In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (IWED), ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), the operator of the PNG LNG Project, honours the women whose leadership and expertise keep the Project running safely, reliably, and efficiently. Among them is Alma Gaso, an engineer whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional, and whose work reflects the growing presence and influence of women across the energy industry.

Alma is from Popondetta in Oro Province and is the second of three siblings. She is also the only engineer in her family, a distinction that makes her journey even more special. Outside of her work, Alma enjoys traveling, she loves Japan for its delicious cuisine and Thailand for its beautiful beaches.

Her engineering journey, however, was not always part of her plan. “I never planned on becoming an engineer. Life just took me down this path, but I enjoyed the journey, and I like where I’ve landed.” That openness, to learning, exploring, and embracing unexpected opportunities has played an important role in shaping her career. For someone like Alma, who found engineering by chance, opportunities for exposure and encouragement matter deeply. Today, she sees a positive shift with young girls given opportunities and encouragement to pursue engineering careers.

Alma joined ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) in 2015 as part of the fourth cohort of engineering graduates and was one of only two female engineers in her intake. Over the years, she has gained diverse experience across a range of engineering roles, as well as in business functions beyond her technical field. Alma also had the opportunity to undertake a two-year expatriate assignment at ExxonMobil’s Singapore office. During this time, she served in two key positions, first as an LNG Commercial Manager, and later as an LNG Supply Planner. In these roles, she was responsible for managing LNG sales and marketing and planning and scheduling LNG deliveries to long-term buyers for the PNG LNG Project.

Today, Alma is back supporting the PNG LNG Project, where she thrives serving as a Machinery Engineering Lead, a role that combines her technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. She describes her work in a way that brings it to life, “Machinery engineering is like being a doctor, but for machines. We diagnose problems, fix them, and make sure everything runs at its best. “The exciting part is troubleshooting issues, it’s like being a detective, piecing together clues to solve a problem.”

Asked to describe herself in three words, she responds simply — adaptable, positive, and easy-going. Yet her journey reflects much more, a quiet determination and the courage to grow in a field where women are still underrepresented. What motivates Alma is both the challenge and the people. No two days are ever the same in engineering; there is always something to improve, optimize, or rethink. But beyond the technical demands, it is collaboration that inspires her most.

“There’s so much to learn from others, their experiences and their stories, "she added.

Her goals extend beyond personal success. In an environment where safety and precision are critical, Alma’s work contributes directly to operational excellence. She leads with confidence and care, ensuring that systems perform efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. “I want my work to improve safety, efficiency, and performance, but also to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones,”

Behind Alma’s success is the value of mentorship and the importance of strong role models for young girls. She credits her mentors who have helped guide her journey.

Like many in her field, Alma works in high-pressure environments, particularly during critical operations. She manages the demands through careful planning and teamwork. Alma’s journey reflects a broader shift happening across the industry. Women in engineering are no longer just increasing in number, they are shaping decisions, leading teams, and helping define the future of the industry.

Still, her path has not been without challenges. One of her biggest has been developing the confidence to speak up. “I’m still working on it,” she admits, “but I’ve become more comfortable sharing my perspective.” Those moments, speaking up in a room full of professionals, stand out to be meaningful achievements. “They might seem small, but they show growth.”

Alma’s story also highlights the importance of early exposure through initiatives like ExxonMobil PNG’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IAGTED) program. These programs help open doors and inspire the next generation of women engineers by breaking down stereotypes and building confidence early.

“If there’s one thing I want young girls to take away,” Alma says, “it’s this – be curious, be adaptable, and don’t limit yourself.”

As EMPNG continues to invest in programs that empower young women, stories like Alma’s are the proof of what is possible. Her story is a reminder that when girls are encouraged to explore, learn, and believe in themselves, they don’t just enter engineering, they reshape it