Huda Alkhwaildi
Job title (at time of interview)Phosphate, WAS, Senior Engineer at Ma´aden
LocationSaudi Arabia
“Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.” There will be moments when things feel overwhelming or uncertain, especially as you navigate your path in a male-dominated industry like engineering. But trust in your abilities and know that resilience, curiosity, and hard work will always carry you through.
“I’ve been deeply inspired by my mother, who faced challenges in completing her college education while balancing family responsibilities. Her bravery in pursuing her education and being a strong working mother showed me the importance of resilience and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.”
Huda Alkhwaildi joined Ma’aden Waad Alshamal Phosphate Company in 2022 as the first Saudi Female Senior Process Engineer, bringing her background in Chemical engineering to the largest Phosphate mining company in the Kingdom. Graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Huda’s four years of study abroad enriched her communication skills and gave her significant cultural exposure, which she now applies in her work. Prior to joining the mining industry, she gained strong problem-solving skills through her experience in the oil and gas industry, working with world-leading companies. At MWSPC, Huda is focused on optimizing processes, driving operational excellence, and advancing technical innovation. While she also contributes to Diversity and Inclusion efforts within the company, her primary focus remains on excelling as a strong process engineer in a highly technical field, paving the way for future generations of women in engineering and mining.
September 2024
By Claudia Fernández P.
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What do you think has been your most important personal attribute and how has it influenced your professional success?
The most important personal attributes that have shaped my journey are my determination and commitment. As a female engineer working in a technical field far from my family, these qualities have been my foundation. They’ve pushed me through the toughest moments when I felt the weight of being away from home and balancing the demands of a technical career. My commitment to both my profession and my loved ones has given me the strength to keep going, even when the challenges felt overwhelming. In every difficult situation, it’s my determination that reminds me why I started this path to not only succeed as an engineer but to set an example for those who will follow.
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What message or advice would you give to young Huda, who has not yet started her professional life?
“Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.” There will be moments when things feel overwhelming or uncertain, especially as you navigate your path in a male-dominated industry like engineering. But trust in your abilities and know that resilience, curiosity, and hard work will always carry you through. Take measured risks early on, even if they feel out of your comfort zone.
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Please tell us what attracted you to study Engineering and to be part of the Mining Industry.
What initially attracted me to study Engineering was my fascination with problem-solving and how engineers have the power to create tangible and innovative solutions that impact industries and societies. I’ve always been drawn to the technical challenges of designing and optimizing processes, and chemical engineering stood out to me because of its flexibility, allowing me to work across different fields, from energy to manufacturing.
As for the mining industry, it plays a major role in the Saudi economy, becoming the third pillar of the Kingdom’s economic development. The opportunity to contribute to an industry where innovation, sustainability, and process optimization are in high demand is what attracted me most to join Ma’aden.
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Please describe your personal and professional attributes that you consider have been most influential in your success.
On a personal level, my determination has helped me overcome challenges in engineering, from solving problems to excelling in a male-dominated field. It keeps me focused on my goals. As a mother working 1,300 km away from my family, my determination is what drives me to balance both work and personal life.
On a professional level, my adaptability has been equally important. Moving between industries from oil and gas to mining and balancing multiple roles, such as leading Diversity and Inclusion at MWSPC while being a Senior Process Engineer, along with my new role as a chosen Saudi Top Engineer within MWSPC, has required me to quickly learn and adjust to new environments, systems, and responsibilities.
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Have you benefited from female role models or mentors before you, or from other support structures in the workplace or in your environment such as family and friends?
Yes, I’ve been deeply inspired by my mother, who faced challenges in completing her college education while balancing family responsibilities. Her bravery in pursuing her education and being a strong working mother showed me the importance of resilience and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Watching her navigate those challenges taught me that success requires both determination and the courage to pursue your goals, no matter the circumstances.
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Do you have any advice to young women starting out in their studies or careers in this field? What was most challenging for you when you started working?
My advice to young women starting their studies or careers in this field is to believe in your abilities and not shy away from challenges. Engineering and technical fields can feel intimidating, especially when you’re one of the few women in the room, but remember that your perspective and skills are valuable. Don’t be afraid to take on difficult projects, ask questions, and continuously learn and grow.
When I first started working, one of the most challenging aspects was navigating the male-dominated environment. It required me to not only prove my technical expertise but also find my voice and advocate for myself in spaces where I was often the only woman. Overcoming this took time, but I learned to stay determined, build my confidence, and focus on delivering results.
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What do you like to do outside work? What are you passionate about?
Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and create lasting memories with my two sons. Family is incredibly important to me, and I cherish the moments we spend together. I’m also passionate about travelling and exploring new destinations, as it allows me to broaden my horizons and experience different cultures. Every trip is an opportunity to create special memories with my loved ones and learn something new.