Claudia Patricia Arango Botero
Who are you?
My name is Claudia.
I am the General Manager of ERECOS, a Colombian company specializing in the manufacturing refractoriess and the provision of specialized services for the thermal industry. I hold a degree in Electrical Engineering and have 36 years of professional experience, primarily in commercial leadership roles, driving growth strategies, market development, and long-term relationships with industrial customers.
At this stage of my career, I am particularly interested in sharing my experience with organizations, companies, professional groups, and industry peers, fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices that contribute to enhancing competitiveness, innovation, and the sustainable development of the industry.
How old are you and for how long do you work in the refractories industry?
I am 59 years old and have spent the past nine years working in the refractory materials industry.
Before entering this fascinating field, I built my career across several sectors, including the electrical industry, agribusiness, industrial automation, and business process outsourcing (BPO). This diverse background has given me a broad business perspective and the ability to adapt best practices across industries.
Who has significantly influenced your professional life?
Many people have shaped my professional life, each in a different way.
My mother has been my greatest influence. Through her example, she taught me resilience, integrity, and the importance of treating every person with dignity and respect. Those values have guided every leadership role I have held.
I was also fortunate to have exceptional teachers at the German School and inspiring professors throughout my academic journey. They encouraged curiosity, discipline, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
One mentor introduced me to the world of art, broadening my perspective and teaching me that creativity and innovation often emerge from looking beyond our own field.
Finally, my grandfather instilled in me a principle that continues to guide both my professional and personal life: success is meaningful only if it creates opportunities for others. He taught me that we all have a responsibility to help reduce the gaps that separate us from those with fewer opportunities, and that belief continues to shape the way I lead, make decisions, and contribute to my community.
Tell us something about your personal background. What do you burn for besides refractories?
Beyond refractories, I am passionate about learning, culture, and giving back to society.
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, attending cultural events, and staying active through sports. I also dedicate part of my time to social impact through Rotary International and as a member of the Board of the Red Cross in Antioquia, Colombia.
In my free time, I mentor entrepreneurs, sharing my professional experience and supporting them as they grow their businesses.
How did you get aware of Women@Refractories?
I learned about Women@Refractories through Jessica Fernández, who told me about the initiative and invited me to become involved. I was truly excited by the opportunity because, in my company, I lead a team where the majority of the members are women.
Supporting and empowering women in our industry is something I genuinely care about, so becoming part of this network feels like a perfect fit.
Why did you join Women@Refractories?
I joined Women@Refractories because I believe that strong professional networks create opportunities to learn, collaborate, and inspire positive change.
How has the initiative impacted your professional or personal life?
It has given me the opportunity to connect with an inspiring community of women, as well as an exceptional male ally, who share a passion for our industry and a commitment to supporting one another.
This network will enrich my professional and personal growth through collaboration, shared experiences, and continuous learning.
Which specific tasks or areas do you currently support within the initiative, and/or in which areas would you like to contribute in the future to expand your professional or soft skills?
At this stage, I have been a rather passive member. However, I would very much like to become more actively involved. In particular, I would be excited to help strengthen and expand Women@Refractories in Latin America, where, to the best of my knowledge, Jessica and I are currently the only members. I believe there is a great opportunity to grow the network, connect more women across the region, and contribute with my professional experience, leadership, and mentoring skills.
How did becoming a member of Women@Refractories and its Leaderboard changed your professional network?
The greatest value for me has been becoming part of a community built on trust, collaboration, and a shared purpose. I look forward to building lasting relationships, exchanging experiences, and creating opportunities to connect more professionals, especially women from Latin America, with this global network.
If you had to describe Women@Refractories in one sentence, what would it be?
Women@Refractories is a global community that empowers women to connect, grow, and inspire one another while shaping the future of our industry.
Thank you, Claudia! You truely inspire others!