Women’s Work: Sonia Barrantes
PHOTO COURTESY: RIPCORD ENGINEERING
WHAT IS YOUR JOB AND WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I am a licensed mechanical engineer and the president of Ripcord Engineering. We do HVAC and plumbing engineering for commercial and residential buildings. Our design is focused on human health and comfort.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK? WHAT INSPIRED YOU?
I was in the U.S. Navy, flying as a “backseater” in carrier-based jet aircraft. But at heart, I am a nerd and a tree hugger. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was coming back to the carrier after night combat missions and unwinding by reading the old Real Goods Solar Source Book. At some point, I realized that perhaps I could do more good by designing buildings and systems that use less energy instead of participating in securing energy sources in foreign lands.
DID YOUR BACKGROUND AND UPBRINGING IMPACT YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER? AND IF SO, HOW?
My dad is a biochemist and an immigrant from a patriarchal culture who ended up having three girls and no boys. That meant the dreams of his children following him into the sciences would have to be fulfilled by girls. So, he (and my mom) supported us unequivocally, with extra encouragement if it was science or math related!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB? WHAT IS MOST CHALLENGING?
My favorite part of the job is pushing the boundaries of conventional design in service of finding truly elegant solutions. The most challenging part of the job is pushing the boundaries of conventional design.
IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR INDUSTRY GROWING OR CHANGING IN MAINE?
The recent shift by local architects to build more passive house-like high performance building envelopes, which gives us the opportunity to design high-efficiency systems.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT MORE WOMEN IN THE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SECTOR?
As women advance in their careers, they need to not roll up the ladder behind them – make a conscious and determined effort to mentor, collaborate with, hire and advocate for other women.
DID YOU FEEL THERE WERE ANY BARRIERS TO ENTRY FOR YOU AS A WOMAN IN YOUR CAREER?
No, but I have been incredibly fortunate.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES, AND/OR OPPORTUNITIES, FOR SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN MAINE?
Air-to-water heat pump systems.
WHEN NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
Right now, as a small business owner and the mother of a three-year old, I am never not working. When life affords me any downtime I like to garden, fiddle, paddle and hike.
This article appeared in the Fall 2020 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!