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鈥淚nfrastructure is key to economic growth, social equity and sustainable development,鈥� says Jhoana Montalb谩n, deputy manager of the infrastructure financing department at Cofide, Peru鈥檚 development bank.

Based in Lima, Montalb谩n has spent her entire career working in finance. 鈥淚 lead a team of five professionals, securing financing for large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports, ports, highways, hydroelectric plants, schools, hospitals, and water and sanitation systems,鈥� she explains. 鈥淲e actively promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive sustainable development.鈥� With a portfolio of approximately US$350m (拢278m), her team is responsible for structuring and managing projects that improve the quality of life for Peruvians.

Her passion for finance began early. 鈥淚 studied economics at San Marcos University in Peru and, upon completing my degree, I wanted to specialise further in this field,鈥� she says. A pivotal decision in her career was choosing an extension course at Cofide over an internship at a commercial bank. 鈥淎fter three intensive months, I secured a position at Cofide in the business area,鈥� she recalls. Over the years, she advanced within the organisation and found her calling in project finance. 鈥淚t is a challenging yet fascinating field 鈥� especially in a development bank, where our mission goes beyond numbers to create lasting social impact.鈥�

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Montalb谩n acknowledges that Peru鈥檚 infrastructure landscape is still developing. 鈥淭here are significant regional disparities. [There is] more developed infrastructure in urban areas like Lima, while rural and remote regions remain underserved,鈥� she notes. 鈥淔inancing infrastructure projects helps bridge this gap, by providing essential services such as roads, electricity and telecommunications. This in turn fosters the integration of rural areas into national and global economies, promoting greater social equity.鈥� 

Among the projects she has worked on, one stands out: the financing of Ergon Per煤 SAC, which enabled the installation of 150,000 off-grid photovoltaic systems in remote areas. 鈥淏eing part of an initiative that directly improves lives by delivering reliable, clean energy was deeply fulfilling,鈥� she says. 鈥淎dditionally, [it] aligned with Peru鈥檚 sustainability goals and energy transition efforts.鈥� Overcoming logistical and technical challenges reinforced her ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects. 鈥淭he long-term impact on local communities is what makes this project truly special,鈥� she notes.

Montalb谩n believes more needs to be done to attract women to project finance. 鈥淕overnments actively promote education across the country, particularly in remote areas where the gap remains significant. Addressing this is essential,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he industry should engage with younger generations by supporting educational programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as financial literacy initiatives targeted at women.鈥�

Coming from a remote area myself, I understand first hand the importance of providing these communities with the resources they need to thrive 

Jhoana Montalb谩n, deputy manager of infrastructure financing department, Cofide

Creating an inclusive work environment is key. 鈥淭he industry must actively provide opportunities for career growth, address barriers that hinder women鈥檚 advancement, and foster mentorship programmes,鈥� she argues. 鈥淧romoting work-life balance, tackling unconscious bias, and celebrating the achievements of women will help build a more diverse and dynamic workforce 鈥� one that drives both innovation and progress.鈥�

When asked, Montalb谩n doesn鈥檛 shy away from the label of being a role model for aspiring women leaders. 鈥淲hile everyone鈥檚 journey is unique, my experiences can serve as inspiration for other women 鈥� especially young professionals who may not see many female leaders in these sectors,鈥� she says. 鈥淏eing a role model is about demonstrating that, with dedication, resilience and authenticity, women can break barriers and lead with impact.鈥� 

In terms of career highlights, Montalb谩n names as her biggest achievement her professional trajectory itself. 鈥淓very milestone, every challenge I鈥檝e overcome, and every leadership role I鈥檝e taken on has shaped my success,鈥� she reflects. 鈥淢y career is more than a job 鈥� it鈥檚 a testament to my passion, resilience and commitment to making a lasting difference in project finance.鈥� Looking ahead, she is driven by a desire to create more opportunities for people in remote areas. 鈥淐oming from a remote area myself, I understand first hand the importance of providing these communities with the resources they need to thrive,鈥� she adds.

Her advice to women considering a career in project finance is clear: 鈥淓mbrace your technical expertise and leadership potential. The learning process never stops in this industry, and perseverance is key to success,鈥� she says. 鈥淪eek mentorship, build a strong network and take initiative. Your unique perspective is an asset 鈥� by combining knowledge with strong leadership, you can break barriers and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.鈥�