Good Place to Work - Women's Day Special- Interviewing Edilaine Gaitarossa

At SynTech Research, we are making an impact every day in science, technology, and innovation. In this 5 part special Women's Day edition of Good Place to Work interviews,?we’re sharing firsthand perspectives from women across SynTech Research. Each interview highlights their journeys, challenges, and achievements—offering insight into their careers and advice for future generations.

We are excited to feature Edilaine Cova Gaitarossa , Technical Business Unit Manager at SynTech Research in Brazil.?

What is your background?

I am an agronomist with an MBAs in Business Administration and Project Management. I started my career as an intern at SynTech 16 years ago. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to learn and work in various departments within the company in Brazil. Today, I am responsible for SynTech’s Technical Business Unit in Brazil, leading the delivery of all types of studies we offer in the country.

What inspired you to pursue a career in agricultural research and STEM?

My inspiration came from home. My parents have always worked on farms, and despite my mother having little formal education, she always told me: 'Agriculture is the future, you will have many opportunities in this field.' I trusted her, and she was right.

Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your path in the industry?

It’s hard to pinpoint a single moment because my career has been a continuous journey. Every client conversation, every challenging project we’ve completed, and every team member we’ve learned from are all parts of this evolution.

What excites you the most about working in agricultural research?

I love the diversity of projects we have, especially as we continuously learn and develop more sustainable solutions. In the past five years, the complexity and variety of agriculture solutions have increased significantly, combining past knowledge with innovative and more environmentally friendly approaches. It’s amazing to add value in this way, and I’m very proud when we see a new product in the market that we helped develop.

The agricultural research sector has traditionally been male-dominated. Have you seen changes in gender representation over time?

Yes, it is a fact that the agricultural research sector has traditionally been male-dominated. However, over time, I have seen positive changes in gender representation, with more women taking on leadership and technical roles. That said, this should not be viewed as a competition. Each individual, regardless of gender, has unique strengths and areas for improvement, and it is essential to respect personal limitations while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Leadership plays a fundamental role in driving this change, breaking traditional patterns, and ensuring that opportunities are based on talent, skills, and dedication rather than gender.

How do you think SynTech Research is fostering diversity and inclusion?

I believe diversity has been a core value at SynTech since its beginning, which is why, as the company grows, we have focused more on formalizing policies rather than redefining our culture. Even after expanding and integrating with other companies, our essence remains the same—creating a safe and inclusive environment where diversity and inclusion are naturally how we work. The policies established in recent years, especially those related to diversity, are essential to ensuring that no talent is limited due to gender, ethnicity, race, background, or any other characteristic. Personally, as a woman, I have never felt restricted within the company. On the contrary, I have always received strong support from my leaders, who have valued my skills and recognized the different stages of my life, especially when I became a mother.

Have you had strong female role models or mentors in your field? How have they influenced your career?

Yes, throughout my career, I’ve had amazing women who have served as role models and mentors. They helped me believe in my potential and navigate the complexities of my career. Their experiences and advice have always been valuable and I believe they’ve helped me grow both professionally and personally.

What advice would you give to young women interested in STEM, particularly in agricultural research?

I believe the key is perseverance and passion. No matter the obstacles, believe in your potential, always seek to learn and grow. It is also essential to respect others and yourself, understanding your strengths and limitations through self-awareness. Regardless of gender, focusing on your best abilities and knowing where to improve makes a difference. Agriculture, especially in research fields, is full of exciting opportunities and challenges, and women play a vital role in this transformation by bringing diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and driving innovative and sustainable solutions.

How do you stay motivated in a field that is constantly evolving with new discoveries and technologies?

My motivation comes from my passion for what I do. I am always excited to learn something new, and the opportunity to collaborate with people from different specialities helps me expand my horizons and deepen my knowledge. With every new project, I feel like we're contributing to making agriculture more sustainable.

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