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Tribune News Network
Doha
Since moving to Qatar just a year ago, Veronica Bermudez, senior research director at HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), has consistently been impressed with how the country respects and empowers its women.
“The impact women are making in Qatar is incredible,” she said, adding that the amazing leadership being demonstrated here gives the country a big advantage.
She continued, “I am particularly impressed with the female leadership at Qatar Foundation (QF), where I work. I lead the Energy Center at QEERI. We are part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), which is a member of QF, and the leadership at QF is so motivating and supportive. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, CEO and vice-chairperson of QF, are doing a great job for Qatar and they are truly inspirational for the women of this country.
“Such leadership provides great strength for the women living here, and these influential and trail-blazing figures are playing a vital role in ensuring that women get the opportunity to become more educated, more involved and more productive in society.”
As a science ambassador, Veronica has been involved in mentoring women and trying to motivate them to push their limits. She said she has done it in every country she has lived -- her home country Spain, France, Japan and now, Qatar.
“In my own small way, I am trying to empower women and I was proud to represent QEERI at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference in Austin, the US, recently. The theme of the conference was ‘Lead Beyond: Accelerating Innovative Women Who Change the World’, and I was really pleased and honoured to have been invited,” she said.
“Attending the conference provided more international visibility for QEERI and enabled me to meet and interact with female change-makers from around the world that will possibly lead to building positive collaborative relationships for QEERI. So, I was very happy – both as a representative of the institute and as a woman.
“There are many other talented women who have the ability to make a big impact in science, but if women don’t have the same opportunities as men, then we will lose half of the potential workforce. We will lose bright minds that could help to solve problems if we limit women and if we only work with a much reduced part of the population. It’s not just a matter of women being equal, the real question is why are we disrespecting a part of our society that can really contribute to making things better and to making a change?” she asked.
Veronica said she started a group called ‘QEERI Women for Science’ and that It is not only for the women in the technical field but also the administrative staff supporting the scientists in their work. The member of the group get together regularly to discuss various scientific and non-science related topics. “The idea is just to understand and talk about problems we face, to help us continue to make progress, and in turn, to help each other move forward,” she said.
“The women at QEERI are the strongest I have ever met. They are so eager and determined to make something happen. I knew a few that were very capable of having managerial roles but were frightened to take on that challenge. But by having open discussions about what they are capable of, and giving them the opportunity, they are now performing at a very high level.
“A little motivation and faith can make a huge difference. My message to the many innovative women who dream of making an impact in this world is find what you love, do what you love, take risks, be fearless, overcome the obstacles placed in front of you, and do not give up if those obstacles threaten to overcome you. Learn, change, adapt, and evolve. Remember that perseverance is the key,” she concluded.
Doha
Since moving to Qatar just a year ago, Veronica Bermudez, senior research director at HBKU’s Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), has consistently been impressed with how the country respects and empowers its women.
“The impact women are making in Qatar is incredible,” she said, adding that the amazing leadership being demonstrated here gives the country a big advantage.
She continued, “I am particularly impressed with the female leadership at Qatar Foundation (QF), where I work. I lead the Energy Center at QEERI. We are part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), which is a member of QF, and the leadership at QF is so motivating and supportive. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, CEO and vice-chairperson of QF, are doing a great job for Qatar and they are truly inspirational for the women of this country.
“Such leadership provides great strength for the women living here, and these influential and trail-blazing figures are playing a vital role in ensuring that women get the opportunity to become more educated, more involved and more productive in society.”
As a science ambassador, Veronica has been involved in mentoring women and trying to motivate them to push their limits. She said she has done it in every country she has lived -- her home country Spain, France, Japan and now, Qatar.
“In my own small way, I am trying to empower women and I was proud to represent QEERI at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Conference in Austin, the US, recently. The theme of the conference was ‘Lead Beyond: Accelerating Innovative Women Who Change the World’, and I was really pleased and honoured to have been invited,” she said.
“Attending the conference provided more international visibility for QEERI and enabled me to meet and interact with female change-makers from around the world that will possibly lead to building positive collaborative relationships for QEERI. So, I was very happy – both as a representative of the institute and as a woman.
“There are many other talented women who have the ability to make a big impact in science, but if women don’t have the same opportunities as men, then we will lose half of the potential workforce. We will lose bright minds that could help to solve problems if we limit women and if we only work with a much reduced part of the population. It’s not just a matter of women being equal, the real question is why are we disrespecting a part of our society that can really contribute to making things better and to making a change?” she asked.
Veronica said she started a group called ‘QEERI Women for Science’ and that It is not only for the women in the technical field but also the administrative staff supporting the scientists in their work. The member of the group get together regularly to discuss various scientific and non-science related topics. “The idea is just to understand and talk about problems we face, to help us continue to make progress, and in turn, to help each other move forward,” she said.
“The women at QEERI are the strongest I have ever met. They are so eager and determined to make something happen. I knew a few that were very capable of having managerial roles but were frightened to take on that challenge. But by having open discussions about what they are capable of, and giving them the opportunity, they are now performing at a very high level.
“A little motivation and faith can make a huge difference. My message to the many innovative women who dream of making an impact in this world is find what you love, do what you love, take risks, be fearless, overcome the obstacles placed in front of you, and do not give up if those obstacles threaten to overcome you. Learn, change, adapt, and evolve. Remember that perseverance is the key,” she concluded.
