SPECIAL FEATURE
LARGE OR SMALL: “OUR PROJECTS CAN CHANGE LIVES” A fairer, more inclusive approach to development begins with removing bias. Each of us can contribute – and make a difference By Luiscela Moreno
I was born and raised in Venezuela, a country rich in natural resources but shaped by deep development challenges. Growing up in that environment gave me an appreciation
“The OPEC Fund’s evolving policies have helped me maintain a work-life balance without compromising my professional growth.”
for stability and the need for sustainable development. After
studying Economics and International Affairs, I cut my teeth in banking. This experience taught me how important energy is to economic growth and how listening to the needs of clients is essential to suggest and design suitable solutions. I joined the OPEC Fund in 2014 in the Private Sector department, working on the origination, implementation and restructuring of projects. At that time, gender-focused policies were not as visible as they are today. My career progression was driven largely by curiosity, hard work and a willingness to take on new challenges – be it opening markets, contributing to working groups or engaging in policy discussions. In recent years, though, I have seen tangible improvements. More maternity leave and flexible arrangements have made the organization more family- friendly. As the mother of a young child, these changes have been invaluable. The OPEC Fund’s evolving policies have helped me maintain a work-life balance without compromising my professional growth. Over the years, I have worked on more than 50 projects. One of the most challenging and rewarding was
Luiscela Moreno, Director, Latin America & the Caribbean, OPEC Fund
in Honduras. The country had just launched an initiative to shift its energy matrix from 60 percent fossil fuels to 60 percent renewables. We supported the first solar independent power producer under this program. The Pacifico and Choluteca I/II 81.7MW Solar Power Plants project faced so many obstacles: the sponsor went bankrupt, a fire damaged the plant, while political and climate hurdles hampered progress.
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