Often we talk about the unpredictable things that happen in aour lives, and that it’s often these småll choices, that at the time seems insignificant that later turns out to be the thing that made you move forward, made you grow and was the ONE thing that turned your career around or opened a door for you. And looking behind it dawns on you, that it was this little chioce that made it. But you doubted and you was afraid of it to begin with. And looking back there is a significant chance that there are situations you now perceive as ‘missed opportunities’ – but you did not know it at that time. Often these reflections tend to be female characteristicas.

So how do we get better at seizing the opportunity – when it suddenly shows up?

If you want to get better at taking a chance, then hear this perfect ‘Seize the the chance’- Toolkit from Maria Oeatergaard:

• say yes to at least one opportunity each year
• Use mentors/sponsors in every phase of your career
• Join at least one network and take an active role

This meeting’s topic was “Seize the opportunity – a moment when you stepped out of your comfort zone and embraced a new challenge” and Lee Millen perfectly moderated us through the conversation.

Maria Jose Landeira Oestergaard, senior manager at Topsoe and chair of the board at Kvinderådet , came to dk in 1981 from Spain. She shared her incredible journey and we had a very warmheartedly conversation abbout courage and about her experiences as a young WOMAN IN STEM and up to now – the changes and the not-changes. Like:

💪 “time is not something you have – but something you take”
💪 “Take a chance !! what is the worst that can happen”
💪 “Don’t wait to be 120% sure”

🙏 Thank you for great inspiration and courage.

Colette Meignin, DTU – Technical University of Denmark-students in STEM, and from France shared her brave choice about how “Choosing science and engineering was the moment I seized my opportunity!”

and Hannah Johann, DTU-students in STEM, from Germany are shared her unique meeting with a teacher that made a difference in her life for good, when he encouraged her to be assistent teacher in mathematics – when Hannah did not even feel that she was good at it herself. And it turned out she was absolutely GREAT at it, and so popular that the school administration had to find a larger room for her study-café because it was overfilled.

HOW IS THAT FOR COURAGEOUS WOMEN 💪

See you at the next Science Sisters-meeting: Wednesday 25th of February

Join this Science Sisters network meeting and be part of a movement towards many more women with STEM careers. Meet other women from different professions – Danes as well as internationals in Denmark.

Let us know if you are interested: info@sciencecity.dk