From a small Philippine island to powering Australia's future: Patricia's inspiring journey

Meet Patricia, a project engineer at Transgrid and the newly crowned Miss Philippines Australia 2025. In this feature, she shares how she found her path, what drives her, and the values that make Transgrid a place where people can thrive. Don’t miss the “Day in the Life” video at the end of this article, where she takes us behind the scenes of her world.

A leap of faith across the ocean

Picture this: you're 21 years old, fresh out of university with a civil engineering degree, and someone believes in you enough to sponsor your Master's degree halfway across the world. That's exactly what happened to Patricia in 2017 when she moved to Australia to study Project Management at the University of Sydney.

"I'll always be grateful for that generosity," Patricia reflects. "It completely changed my life."

What she thought would be a temporary stay transformed into something far more meaningful. Six years later, she's not just building a career – she's helping build Australia's renewable energy future.

An unexpected path to energy

Working in the energy sector wasn’t always part of Patricia’s plan. “With a civil engineering background, I imagined myself building roads or buildings,” she laughs. “It was actually my mum who suggested engineering because of the construction boom in the Philippines at the time.”

Her path took a turn when she came across Transgrid’s graduate program. “At the time, I didn’t fully understand how vital Transgrid’s role was in powering the nation. Six years later, I feel grateful to be part of a company that’s helping drive Australia’s transition to renewable energy.”

A crown with a cause

Outside of work, Patricia has found another platform to inspire and give back — pageantry. In November 2025, she was officially named the representative of the Filipino Community in Australia for Miss Universe Philippines 2026.

Image source: Bob Reyes Photography

She discovered the pageant through a chance encounter at badminton and was immediately drawn to its purpose. It wasn't completely new territory either; Patricia had competed in school pageants back in the Philippines, joining every competition she could to boost her class ranking.

“Pageantry, for me, is a meaningful platform for growth, giving back, and celebrating culture,” she explains.
She learned about the Miss Philippines Australia pageant through a badminton friend, and what started as curiosity became a powerful journey. “It supports charitable causes, promotes Filipino heritage in Australia, and encourages personal development — values I deeply connect with.”

Through the experience, she’s helped raise funds for schools, orphanages, and families affected by natural disasters in the Philippines — causes that are very close to her heart. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to use this platform to give back, share my story, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”

Finding parallels between the runway and the field

While engineering and pageantry might seem worlds apart, Patricia sees a deeper connection.
“At first glance, they seem like complete opposites — the glitz of pageantry versus the technical world of engineering. But both are about people, creating positive impact, and embracing diversity.”

At Transgrid, she’s witnessed how different perspectives drive innovation and build stronger communities. “I wouldn’t have achieved the Miss Philippines Australia title without the incredible support of my Filipino community and my colleagues. I’m deeply grateful for Transgrid’s inclusive culture — it made my journey possible.”

Building more than just infrastructure

Patricia's career at Transgrid has been anything but static. Starting as a graduate in 2019, she worked on substation and transmission line projects before joining the asset replacements team, travelling across NSW and the ACT to refurbish transformers and network assets.

"The role gave me the opportunity to travel across NSW and the ACT and appreciate more of Australia along the way," she shares.

Two years later, she moved to the customer projects team, where she now delivers substations and transmission lines that connect renewable generation and storage to the grid. Talk about being at the heart of Australia's energy transition!

But her impact extends beyond project work. Patricia is an active member of Energise Network, helping organise events that support and empower women, and she mentors interns and graduates, paying forward the guidance she received.

When asked about her favourite aspect of the job, Patricia doesn't hesitate: "Without a doubt, the people."

Coming from the Philippines, where workplace structures tend to be more traditional and hierarchical, she's found Transgrid's culture of trust and autonomy incredibly inspiring. Her managers encourage open conversations and empower her to make decisions and share ideas – even half-formed ones.

"At Transgrid, we're trusted to take ownership and use our judgment," she explains.

But it's not all serious business. From joining the City2Surf as part of the Kilowatt Krew to celebrating Diwali, Chinese New Year, and other cultural events, Transgrid's employee-led initiatives create a genuine sense of community. Employee networks like Energise (promoting gender equity) and Rise Ally (supporting LGBTQIA+ inclusion) ensure everyone feels valued and included.

Advice for women pursuing careers in renewable energy

For young women considering a career in renewable energy, Patricia's advice is simple but powerful:

"Be curious, stay open, and don't be afraid to take chances. I never imagined I'd end up in the energy industry, but it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

She emphasises that diversity and inclusivity at Transgrid aren't just buzzwords – they're lived values. "I feel supported to bring my authentic self to work every day, and that's something truly special. My advice to young women is to believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who uplift you, and remember that your voice and perspective are needed in this industry."

🎥 See Patricia's day in action

Follow along as Patricia takes you behind the scenes of her work powering Australia’s renewable energy future:

👉 Inspired by Patricia’s story? Explore current opportunities and join our team at Transgrid Careers.