Originally from Brazil, Fabiana has spent more than two decades working in the water sector across South America, the Middle East and Australia.
Along the way, she has built a reputation for thinking differently, challenging conventional approaches and helping organisations tackle complex water challenges.
But her journey into water began much earlier, in a university laboratory where curiosity was encouraged and no idea was considered off limits.
As an engineering student in Brazil, Fabiana participated in a program known as scientific initiation, which allowed students to work in research laboratories while completing their studies.
It was there that she discovered a passion not just for engineering, but for creativity and problem-solving.
"I was in a laboratory of a professor who was very creative and very engaging," Fabiana said.
"He used to really think out of the box, he would encourage us to hang out outside the laboratory, think about problems during a barbecue and having a beer."
Growing up in that environment taught her to speak up, share ideas and approach challenges from different angles.
"We were all encouraged to speak our minds ," she said. "There was always a conversation about what you think or the ideas you want to have."
That mindset continued throughout her university years, including time studying in the United States and completing a master's degree focused on innovative approaches to water engineering.
After graduating, Fabiana quickly realised that a traditional career path was unlikely to suit her.
"I could not fit into the corporation and clock in and clock out, because my brain was always creative and I was always wanting to do new things," she said.
Instead, she started her own consultancy business in Brazil while still in her twenties, working with large water utilities and building confidence in her technical expertise.
Because of her work in Brazil, she was later offered an opportunity to support water treatment projects in Dubai.
"Of course, yes, I'm going," she said.
That decision launched an international career that would see her work across multiple countries, cultures and water systems.
Living and working internationally taught her that successful engineering is about more than technical knowledge.
"Different cultures are different," she said. "Adapting to what people wanted was critical."
Those experiences eventually led her to Australia, where she found a water sector that welcomed new ideas and offered opportunities to continue growing professionally.
After several years working in large organisations, Fabiana knew she wanted to create something that reflected the values that had shaped her career from the beginning – curiosity, creativity and the freedom to explore new ideas.
When the opportunity arose, she decided to establish her own business in Australia.
"I had all this experience internationally, I had the drive, I knew the market here and I had money and then I said, okay, I'm going to create a business now that is different, that does different things in a different way," she said.
That decision led to the creation of Tessele Consultants, a specialist water engineering consultancy that combines technical expertise with applied research and innovation.
For Fabiana, building the business was an opportunity to create the kind of environment she had always valued throughout her career – one where people felt comfortable sharing ideas, challenging assumptions and thinking differently about problems.
"I am who, I am every day. If you bump into me in the supermarket or at the gala dinner, it's me," she said. Fabiana said she has received great satisfaction in helping her team to show up to work authentically.
Today, Tessele Consultants continues to work across a range of water and wastewater projects while maintaining the culture of curiosity and continuous learning that has defined Fabiana's career journey.
For Fabiana, one of the most rewarding aspects of the water industry is the constant opportunity to learn.
Whether it's emerging technologies, resource recovery, renewable energy or new treatment approaches, she believes water professionals have the chance to make a tangible difference while continuing to explore new ideas.
One area she has been passionate about throughout her career is biogas and resource recovery from wastewater.
"I finished my PhD in the early 2000s," she said."I always believed in the potential of this. I never gave up."
Over the years, she continued researching, publishing papers and educating clients about the possibilities, even when interest from industry was limited.
Today, those conversations have become increasingly relevant as organisations look for new ways to improve sustainability and recover value from wastewater.
For Fabiana, it is a reminder that the water sector is constantly evolving.
Looking back, Fabiana believes one of the greatest strengths of the water industry is the diversity of opportunities it offers.
Her own career has included research, consulting, operations, leadership and international projects, often in places she never imagined she would live or work.
She encourages anyone considering a career in water to stay curious and remain open to unexpected opportunities.
"People challenge your concepts and there is always a conversation about what you think or the ideas you want to have," she said.
For Fabiana, that spirit of curiosity has shaped an entire career. And after more than 25 years in the industry, it remains one of the things she loves most about working in water.