Connecting with people and purpose through partnerships
Meet Devora Alfaro, a Key Account Manager for Bradken based in Peru where she works closely with our mining customers to understand their operational challenges, find practical and sustainable solutions and build trusted long-term partnerships. It’s a role that draws on both her technical background and her natural ability to connect with people - bringing conversations to life on site, in meetings and through ongoing collaboration. Her path into mining began with curiosity and a willingness to step into spaces where she hadn’t always seen people like herself represented.
Today, that willingness has become one of her defining strengths. As Bradken’s first female key customer Account Manager in South America, Devora is focused on creating positive impact not only for our customers and our business, but also for those following in her footsteps.
Whether supporting customers to achieve better, more sustainable outcomes or encouraging young women to see a place for themselves in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), she brings empathy, determination and a collaborative approach to everything she does. Read on to hear more from Devora.
Quick facts about Devora:
- Current Role: Key Account Manager
- Joined Bradken: 2023
- Bradken location: Peru
- Educational background: Metallurgical Engineering
- Hometown: Arequipa (Peru's second-largest city)
- Hobbies: Music, dancing and travel
- Three words to describe Bradken: Leadership that drives
What does your role at Bradken involve and what do you like most about it? As a Key Account Manager at Bradken, I’m responsible for developing business opportunities and managing important strategic partnerships with mining customers across Peru. My focus is on building strong, long‑term relationships with customers, making sure they feel supported and understood and working closely with them to drive sustainable growth within each account.
I first joined Bradken in 2023 as an Account Manager, where I supported strategic accounts specifically in the southern region and strengthened relationships through consistent after‑sales support. That foundation helped open new opportunities in areas where we previously had limited presence and, along with training and mentorship from my Bradken colleagues, led to my progression into my current role.
I think what I enjoy most about what I do is the people part. Without a doubt, starting a relationship with a customer from the very beginning and earning their trust is a very rewarding process - the big challenge is to consolidate that relationship for the long term. For me, that comes from taking the time to really understand what customers’ challenges are and working with them to develop solutions that don’t just work commercially, but also support the safety, sustainability and long‑term success of their operations.
I also really value being part of a collaborative and supportive team where open communication is encouraged. There’s a strong sense of teamwork across the business, with everyone willing to help one another and the trust, support and motivation that comes from that is what makes my work at Bradken so rewarding.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the mining sector, and how did your journey into the field begin? The path to where I am today hasn’t been easy and has required a great deal of perseverance and determination. I’ve had to face situations where, as a woman, I wasn’t always welcomed in the mining sector, but I’d describe myself first and foremost a resilient person, so I’ve kept working hard and learning, always with a positive attitude and keeping my goals in sight.
I’ve always been intrigued with how the mining world works. Even as a child, I was more interested in figuring out how things worked than sticking to what was expected of me, and by that, I mean I wasn’t playing with dolls, I preferred playing with cars and exploring other things that weren’t necessarily considered “feminine.” At one stage I remember wanting to be a veterinarian because I’ve always loved animals, but as I got older, I felt the need to explore other fields.
When I started studying Metallurgical Engineering, everything clicked into place. It brought together analysis, hands‑on work and problem‑solving and I knew I’d found a field that genuinely interested me. That passion has stayed with me through every stage of my career so far.
After finishing my studies at the National University of San Agustín in Arequipa I started out in a metallurgical chemistry laboratory, where I gained practical experience in testing, sample preparation and smelting. Later, I moved into port operations, working with concentrate shipments from some of Peru’s major mining companies. That experience helped me grow not only technically, but also as a leader.
Over time, an opportunity came up to move into the commercial side of the industry, which is when Bradken offered me the chance to join the team. It felt like the right next step for me - a way to combine my technical background with my interest in working with people.
In my almost three years at Bradken, I can honestly say there hasn’t been a single moment when I feel my work hasn’t been recognised… that consistent encouragement - feeling valued for what I’ve been able to accomplish - means a lot to me.
- Devora
Full STEAM ahead
For Devora, empowering more young women to explore engineering as a pathway to a career is a natural extension of her own journey. As as extension of her role at Bradken, she is actively involved in the STEAM Girls Moquegua program - developed in partnership between Bradken, Anglo American and City Makers - that provides enhanced learning experiences for high school aged girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics, with the ultimate aim of improving the representation of women in these fields.
“Being part of this program I’ve had the opportunity to share some of my knowledge and experiences with girls who, in many cases, lack access to information about STEAM careers or role models to guide them. Throughout the program, we not only provide academic guidance but also support the girls in their personal development, helping them overcome fears and insecurities about their future."
“The experience is deeply rewarding because it allows me to be part of real meaningful change in the lives of these girls,” Devora says. Her involvement in this program reflects Bradken’s commitment to education, inclusion and creating opportunity, particularly for women in traditionally underrepresented fields. By supporting partnerships like STEAM Girls Moquegua, and empowering employees to contribute their skills and experience, Bradken continues to invest in stronger communities while helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry.
What do you think makes Bradken a great place to work? I think what really makes Bradken a great place to work is the people and the culture of collaboration. My role involves a mix of remote working, time in the office and travel but even though I don’t get to interact with everyone in person all the time, I always feel connected. Whenever we speak whether in person or online, there’s a genuine willingness to help, share knowledge and support each other. And it’s the people too. The people I work with are excellent professionals - dedicated, collaborative and generous with their expertise.
Is there an experience that stands out where your work was acknowledged in a meaningful way? In my almost three years at Bradken, I can honestly say there hasn’t been a single moment when I feel my work hasn’t been recognised. From the very first day I took on the challenge of becoming the first woman in South America to provide on‑site support to mining customers, I’ve felt genuinely supported by my leaders and colleagues. That consistent encouragement - feeling valued for what I’ve been able to accomplish - means a lot to me and continues to motivate me to keep giving my best.
That feeling of being valued and recognised is closely linked to another project Devora is proud of. In 2024 she was part of a team that received the Best of Bradken Sustainability Champion Award recognising a first‑of‑its‑kind circular economy solution delivered in partnership with a key customer in Peru - and aligned to Bradken’s CN2030 carbon‑neutral goal.
“Being part of the team that implemented the first circular economy project in South America allowed me to see Bradken’s commitment to susteinability translate into concrete results,” Devora says.
The project involved the removal of recyclable material from the customer’s site, including Bradken parts that had reached the end of their service life, and enabled the shipment of this material to Bradken’s foundries where it could be melted down and recycled into new parts. “Seeing this initiative replicated in other mining operations across Peru and Chile motivates me to continue focusing not only on technical performance but also on generating a sustainable, long-term impact for the industry and the environment where we operate.”
How do you switch off and recharge outside of work? I really enjoy travelling, spending time in nature and learning about new cultures - it helps me step outside my routine and see things from a fresh perspective. I’m planning to head to Europe next. Music and dancing are also big parts of how I unwind and have fun, especially after busy workdays. On days when I need to completely switch off, I go for a run. Being outdoors and moving helps me clear my head and reconnect with myself.
What’s your advice for others thinking about joining Bradken? Come in with a great attitude and a willingness to take initiative. Be proactive, open to learning all the time and have a strong sense of ownership – it’s what has helped me thrive here. But more than anything, understand the importance of teamwork and that the best results are achieved when you work together with your colleagues toward a common goal.
It’s been my experience that your hard work will be recognised and that you’ll find leaders and colleagues who encourage you to grow, challenge yourself and give your best every day. If you’re someone who values these things, Bradken is a place where you can build a rewarding and meaningful career.
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