Building big dreams, one project at a time

Growing up in the countryside of Goiás, Brazil, Lorrany Yoshida Ferreira was surrounded by the warmth and noise of a large extended family.

Her childhood was filled with dancing, cooking and constant conversation, a foundation that would later shape her collaborative and people‑focused approach to engineering.

“When you have 15 uncles and more than 30 cousins, life is never quiet,” she said.

By 22, Lorrany had already completed her Civil Engineering degree. Determined to challenge herself and expand her opportunities, she went on to earn a master’s degree in steel structures at the age of 24.

For years, she moved between five cities in four different states across Bazil, following her husband’s engineering career in the rail industry and building her own diverse skills. She first gained experience on construction sites, then as a university lecturer, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of engineers.

In 2023, Lorrany and her husband made their boldest move yet: Australia. She spent almost a year working in hospitality before joining Melchor in February 2024 as a Site Engineer. After gaining experience in document control, she stepped into her current role as Project Engineer on a large-scale project in Karratha.

“FIFO life isn’t always easy, but it’s the people who make all the difference.

“At Melchor I found a highly skilled, supportive and genuinely fun team. Thanks to that, the 14‑day swings somehow fly by.”

Her days on site are structured and demanding, packed with pre-start meetings, site inspections, progress discussions and technical problem‑solving, so maintaining balance is essential.

“Good sleeps, early starts and exercise are key to keeping both body and mind strong,” Lorrany said.

Working on large-scale projects is exactly what she dreamed of when she chose civil engineering.

“At Melchor, I truly feel fulfilled. The scale and impact of the projects we deliver allow me to turn that dream into reality,” she said.

As a woman in a male‑dominated field, Lorrany said her path hasn’t always been straightforward.

“I didn’t have many female role models, and people often questioned whether engineering was right for me,” she said.

But her experience at Melchor has been different.

“I’ve always been treated with respect and supported by both colleagues and leaders.”

Her passion for learning, sharing knowledge, and building strong relationships keeps her grounded and motivated. And she’s determined to encourage other women to take up space in the industry.

“Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid. Trust your potential,” she said.

“Work hard, stay open to learning, build strong relationships, and speak up when needed. It’s never too late to follow a path that truly fulfils you.”