PWN Global's New Recruits

Without them, PWN Global and its city networks would simply not exist. Who are we talking about? Our wonderful volunteers!

A staggering 10% of the PWN membership community, serve as volunteers in their respective city networks or with PWN Global. That's over 300 people, working to make the world a better place in the name of gender-balance. 

In the 2023 PWN Global recruitment drive that we ran at the end of the year, we unearthed these latest diamonds! We thought it would be inspiring to give you an insight into who they are and why they want to spend their spare time helping the PWN mission.

Irina Ionescu, Global Executive Lead - International Mentoring Programme, PWN Global

Why you have chosen to support the running of PWN Global?

I have been involved in the PWN Romania Mentoring Programme since 2019, initially as a mentee, then as a mentor, and now I have taken on the role of "Mentoring Angel" , offering support for mentor-mentee pairs. I have gained a great deal from this programme, both as a mentor and as a mentee, and I hold the PWN community in high regard.

I felt compelled to give back, contributing at least a portion of what I have received. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by helping to expand and develop this mentoring programme on a global scale, and I am here to provide my support in that endeavor.

Short background on you and your professional/personal activities

My whole professional life is built around the desire to understand, to improve, and to help. 

I am currently expanding my business as a career transition coach and mentor, alongside my role as a public administration expert in cultural diplomacy. I find myself in the midst of a career transition as well.

With over 20 years of experience as a political scientist, I have worked in public administration for both presidential and parliamentary institutions, as well as in academia as a teacher and researcher. Additionally, I bring over two decades of volunteer experience, contributing to various civic and education-oriented NGOs. This second career path, involving mentoring and coaching, reflects my decision to pursue my passion for personal development and psychology - a commitment that has persisted for over 20 years.

It took a lot of courage to start over in a new field and on my own, but so far I feel this new path has been a very good decision for me.

What you would like to help PWN achieve?

I would like to see mentoring spread worldwide, particularly in countries and sectors where it is relatively unfamiliar. In places like Romania, large public sectors such as administration and academia currently lack mentoring programmes. While mentoring is sometimes offered as a benefit in the corporate world, I believe there are significant opportunities for growth in other sectors. I am particularly attentive to mentoring for women, because I see the challenges they face not only in their careers, but also in maintaining a work-life balance that not only benefits their families but is also beneficial for them personally.

Your top tip for women in their professional lives

Excellence and ethics serve as the bedrock for a meaningful and robust career, and both are non-negotiable if one aspires to construct something enduring. Opting for this path has proven to be immensely rewarding for me. However, contemplating the long term means acknowledging our humanity and recognizing that our lives are not solely defined by our professional endeavors. Despite the considerable pressure emanating from various sources, success is more about cultivating resilience throughout a meaningful 40-50 year career journey rather than simply ascending a ladder until exhaustion. Otherwise, the pursuit loses its worth and we end up losing our lives.

Lu Moreda, Digital Marketing Expert, PWN Global 

Why you have chosen to support the running of PWN Global?

First and foremost, my experience as a member of PWN has played a pivotal role in influencing my decision to support the organisation. As an immigrant woman, I came to realize the profound value of networking when navigating the complexities of a foreign work environment.

PWN Global has provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives that not only restored my self-confidence but also connected me with remarkable women who serve as inspiring role models. Being part of this network, and now, contributing to its efforts to nurture this remarkable community through digital marketing, is a great honour for me. It allows me to fulfill my personal mission as a feminist, leveraging my professional skills to promote gender equality and empower women in leadership roles.

In essence, my decision to support PWN Global is deeply rooted in the belief that when women succeed, our entire society benefits. I am enthusiastic about being a part of this mission, making PWN's vision a reality, and witnessing the positive changes that gender balanced leadership can bring to the world.

Short background on you and your professional/personal activities

My professional journey has been shaped by a fervent blend of education in economics, filmmaking, and marketing, driven by my passion for people, storytelling, and technology. 

I have gained a wealth of experience, leveraging nearly 20 years, with diverse roles that include serving in Internal Communication at ExxonMobil, working as a Digital Content & Innovation Project Manager at Globo TV in Rio de Janeiro,  developing and managing the Marketing & Communication Department at Bravantic Group in Portugal, and as a marketing consultant between Portugal and France. 

Throughout my career, I've concentrated on building global brands, overseeing new product launches, and, more recently, specializing in leading and communicating rebranding and branding projects. My passion lies in crafting compelling content that fosters awareness, recognition, and growth while improving reputation, and ultimately, making a positive impact on our society in colaborating purpose-driven brands.

What you would like to help PWN achieve?

I want to support PWN in its efforts to build a strong support connection between members in our Global Network; spread the PWN Brand message to be recognised as the best international association in which women to foster connections to benefitl their career growth; and, accomplish the mission of advancing gender-balanced leadership in the professional world.

Your top tip for women in their professional lives

My top tip for women is to embrace your strengths and be your own advocate, since our unique perspectives and skills bring value to any team or organisation. 

Fatima Umer, Thought Leadership Co-Ordinator, PWN Global

Why you have chosen to support the running of PWN Global?

I'm excited to contribute to PWN's goals around gender-balanced leadership across the world, and to be part of a community of mission-driven women.

Short background on you and your professional/personal activities

I'm a Diversity and Inclusion professional with a focus on intersectional inclusion, culture change, and learning and development. I've had a range of roles across strategy, marketing and project management in the Financial Services sector with the common thread of driving change and transforming the way we do business.  I'm currently based in Zug, Switzerland and am an avid hiker, diver and runner (currently training for my first marathon!).

What you would like to help PWN achieve?

As a thought leadership coordinator, I'm excited to further establish PWN as a leading voice on gender equity issues and women's professional development. 

Your top tip for women in their professional lives

A piece of advice I had received early on in my career was to build a board of advocates (not just a single mentor or sponsor). A network of people who will champion for you, particularly when you are not in the room, as many decisions impacting your career will be made behind closed doors.

Rodica Radoslovescu, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, PWN Global

Why you have chosen to support the running of PWN Global?

I have chosen to support the PWN because in my experience, a woman has to work and to demonstrate much more than a man does in a similar position or job role. Some of the previous organisations that I have worked in are predominantly represented by men and I found that, in general, the environment was a very competitive one - sometimes unfairly so.

This is the reason why I would love to see a more gender-balanced approach to leadership and I would like to contribute to this mission.

Short background on you and your professional/personal activities

I have experience in the project and programme management, and in the process improvement domain too. I started my career in the tech industry (i.e. software development), and since worked in the Financial Services industy.

What you would like to help PWN achieve?

I would like to help PWN achieve its objective to advance women in leadership roles. For this, I think that maybe a coaching stream would be beneficial to the PWN membership offer. 

Your top tip for women in their professional lives

My top tip for women in their professional lives is to continue to be curious and learn new things. Also, to not be afraid of anyone that tells them they are not able to achieve whatever they would like to.

Copy edited: Rebecca Fountain, Marketing Consultant, PWN Global
Date: January 2024