Daniella is originally from Brazil, where she graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for over 10 years for a Brazilian engineering consultancy firm, in projects for oil and gas, fertilizer, sugar and ethanol industries.

She moved to the UK in 2015 and decided to take a few years off to raise her two children. When she decided she wanted to return to her engineering passion, she struggled to understand the UK accreditation system and whether her degree would be recognised in the UK.

In 2019 Daniella joined Heathrow on the career returners programme, facing many challenges that women who return to the workplace find. She persevered and demonstrated her competence and knowledge. Built up her confidence once again, decided to pursue professional recognition with IMechE and was successful in April 2021, gaining Chartered Engineer status.

Currently she works as a senior mechanical engineer at Heathrow Airport and leads the events for the community of Women in Engineering and Baggage. She is an advocate for others in similar positions and is driven to change the stereotypes and encourage more returners and the younger generation into Engineering.