The Philippine Embassy in Brussels and Filipinos in STEM – BeNeLux co-organized a panel discussion and networking event with Filipino women in the fields of information technology, biotechnology, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Pablito A. Mendoza said that the Embassy, through events such as this, aims to reach out to more Filipinos in Belgium to better understand their needs and challenges, celebrate their achievements, and open opportunities for the community to touch base with one another and expand their circle of friends.

Panelists Jenalyn Aerts, Maria Johna Iguiron, Lynn Martinez-Prins and Charmaine Pavloskova, along with hosts Kit Navarro and Hope Flaviano, talked about how they kickstarted their STEM career in Belgium by seeking additional training and work experience to get into their current careers. They also candidly discussed navigating cultural differences as a Filipino in Belgium, and balancing work and family life.

During the discussion, the panel gave practical advice on such topics as how to get into STEM as a non-STEM practitioner, how to get a job in Belgium after graduating from a Belgian university, and how to get employment guidance from mentors in Belgian institutions.

The spirited panel discussion contributed to the productive networking session over merienda that followed.