STEM Demystified – Vanda Franco (Portugal)

Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle the under-representation of women in STEM. This weekly Newsletter showcases how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.

Today, Vanda Franco is our STEM role model. Born in Portugal, she developed interest in the sciences early on and decided to become a Nurse. At first, Vanda did not get the right grade to join the University but decided to get started with a degree in Chemistry which, she did not know at the time, it ignited her passion for the science.

Vanda completed a graduation in Chemistry at the University of Lisbon, a MSc in Biology & Marine Resources, and a Post-Graduate in Laboratory Management. She has 20 years of experience in the field, and her theoretical training is complemented with the essential practical experience at Industrial and Laboratory level in multiple STEM areas including Marine Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical and the Oil & Gas industries. Vanda is also an advocate for women in STEM and authored the chapter “From Portugal to Qatar – Exploring different careers in STEM” in the book “Empowering Women in STEM – Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World”.

Currently, Vanda is based in Qatar where she works as the Associate Manager of Onshore Operations at Petrotec – Team Services and Rentals, assisting various industries onshore and offshore with lubrication-related issues. Let’s now find out how Vanda’s navigated her career, from a curious student to attaining several academic titles onto having both a multifaceted and successful career.

What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally/academically?

My journey has not been linear, but as a Chemist I’m able to have different experiences within STEM for the past 20 years.

In Portugal, when we are at school on 9th grade, we can have an assessment evaluation to know what our competencies are and choose which area to follow. From the tests I got the result of competency in different areas such as Letters and Sciences, with exception of Arts! Yes, I’m still not good on that…

Considering that I always wanted to be a nurse I chose Sciences’ area for the following 3 years before going to the university in 1999. In the end of high school my evaluation was good but not sufficient to enter in a public university to be a nurse, so I decided to select Chemistry degree as suggested by one of my friends. On that time, I thought that I will be studying Chemistry for one year to be prepared for the national exams in the following year and try again nurses’ degree.

As you already know from my profile, I didn’t become a nurse! I got passionate by chemistry degree program, and I completed the required 5 years at Lisbon University!

After finishing my degree, I had opportunity to work in Marine Chemistry research, for 4 years, where I learned more about a different chemistry. I loved it, and during this period I decided to get a master’s degree in respective area to have a progression in my career, however in 2008 the research in Portugal was not supported as much as should and the project where I was included was cancelled.

I moved to pharmaceutical industry, starting from scratch since I was not having experience in this area. For almost 4 years I went throughout all areas in this industry, from raw materials quality control to final product already packed and ready to be released to the market. What an experience! After learning from all departments and developing deep knowledge on the same for almost 4 years, I requested for a promotion which was not possible because my degree was in Chemistry not in Pharmaceutical Sciences, so I was limited to be a technician.

My expectations were higher, and I moved again in 2011, whiling to learn more and give my contribute to the next company. It was time for Petrochemical company where I knew that as a Chemist, I was able to grow and have progression – discussed during the long process of interviews and evaluation. I started as Analyst in the laboratory, 6 months later I became Senior Analyst and 1 year later I became the Laboratory supervisor where I stayed for more than 4years. Within this period, I took a Post-graduation in Laboratory Management to improve my knowledge and performance.

Due to personal/family decisions, I moved to Qatar in 2017, to join my husband. I was having already an offer to be a teacher in a nursery. On that time, it was not easy for a woman to get a job in industry in Qatar when we are not yet in the country. Specially in a very-male populated industrial area.

I learned a lot with each one of the Childs when I was in the nursery, and I was able to transfer to them my passion in STEM by doing simple experiences related with all areas. In the end of the day, they were happy and excited to tell their parents what had learnt. But for me was not sufficient to feel realized in professional life…

In 2018 I had the opportunity to move to an Oil Care services provider company, where I am until today. I say that in Qatar I became “the nurse of turbo machinery” supporting Oil & Gas, Chemical, Energy and Power Plant customers on achieving Lubrication Excellence, avoiding any failure in their Rotating Equipment, avoiding unexpected shutdowns, reducing the waste of lubricants and associated costs, improving their carbon footprint.

When I was a teenager, I felt inspired by scientific books and movies, reading and seeing how STEM is the base of life and supports us on adapting to the world and surrounded environment. I was always curious about putting in practice what I was reading. Theory was never, and is still not, sufficient for me.

During my professional journey I never had a female role model, however I learned about “what to do not do” and “how to do not be” with my different female superiors due to not so good examples. Unfortunately, can happen however, everything is important for our experience and knowledge.

When it comes to academic journey, I had three female role models:

– Two teachers at university FCUL, Lisbon, Portugal (1999-2004): Helena Garcia (Inorganic Chemistry classes) and Raquel Goncalves-Maia (Cinetic classes). They were passionate about chemistry and motivating all of us, girls and boys, to do and be our best, even sleeping just few hours per day to complete the laboratory experiences and reports.

– One classmate during the Laboratory Management Post-Graduation (2015-2016), her name is Fatima Loja. She celebrated her 60th birthday in one of our classes, on a Saturday! She was inspiring all of us without knowing! She was sharing her knowledge and vast experience with us and showing that we learn until we want, there is not limit on our age. Is never waste of time, quite opposite, is an investment!

I have the below printed in a frame on my desk, to never forget that everything depends on me.

“If you’re not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you’re determined to learn, no one can stop you!” – Zig Ziglar

What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?

The long way taken through our life should be something we are proud of when we look back, including all ups and downs.

In my opinion, we must be proud of all our personal and professional achievements! Being small or big, they contribute to what we are today and how we want to move forward on achieving next goals. For me, the most important was never have quitted and plan my academic and learning journey accordingly with my professional opportunities.

“Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” Theodore Roosevelt has stuck with me!

Currently, I’m proud of being able to support all our clients (Oil & Gas industry, Energy industry, Power Plants and Chemical industry) on achieving their goals related with Lubrication Excellence and Equipment Reliability, successfully.

Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?

As we know, there are always challenges for a woman just because we are women. Our society is improving and the percentage of men supporting women in professional life is increasing, however there is still the concept of a woman can’t/shouldn’t be doing some activities.

“Strong Women are not simply born. They are made by the storms they walk through!” – Anonymous.

One of my challenges was being the youngest person in a team, where the oldest male co-worker was not accepting me and making my integration difficult. To overcome this situation, I decided to have a particular conversation with him and explain that I was there to learn with all of them and to contribute with what I knew. I showed to him my interest in learning from him if he had time to spend with me. Twenty years later we continue sending birthday and Christmas wishes.

Being a woman in Lubrication and Reliability field, I know firsthand the challenges that come with breaking boundaries in this industry that is still very-male populated and where some men continue thinking that the women do not have experience and sufficient knowledge in this area. I heard few comments from clients in the beginning and felt challenged in different trainings where I was the only woman in the classroom. So, I decided to read small articles everyday about different subjects related with lubrication, to follow different SEM on LinkedIn to learn more from them, to attend different webinars and listening podcasts. My company also gave me the opportunity to attend an intensive training in Lubrication, in UK, in 2019. My superior and my co-workers support me every day. Nowadays all our customers are consulting me to support them on solving the lubrication-related issues in their plants. Some of them are considering me a SME.

In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?

To have more women into STEM, they need to feel supported and encouraged by family, employer and co-workers. The workplace environment must be inclusive, giving opportunities to each woman to learn and show own competencies.

The women should continue supporting each other. I never feel a coworker, male or female, as my competitor, I feel as a partner. We can grow together! I’m always sharing my knowledge with my team, with a different department or with a new connection. And I also learn so much from each one of them!

The companies should partner with local schools to speak to girls about the opportunities in STEM, creating opportunities for hands-on work experience.

The schools could invite women in STEM to speak to their students about their journey, there is always a mother/father that knows someone in industry and willing to share their experience. Each school can create a weekly/monthly session to discuss about STEM where students can bring their questions.

For early ages, the kindergarten could have Winter/Spring/Summer camps including different activities related with STEM such as robotics builds, electronic circuits, fun chemical experiences, simple software arts, simple mental math, fun games, etc.

What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?

STEM has diverse opportunities and it’s applicable to too different areas. You can try different areas in your journey and choose the one that will make you happy every day. Study the different options. Don’t think that you must build your career in one area only, especially if you are not comfortable or feeling realized professionally. If you have a role model, a mentor, speak with her/him to clarify your doubts.

If you are not yet in STEM, is never too late to change and try something different, maybe it will be the area that you have been dreaming for. Read more about STEM, speak with friends and family that can approach another friend in STEM to know more what you can expect. Attend free webinars, read magazines and articles.

Vanda’s journey is fantastic. Breaking down barriers and trailblazing in traditionally male-dominated industries is essential for achieving gender equality. Her trajectory also shows that changing career aspirations is a common experience. As we grow and learn more about ourselves, our interests and goals can evolve. A career change is an opportunity for growth, not a setback, so embrace it, learn from it, and continue exploring.