to tackle projects others hesitated to take on. Today, she manages our groundbreaking liquefied natural gas terminal and power plant construction projects in Barcarena, Pará, Brazil, pushing the boundaries of innovation. With the terminal's operations on the horizon, Amalia eagerly anticipates delivering a safe, quality handover to the operations team.
“In an area where there is still a lack of development,” she says, “these facilities will certainly be part of a new start of positive economic, social, and environmental growth for Pará.”
She also played a pivotal role in a 200-megawatt emergency power plant construction initiative in Puerto Rico.
“NFE is a place where I can truly be myself, take on exciting challenges, embrace new responsibilities, and think outside the box,” she says. “Everyone works together respectfully with the same goal of providing clean energy to society. I'm thrilled to be part of a team where I can contribute to improving on-site solutions by collaborating transparently, building strong relationships, and working toward a shared vision that brings more benefits to the community.”
Amalia's determination traces back to her childhood. Born in Brazil, she lived in Raleigh, N.C., from age 1 to 7 while her father earned his Ph.D. degree in mathematics. When she returned to Brazil, in addition to having to learn Portuguese and spend extra time studying to keep up at school, she also faced bullying from classmates who teased her for being different. Instead of retreating, though, Amalia persevered to become one of the best students in her class.
Years later, when her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and navigated recovery, Amalia was by her side every step of the way.
“Last Christmas, we went to Italy, and my mother was able to walk as much as 14 kilometers a day,” Amalia said. “Even if she’s in pain, she never gives up. When I find myself facing a big challenge and doubt my ability to achieve the expectations, she gives me the confidence to believe in myself. I once told her I would one day provide a better life for her, and I will always strive to do that.”
As a disciplined leader, Amalia recognizes the importance of balancing work and personal well-being. She is working to incorporate more sports into her routine for physical and mental health and indulge in international travel for rejuvenation.
We celebrate Amalia's dedication to overcoming hurdles and are grateful to have her as a driving force in our mission to power the world with positive energy. More than construction, her story is a testament to the power of transforming challenges into triumphs and leading the way toward a more sustainable future.
