Episode 7 | Stories worth telling … with Aurora Braga

After 51 years of service and as she prepares for retirement, Aurora Braga shares what she has learned, who inspired her, and the pride she feels in belonging to a company like Riopele, where she grew both personally and professionally.

Rumo ao centenário, celebramos quem faz parte da nossa história.

Can you identify what has changed in the company over the 51 years you have been here?

Naturally, a great deal has changed in these 51 years. When I arrived, Riopele was already a large company, but work was mostly manual. The introduction of SAP profoundly transformed the organisation and the way it operates, interconnecting all areas of the company.

Was there anyone who particularly influenced your journey?

Eng. Fernandes had a special impact on me — through his example, his ability to unite teams, and the respect with which he treated every employee. I truly enjoyed working with him.

What message would you like to leave to the younger generations?

First of all, I would say: welcome, and take great pride in the company you work for.
It is also important to remain humble and to listen to those who have been here longer and know the company well.

Younger generations bring new skills and fresh ideas, and I believe that combining these perspectives with accumulated experience will help Riopele continue to grow.
My greatest wish is to see Riopele celebrate its 100th anniversary — and perhaps many more beyond that!

As you approach retirement, do you feel you have fulfilled your mission?

Yes, I do feel I have fulfilled my mission. I always did everything I could for this company. I have always been a curious person and never accepted a “no” without questioning it. And, of course, I always had an excellent team by my side, who supported me and contributed to the fact that today I can leave with a sense of accomplishment.

My whole life was spent at Riopele — I started at 14, and I am now 65.
Eng. Fernandes played a very important role in this journey: he cared for the company as if it were his own and passed on that mindset and commitment to us. It is with that same spirit that I close this chapter, happy and grateful. If needed, I would gladly work a few more years with the same dedication.