Having completed a Bachelor of Industrial Process Engineering in Colombia, Laura moved to Brisbane to study a Master of Project Management at QUT. While delivering water infrastructure projects across Southeast Queensland, she discovered Pensar and quickly rose through the ranks – from site engineer to project engineer, project manager, and now Operations Manager leading the team in Hobart.
“Using Tasmania as an example, we have successfully delivered multiple critical infrastructure projects over the last four years to future-proof key industries over the coming decade,” she says.
“This has included the refurbishment of ageing reservoirs at Mount Nelson, Bell Bay, and Zeehan, remediating seven major bridges statewide using innovative electrochemical realkalisation technology, and installing state-of-the-art UV disinfection systems at the Campbell Town, Orford, Swansea, Zeehan and Strahan Water Treatment Plants.”
Laura’s career journey is defined by resilience. Arriving in Australia twelve years ago, she spoke only Spanish and had to quickly adapt.
“I had to learn English quickly and although I had completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Industrial/Process in Colombia, I knew if I wanted to be a successful engineer in Australia I needed to study, so I completed a Project Management Master’s Degree.”
It was during this time that her passion for water deepened. “It is inspiring to be part of an industry which is so committed to sharing its experiences and utilising its expertise to improve access to sustainable water solutions for the future,” she says.
“Water is an essential part of everything we do from health and wellness to the prosperity and future success of a community. Improving water infrastructure will be a forever challenge.”
Laura has contributed to projects across many stages of the treatment process. “I’ve been fortunate to work on water projects involving assets across various stages of the treatment process,” she says. “Most recently, I contributed to the TasWater WTP UV System’s project, which was particularly meaningful as it improved the quality of drinking water supplied to remote communities across the state. This project also provided the opportunity to build lasting relationships with both the client and all the communities I worked with.”
Innovation is central to her work. She explains that early client engagement creates opportunities to design infrastructure that makes smarter use of existing resources.
“I recently worked on a project which included a 48m long suspended concrete slab. A first for Pensar, we were able to use an alkali activated concrete (lower carbon concrete) product for this element, avoiding approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ emissions without compromising durability or efficiency.”
Laura sees the industry as one that must constantly evolve. “I’m continually impressed by how water treatment technologies evolve in response to specific climate and raw water conditions,” she says. “Drinking water treatment must constantly adapt to these variations, requiring engineers and scientists to closely monitor and fine-tune processes.”
Her career has given her the opportunity to work with technologies like UV and ozone disinfection systems, which she finds fascinating for their effectiveness and innovation. And in her current role, she is focused on applying this expertise at scale.
“My current role as Operations Manager in Tasmania provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure,” she says. “My focus is on delivering projects that enhance the reliability of water and wastewater infrastructure while providing value for money and long-term benefits for the state.”
Pensar’s supportive culture has been crucial to Laura’s career progression. “Pensar invests in its people in line with one of our Guiding Principles: people are everything,” she says.
“Pensar provides health and wellbeing support along with customised training and career development mentoring and resource initiatives. For me personally, my experience has been of flexibility with returning to work after taking parental leave and more recently the support I have received in relocating from being based in Brisbane to now living in Hobart with my family.”
She also sees inclusion as fundamental to addressing the sector’s challenges. “Fostering an inclusive work environment in the water industry is essential to driving innovation, improving decision-making, and delivering solutions that truly reflect the needs of the communities we serve,” she says.
“Through collaboration we strengthen successful outcomes and attract the next generation of diverse talent. An inclusive approach not only benefits employees but also ensures that the industry remains adaptable, forward-thinking, and capable of meeting complex water challenges into the future.”
When it comes to advice, Laura encourages new professionals to back themselves.
“Give it a crack” and “There’s nothing wrong with being wrong,” she says. “Always try and test strategies along the way, and remember that managers expect mistakes, they’re there to support and guide you. Your first job may not be in your dream company or role, but once you enter the industry, new doors will open. Take the initiative and go beyond what’s expected and opportunities will come to those who seek them.”
Looking ahead, she is energised by the opportunities Tasmania presents. She is determined to continue delivering infrastructure projects that exceed client expectations while strengthening collaboration across the state.
“I truly believe the key to project success lies in open communication with clients, colleagues, and managers,” she says. “Always speak with respect and empathy to understand different perspectives.”