10 years, 10 stories
Jocelyn Iglesias, female energy shining in Cojutepeque
March 28, 2025
In the warm municipality of Cojutepeque, a young woman breaks stereotypes, defies traditional expectations, and carves her own path to success. Jocelyne Guadalupe de la Paz Iglesias is a woman of determination who, armed with tools, knowledge, and a clear vision, has managed in the world of electricity — a field historically dominated by men.
Her story begins with a dream and a challenge: to support her son David. From the moment she decided that he would be the force of her life, Jocelyne committed herself to giving him a better future. However, the journey was not easy. The lack of job opportunities for women in her community pushed her to find a different way to earn a living. It was then that, like a ray of light, she discovered the Fourth Category Residential Electrical Installation Courses offered by AES El Salvador in collaboration with ISDEMU.
It was in this training program, in 2023, that Jocelyne found the technical knowledge that transformed her life and her family’s. These courses, specifically designed for women, provided training to equip her for the challenges of the workforce in the field of electricity. She not only gained practical skills but also the confidence needed to embark on this new path.
“I have always been passionate about the idea of helping people with practical solutions. Electricity, attracted me because it allows me to do something concrete, something that has an immediate impact on people’s lives,” Jocelyne explains, as she recalls her early days in the electrical workshop.
With her Fourth Category Electrician license in hand and great motivation, Jocelyne decided to take the next step: starting her own business. At the end of 2023, she founded “J&D,” an electrical services company dedicated to the installation and repair of electrical systems for both residences and local businesses in Cojutepeque.
The beginning was a big challenge. Society still held many prejudices about women’s abilities in this line of work. However, this did not stop her. "At first, some clients doubted my abilities because I am a woman, but with every job I proved that my knowledge and the quality of my service have nothing to do with my gender," Jocelyne says with a proud smile.
“J&D” began gaining recognition in her community. People started to trust her, not only for her ability to solve electrical problems but also for her warm and personable approach. Her business grew, and so did her reputation as a trusted professional. Today, J&D is a successful business, a symbol of female empowerment, and personal achievement.
Jocelyne’s success story is a clear example of the positive impact that training programs, such as AES Mujer, have on the lives of Salvadoran women. Receiving technical training provides them with the necessary tools to enter male-dominated fields and opens the doors to new job opportunities and economic independence.
“The AES Mujer program gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and show that women can be anywhere, do any job. No matter what they say, if we have the tools, we can do anything,” Jocelyne affirms with conviction that reflects her resilient character.
Jocelyne, like many other women who have benefited from the AES Mujer program, is a clear example of how education and empowerment can transform lives. Today, her business, “J&D,” is a testament to her dedication, becoming a hope for other women who dream of following a similar path and igniting a spark of change.
