Building careers and communities: A conversation with Daniela Madrid at TAKRAF Group

From project controls to human resources, Daniela Madrid has built a career focused on people, resilience, and growth at TAKRAF Group. In this interview, she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges and triumphs of her role, and why mining is a rewarding industry for women seeking impact and opportunity.

A woman sitting in front of a desk and her PC. She is the HR manager of TAKRAF Chile and Peru.
Daniela Madrid, HR Manager for TAKRAF Group in Chile & Peru.


Could you tell us when you joined TAKRAF Group, explain in a few sentences what your role is, your responsibilities and give us some of your experience?
I first joined TAKRAF Group in 2007 as a Project Controller and held that role until 2015, when I took a three-year break to focus on being a full-time mom. In 2018, I had the opportunity to return to the company as Human Resources Manager. Since then, I’ve been responsible for all aspects of people management at TAKRAF Chile and Perú, and in recent years, I’ve also been supporting TAKRAF Brazil in global HR initiatives.

What has been your personal highlight at TAKRAF Group and perhaps also outside of work?
For me, the most significant achievement isn’t a single moment but rather the collective experiences, projects and challenges we’ve faced together over the years. I still remember my first day in a small office on the sixth floor - it’s incredible to look back and see how much has changed since then and how far we’ve come. We’ve been through a merger, new locations, major projects, slow periods, company rebranding, a global pandemic and evolving teams and leadership. It’s been a journey full of challenges, resilience and passionate people. My greatest achievement is being part of this evolution and feeling proud of the work we’ve done together.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do at TAKRAF Group?
Before transitioning to human resources, my background was primarily in finance and controlling. Moving into people management was both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge. Five years later, I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the company in this way. What motivates me most is supporting the organization’s growth and sustainability while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. My inspiration comes from the daily interactions with my colleagues, our shared goals and the collective effort to make TAKRAF Group a great place to work.

Why is mining or engineering a stimulating sector for women to enter?
Mining and engineering play a fundamental role in shaping our world, providing essential resources and infrastructure that society relies on. This makes the industry an exciting and meaningful place to work. Beyond that, women in mining have incredible opportunities for career growth, innovation and making a real impact. The industry benefits greatly from diverse perspectives, multidisciplinary approaches and strong collaboration - qualities that women bring to the table. I believe that regardless of gender or position, we all have a role to play in fostering education and visibility, helping the next generation of women realize their full potential in any field they choose.

If you had to give one piece of advice to a young person on how to enter and succeed in the world of work, and in the mining sector in particular, what would it be?
My advice to young professionals is simple: good things take time. Any meaningful career path requires effort, passion and a willingness to learn from every challenge. When things feel difficult or unfair, remember that those experiences are shaping you for the next stage of your journey. Growth often comes from leaving your comfort zone - so take a deep breath, stay determined, and don’t give up.

Which woman would you like to sit down to dinner with and why?
If I could, I would love to have one more dinner with my mother. She passed away in 2020, but she was an extraordinary woman and an incredible role model. As a midwife, she dedicated her life to helping women from all backgrounds, not only guiding them through childbirth but also empowering them to overcome life’s challenges. Now, as a mother and professional myself, I often reflect on the challenges she faced and the wisdom we could have shared about family, work and life. Her legacy reminds me that the most profound impact we have is through our daily interactions and the communities we build - something I strive to carry forward in my own journey.

This article is part of our ongoing series spotlighting the remarkable women contributing to the mining industry at TAKRAF Group. Stay tuned for more inspiring and personal interviews with our international colleagues.  

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