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.”
Priscila’s career perfectly embodies the values of the “We are Vallourec” diversity, equity and inclusion program. This program values all differences, focusing on three key aspects: gender, culture and generations. It also demonstrates how the Group creates an inclusive environment and offers opportunities for growth, enabling every employee to realize their professional and personal ambitions.
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.”
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.”
When asked what defines her, Priscila doesn’t hesitate: resilience and passion.
“Working with data means facing with ambiguity and complexity. You need resilience to stay focused when things don’t go as planned, and passion to keep moving forward with purpose.”
Among her biggest challenges: transforming raw global data into clean, useful and actionable insights, and navigating cross-system complexity.
But her biggest motivation? Seeing data truly empower decisions and discovering new possibilities through collaboration and AI.
Coming Soon: A Book on Data and AI Culture
In 2023, Priscila began writing a book dedicated to mastering data and artificial intelligence. She recently received confirmation from her publisher: the release is scheduled for September 30th.
The book, currently available only in Portuguese, is titled (translated):
Data and AI Literacy: Strategies and practices for working and living in a data-driven world
This project reflects Priscila’s commitment to making data accessible to everyone—both in professional and personal life.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Data is not just about technology. It’s about people. And when we connect both with purpose, we create real, lasting impact”
