Interest in STEM since school time, later on studied civil engineering.

Role models valued by me are those of professionals – any role model where the person has the expertise needed for that role model. When this is combined with natural leadership, it has the potential to become inspirational.

Twin transformation is an integral part of mechatronics, which is why the Cluster companies are drivers of digital transformation, primarily Industrial Internet of Things (IioT), AI and other advanced digital technologies.

Team work

Don’t follow others’ models. Extend your learning experience from them while creating your own one.

Respect, team work, high level expertise.

To leverage the win-win collaboration.

Only God knows 🙂

Ever since my school years, I was intrigued and attracted by mathimatics and physics. At first, it begun as mind games or quizzes, solving problems and equations. Then after university, I realized how science can explain and solve the problems we face in everyday life, business and economy and deeply appreciated their impact, in a different way.

The truth is that I never had very specific role models. I always liked reading biographies and interviews of successful people (i.e., people that made an impact), but also looked relaxed, happy and in control. These could be actors (like Steve McQueen), jornalists (like Maria Rezan), businesspeople (like Steve Jobs) and sometimes scientists (like Dimitris V. Nanopoulos). But today, I have come to highly admire any person who follows his or her fulfilling purpose, creates an impact in his/her field and finds balance between an apiring career and a gratifying everyday life.

In our company, we are notorious for selecting new collaborators mostly on their personality, attitude and enthusiasm, rather than just their pure CV and technical skills. This means that vibrant people, with strong personalities, very different to each other, come together and create things. I believe that this is a true example of diversity that produces beautiful results.

On a company level, I am proud of having created a team and infrastructure, that allows high quality research to be done and at the same time (usually) for people to enjoy doing so. On a personal level, I am proud of having made all the professional choices, that today make me feel that every day, I can work on the things that I want, like, and choose and not the things that I must or should.

Work hard, but without making a fuss about it. Mind your own business, don’t listen or be influenced by people you do not admire. Be creative and have confidence, show your work in a respectful and elegant way. Create a strong network of people you admire and learn how to communicate with data. Having a strong network will give you access to more opportunities and knowing how to exploit and work with technology and data, will give you higher chances to win these opportunities.

If I had to choose the most important values for me, I would say attention to detail, courtesy with good humour and data-driven decisions and discussions. These are values that I communicate in my everyday life and always try to find collaborators that share these sincerely. I am lucky enough to be working with people that see these values eye-to-eye with me and often these create a go/no-go decision for new collaborations.

I feel that the biggest challenge will be to not stop learning and find the way to maintain a clear view of the cutting-edge scientific progress, so I can be part of the most innovative and promising solutions in the drug discovery field. Also, to keep growing the team and the company and maintaining the quality of products and services, along with the culture and values of the people that started the company.

Things are evolving very fast, both for our company and the drug discovery field, so this is hard to say. I know I want to remain in the drug industry and keep working towards better therapies and also be able to have business partners that I admire and gain pleasure from our everyday collaboration and co-creation. If I have these things, I will consider my plans achieved in 2030.

My passion for science started very early. I was particularly fascinated by mathematics as a child, and in middle school, discovering physics, especially the study of atoms and electrons, was a turning point for me. It sparked my imagination and fueled my desire to delve deeper into the fascinating world of science.

Marie Curie has always been a key inspiration for me, not only because of her remarkable contributions to science but also because we share Polish roots. My mother, who admired Marie Curie’s accomplishments, also inspired me by instilling in me the belief that anything is possible for women. In addition, Simone Veil and several female colleagues in leadership positions have served as role models through their determination and success.

We have implemented several initiatives to promote inclusion and gender equality, addressing issues like the “glass ceiling.” These initiatives include raising awareness about cultural and gender biases, offering internships specifically for women, launching mentorship programs, and ensuring gender parity during recruitment processes. All of these efforts aim to make our fields more attractive and accessible to a diverse group of individuals.

I am particularly proud of the dynamic environment we have created in the laboratory I have been leading for the past three years. In the field of photovoltaics, I’m honored that our expertise is sought after for various projects, consulting, and partnerships, which reflects the recognition of the quality of our work and my skills as a leader.

Confidence is key. Pursue your ambitions with determination and don’t be afraid to take up space in a traditionally male-dominated field. There are numerous pathways to success, and it’s important to remain adaptable and open to new opportunities. Believe in your potential and be ambitious.

I firmly believe in the importance of resilience, confidence, and ambition. Throughout my career, these values have helped me overcome challenges and make meaningful contributions to my field. It is also essential to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all colleagues, where everyone can excel in their roles.

In the future, one of my key challenges will be continuing to develop innovative solutions in photovoltaics and microelectronics while ensuring that our work addresses urgent societal and environmental issues. I hope to continue leading dynamic research teams and contributing to projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

By 2030, I see myself still at the forefront of research in microelectronics and photovoltaics, working to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainability. I also hope to continue mentoring young scientists, particularly women, and fostering an inclusive environment where future generations can thrive.

I fell into it by chance, because I’d always wanted to become a vet. I didn’t get into the preparatory classes that I wanted to enter after high school. I opted for a Diplôme d’études universitaires générales (DEUG) in sciences, mainly biology, chemistry and mathematics. It was during these two years that I discovered chemistry, and I really liked it. So, I went on to do a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, followed by a master’s degree and a postgraduate diploma (DESS) in chemistry.

I don’t have any particular model.

We have many programmes within ST. In HR, we have a department dedicated to CSR and inclusion issues. In terms of gender equality, there is also an annual budget that is negotiated to compensate for salaries that are perceived to be lower. We also have a strong ‘sustainability’ component, with programmes to welcome interns, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, etc.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never left a team without the team telling me they were sad to see me go. For me, that’s a success, because each time, I felt that I had succeeded in doing what I wanted to do, i.e. successfully uniting a team around a project. It’s recognition of my management and I’m very proud of it, because it hasn’t always been easy.

The same advice as above.

What’s important to me is integrity, respect, kindness and tolerance. I believe that with these values we can work well and move forward together.

My professional ambition is to be serene until the end of my career, i.e. not to find myself in difficulty and to be able to continue working serenely, which has not always been the case. I don’t particularly want to move up the ranks because I now have a life balance that makes me happy. Instead, I’d like to move around the company in positions that allow me to develop and enjoy coming to work.

I want to continue to have responsibility because I like it, to remain at a hierarchical level that allows me to be heard, to participate in development and change in a meaningful way. I want my voice to carry weight. In 2030, I hope I’ll still be at ST, in a job that gives me the same sense of fulfilment and commitment as my current job.

During my high school years, I cultivated a passion for physics. The interest in astrophysics was born during the university years, thanks to the optional courses I took on astrophysics and cosmic physics. I decided to write my thesis on a newly launched European gamma astronomy satellite. From this, I then moved abroad and once back in Italy, I was selected to start working at the CNR (the Italian National Research Council).

I don’t have a clear “role model”. The only thing I can share is that the biography of Marie Curie, written by her daughter, captured my attention when I was a little girl, and her personality impressed me.

There are no dedicated initiatives, but there is a lot of attention to the subject. When organizing events, meetings, conferences, we always pay attention to topics such as inclusion and sustainability.

I’ve had some important, recognized achievements. The one I am most proud of is having received the Enrico Fermi Award in 2021 for understanding the nature of a particular star, the star Geminga, to which my husband and I have given the name and on which we have focused our studies for several years.

Don’t be discouraged by prejudice, women are absolutely capable of doing everything. I am among these women who managed to realize their dreams. So, what I always say to my students is that the most important quality, besides the desire to study, is to never get discouraged, to be determined and pursue what you want to achieve. Remember that luck only helps people who are ready to welcome opportunities.

The importance of research to improve the quality of life (for example, WiFi was invented by radio astronomers). The development of culture as part of life. People should commit to improve their culture and cultivate knowledge.

Being able to carry out the projects in which I am involved, as well as continuing with the activity of scientific dissemination to the public.

I hope for a Nobel Prize!

My interest in STEM was born during my engineering studies at the Technical University of Berlin. The challenging curriculum and innovative environment ignited my passion for technology and problem-solving. Encouraged by my professors and inspired by the potential to influence the world through technology, I became deeply committed to pursuing a career in this field. Additionally, I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to motivate more young women to join STEM, striving to increase female representation and leadership in the sector.

My first role model was my mother, who instilled in me the values of perseverance and dedication from a young age. Her resilience and wisdom have always guided my personal and professional decisions, encouraging me to pursue my ambitions in the STEM fields. Currently, I am also inspired by the leadership qualities of Golda Meir, whose determination and strength in navigating political challenges resonate with my own challenges in the male-dominated space industry. Both women exemplify the courage and integrity I strive to embody in my role as a leader in the microelectronics sector.

One noteworthy example of our commitment to DEIS is our support for Luna Gräfje, one of our most talented software developers, who is transgender. We fully support her, especially during her medical trips and other related needs. This reflects our broader commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where every individual is valued and respected. Supporting Luna not only enhances our team’s diversity but also strengthens our company culture, promoting a more inclusive environment for all employees.

I am most proud of my role in pioneering innovative partnerships between academia and industry within the space sector at EXOLAUNCH. These collaborations have not only advanced cutting-edge technologies but also facilitated the entry of numerous new satellites into space, significantly impacting global communication and research. Additionally, my efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within our company have helped create a more welcoming and dynamic work environment, allowing us to attract and retain exceptional talent from diverse backgrounds.

Persistently pursue your goals with confidence and determination. The space industry, like many STEM fields, can be challenging, but your unique perspectives and innovations are crucial for its growth. Embrace every learning opportunity and don’t shy away from seeking roles that challenge you. Network actively and find mentors who can guide you. Remember, your presence and success can inspire change and help create a more inclusive environment. Always stand firm against adversity and never let external factors deter your spirit or ambitions.

My core values in both my personal and professional life are education, transparency, and leading by personal example. Education is fundamental—it empowers individuals, fosters innovation, and drives societal progress. I advocate for continuous learning and development within our team and strive to support educational initiatives that enhance our field. Transparency is essential in building trust and accountability, not only within our team at EXOLAUNCH but also with our partners and stakeholders. I commit to maintaining open communication and clear practices. Lastly, I believe in leading by example. My leadership style is hands-on and grounded in ethical practices, aiming to inspire and guide my team to achieve their best while upholding our collective values.

One of my primary future challenges is to actively promote female leadership within the industry. I aim to create more opportunities for women, ensuring that they not only enter the field but also thrive in their careers. It’s essential to cultivate a work environment where women feel comfortable, supported, and valued. This involves advocating for policies that support work-life balance, mentorship programs, and initiatives that address gender biases. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a more diverse and equitable industry where women can excel and lead confidently.

By 2030, I see myself continuing to drive innovation and strategic growth within the space and microelectronics industries. My goal is to hold a senior executive position where I can influence major technological advancements and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. I aim to be a key player in shaping industry standards and policies that support the advancement of women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Additionally, I aspire to mentor the next generation of leaders, helping them navigate and succeed in their careers. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the industry, contributing to a more equitable and dynamic technological landscape.

My interest in STEM was sparked at a young age, fueled by a natural curiosity about how things work and a passion for solving complex problems. It grew significantly during my school years, where I was particularly drawn to computer science and mathematics. This fascination was further nurtured by engaging teachers and hands-on projects that allowed me to explore various aspects of technology and engineering, leading me to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

My first role model was my high school computer science teacher, who not only introduced me to the wonders of programming but also demonstrated the impact of perseverance and creativity in solving technical challenges. Currently, I am inspired by leaders in the cybersecurity field, such as Marissa Mayer and Kevin Mitnick, for their innovative approaches to technology and security.

Yes, Cisco Systems itself stands out as a positive example in DEIS. The company has been recognized for its efforts in creating an inclusive work environment, supporting diversity in its workforce, and its initiatives aimed at equity and sustainability. Cisco’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility report highlights their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, promoting social justice, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and included. These actions not only demonstrate leadership in DEIS but also set a benchmark for other organizations in the tech industry.

One notable initiative from Cisco is the Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, which aims to increase the talent pool in the cybersecurity field. This program offers training, mentoring, and certification opportunities to candidates, focusing on underrepresented groups in tech to foster diversity. Additionally, Cisco’s Networking Academy has been instrumental in providing education and resources to students globally, empowering them to pursue careers in IT and networking. These initiatives underscore our commitment to education, diversity, and building a more inclusive future in technology.

I’m most proud of leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that significantly reduced security incidents and vulnerabilities across our network. This achievement not only enhanced our company’s security posture but also built stronger trust with our customers and partners. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and it reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Dive in with confidence and curiosity. The tech sector, especially cybersecurity, offers immense opportunities for innovation and impact. Build your foundation with a strong educational background, seek out mentors, and embrace networking to learn from diverse experiences. Don’t shy away from challenges; they’re opportunities to grow. Remember, your unique perspective is crucial for creating inclusive and effective solutions in technology. Stay resilient and persistent, as your contributions will help shape the future of the digital world.

Integrity, innovation, and inclusivity are the core values that guide me both personally and professionally. Integrity ensures transparency and trustworthiness in all actions. Innovation drives me to seek out and implement solutions that advance our field and solve complex challenges. Inclusivity is crucial for creating a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, leading to richer solutions and a more dynamic workplace.

My future challenges include staying ahead in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within my team, and further promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Balancing these priorities while ensuring robust security measures against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats will be critical for personal and organizational success.

By 2030, I aim to be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, leading initiatives that shape the future of digital security. I envision myself in a senior leadership role, where I can influence global cybersecurity policies and practices, mentor the next generation of tech leaders, and drive significant advancements in technology that not only secure digital assets but also promote ethical standards and inclusivity in the tech industry.