Building Bridges for Inclusion: Julia Lima

Julia Lima, a lifelong volleyball enthusiast from Brazil, draws parallels between sports and workplace dynamics. “The sport taught me that what matters is the value each person adds, not their background or differences,” she explains. “Diversity strengthens teams when everyone contributes freely.”

This philosophy shapes Lima’s approach to inclusion at GE Vernova, where she serves as employee relations investigator for the Americas in Campinas, Brazil. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, she also leads the Latin American branch of the Pride Alliance, an employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her responsibilities include ensuring labor law compliance while fostering equitable opportunities for all employees.

Lima emphasizes collaboration as key to organizational success. “Diverse perspectives unlock countless solutions to challenges,” she says. “We might take different paths, but shared goals unite us.” After joining GE Vernova’s legal team as an intern in 2020, she transitioned to Human Resources in 2021, where her advocacy expanded through roles in labor relations.

Her personal connection to LGBTQ+ issues deepened when the company invited her to speak at a global inclusion summit in New York. “That opportunity showed me GE Vernova doesn’t just talk about values—it acts on them,” she reflects. Through Pride Alliance initiatives, she facilitates open dialogues about diversity, believing respectful conversations transform differences into strengths.

“True progress requires courage to tackle challenges others see as insurmountable,” Lima says. “Every barrier overcome brings us closer to meaningful change.”

Working Together So Everyone Wins: Oguzhan Sekban

Oguzhan Sekban combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to support GE Vernova’s gas turbine customers across Europe. As senior sales manager in Baden, Switzerland, he negotiates long-term service agreements for power plants while staying attuned to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts affecting energy markets. “Our role is to create mutually beneficial solutions,” he says. “Every contract must deliver value for clients and our company.”

Sekban champions inclusivity beyond sales negotiations. A native of Türkiye, he joined GE Vernova’s commercial team in Istanbul in 2016 after completing the Commercial Leadership Program. Now based in Switzerland, he advocates for diversity as global operations leader in multiple ERGs, including the Pride Alliance and Sustainability Network. “Today’s workplaces should empower people to bring their whole selves to work,” he states.

Aligning his values with GE Vernova’s mission, Sekban highlights the company’s dual impact: providing critical electricity to global communities while developing decarbonization technologies. As a father, he sees this work as vital for future generations. “We have a responsibility to protect our planet,” he says. “Sustainable solutions today will determine what our children inherit.”

A Global Vision: Rebecca Feigl-Varela

Rebecca Feigl-Varela’s international background informs her perspective as senior product manager for GE Vernova’s heavy-duty gas turbine fleet. Born in Puerto Rico, she earned advanced engineering degrees at UC Berkeley before marrying a German citizen. “Our family embraces global citizenship,” says Feigl-Varela, who encourages her adult children to think beyond borders. “Understanding interconnected systems helps solve complex challenges.”

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, she leads reliability efforts for the company’s largest turbine installations while supporting new product development. “I operate at the heart of innovation,” she explains. “By analyzing operational data and emerging technologies, we design solutions that meet current customer needs while anticipating future demands.”

Feigl-Varela joined GE Vernova in 2001 after three years in Germany with her husband Markus, who now leads emerging technologies product development at the same company. Her approach balances historical insights with forward-looking strategies. “Learning from past successes and failures helps chart the most efficient path forward,” she says.

Confident in the possibility of achieving global decarbonization targets, Feigl-Varela urges younger generations to embrace optimism and curiosity. “Progress requires active participation,” she emphasizes. “We must all contribute solutions to create lasting change.”

This special edition of The Current comprises three stories about the 12 employees proudly representing GE Vernova at the New York Stock Exchange on Earth Day. Please enjoy these stories about our technology innovators and operational and systems thinkers. 

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