Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Working her way up, Calabria moved to the CNEN at headquarters in Rio de Janeiro as a nuclear safety and radiation protection inspector at nuclear power plants. At the same time, she joined the Brazil branch of Women in Nuclear (WiN), an organization of likeminded women, where she was elected as vice president in 2020.
Although she was aware of the IAEA “for the best of the best”, she didn’t see herself being part of it.
Others saw her differently.
“Jaqueline has a rare sense of collective effort and expects no personal recognition. She truly believes in the power of collaboration and setting a personal example as a way to encourage women and girls,” said Danila Dias, WiN president at the time.
“It was WiN that helped me overcome my doubts,” says Calabria.
Since joining the IAEA in 2022, Jaqueline has achieved several professional accomplishments. She has overseen the redesigned and maintenance of the Database on Discharges of Radionuclides to the Atmosphere and the Aquatic Environment (DIRATA), which facilitates the transparent reporting of radioactive releases from nuclear and radiation facilities around the world.
She also led the drafting of a new General Safety Guide on Monitoring for Protection of the Public and the Environment (No. GSG 19), guiding and monitoring radioactive releases to ensure public and environmental safety.
Calabria champions early career professionals, designing workshops and activities under the IAEA programme on Methods for Radiological and Environmental Impact Assessment to help them develop their expertise.
A leader in her field, in 2025 Calabria led on the field as well, she captained the IAEA women’s football team to victory at UNESCO’s Inter-Agency Games in Rennes, France.
“Football taught me discipline and persistence. Even now, these principles are at the heart of everything I do and guide my work to help protect people and the environment,” said Calabria.
Her advice for the generation? “Surround yourself with people who see your potential, even when you don’t see it yourself.”