Driving Data Culture with Purpose and Passion

Priscila Paolinelli, Head of Data Analytics at Vallourec Brazil, brings over two decades of experience and a deep conviction: data only makes sense when it empowers people. Back at Vallourec, she's leading a strategic shift where data, AI, and business impact converge to shape a smarter future.

"We don't just deliver dashboards. We bring clarity, confidence, and real business impact."

In her role, Priscila leads a diverse team dedicated to turning data into value. Over the past 18 months, she's launched initiatives such as data literacy programs, an internal Analytics Community, Data Talks, and "Data Pills", short videos where employees share how data supports their daily work.

One of her proudest achievements is her contribution to the GenAI training program developed for Vallourec:

"Within the Vall'AI community, we have trained more than 200 people, set governance standards, and plan to have practical use cases. But the real reward is seeing AI become meaningful, thanks to the knowledge and commitment of the people behind this community."

Turning complexity into clarity

Each day, Priscila and her team work to bridge the gap between business needs and data answers, whether through dashboards, reports to self-service tools or advanced analytics.

Our mission is simple: give everyone the power to use data, from HR, to finance to industry, to make faster, more informed decisions."

With 23 years of experience in data, what continues to motivate Priscila is the human side of transformation:

"What I enjoy most is empowering people. When someone who once feared data gains confidence and uses it to drive results, that's my biggest reward."

A purposeful journey and a second chapter at Vallourec

Priscila's story with Vallourec began in 2003, as part of a trainee program.

"I stayed until 2009, working across the production chain. But motherhood and a desire to explore an academic path led me to take a new direction."

She went on to lead data teams in health insurance and mobility sectors, earning a MBA, and sharpening her ability to connect people, strategy, and technology.
In 2023, when her former colleague Leandro Barroso reached out with an opportunity to return to Vallourec, the answer was clear.

"Everything I had built here came back to me all at once. Vallourec is a place where I feel at home, with global challenges, meaningful projects, and a real appetite for innovation."

Resilience, passion, and purpose

Lifelong learning and giving back

Priscila is currently participating in a mentoring program as a mentee.

"It's helped me step back, challenge myself, and gain new strategic perspectives. A big thanks to my mentor, Gustavo Pinheiro!"

Looking ahead, she aims to grow in roles that combine data, AI, and leadership, and to continue inspiring others, especially women in tech.

"I want to help shape ethical and inclusive ecosystems where innovation can thrive. And I want my journey to reflect a balance between impact, learning, and purpose."

On being a woman in tech

Priscila is also the founder of the Women Who Qlik, a global initiative supporting women in data.

"I've often been the only woman in the room and had to prove my skills more than once. But these experiences made me more intentional about creating inclusive spaces and lifting others."

Her advice?

"Believe in your potential. Stay curious. Surround yourself with people who support you. And don't wait to be perfect to speak up."

Outside the data world...

Priscila is married, a mother of a 16-year-old girl, and a stepmother of a 10-year-old boy. She describes her life as centered around faith, family, and well-being.

"We love to travel, discover new cities, enjoy nature, and go to the cinema together. I also practice indoor cycling three times a week to recharge and stay focused."

Final words?

Data is not just about technology. It's about people. And when we connect both with purpose, we create real, lasting impact"