As the founding Director of the Women’s Research Centre, my main responsibility is to design and implement the Centre’s strategic vision and program of work. This includes overseeing research projects, developing partnerships with universities, policymakers, and international organizations, and ensuring that our initiatives reflect the needs of the region while contributing to global debates on women’s studies. I also manage the Centre’s operations, leading a multidisciplinary team, supervising the production of reports and policy briefs, drafting communications, and organizing academic events that create platforms for dialogue and exchange. Representing the Centre in regional and international forums is another key part of my role, where I work to amplify its visibility and impact.

The most important skills required in this position go beyond research and analysis. Visionary leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement are central, along with strong communication, negotiation, and intercultural skills. Above all, my role requires the ability to transform research into action—producing evidence-based recommendations that support decision-makers, empower communities, and elevate women’s voices in both regional and global conversations.

The role I hold today found me, and I should say that both my professional and personal experiences prepared me for it in a very natural way. My studies and experiences at Sciences Po were pivotal in the career I chose to pursue after my master’s, the choices I have made, and the fields I decided to contribute to. Therefore, over the years—during and after my Sciences Po studies—my career achievements, academic research, writings, and contributions to international relations and women’s studies have all built the foundations for my current role. During my Ph.D., I made extensive use of Sciences Po’s resources and remained in close contact with my professors, the PSIA career team, and the alumni network—many of whom have remained lifelong friends and mentors. They supported me in every step of my career, and I keep a very close relationship with them all. These professional and personal experiences gained at Sciences Po together strengthened my passion for research, policymaking, peace and intercultural dialogue and understanding. It forged my identity, and expanded my networks, all of which allowed me to step into this position with confidence and purpose.

The most fascinating part of my role is the opportunity to build something entirely new for the region. As the founding head of the Women’s Research Centre, I was entrusted with creating an academic platform for research exchange by, for, and from the region—embedding our work in its context while reflecting best practices. What excites me most is elevating women’s voices and experiences and supporting them with scientific data to foster genuine global dialogue on women’s studies. The local, regional and international scope of this role makes it especially rewarding, and in less than a year, I have already seen how the Centre is beginning to make an impact with more than 10 research projects initiated with local regional and international partners.

During my studies at Sciences Po, I pursued both the research track and the diplomatic track, as I was equally interested in a career in academia and in the diplomatic field. This dual focus gave me a strong interdisciplinary foundation and the flexibility to navigate across different professional paths. After graduating, I went on to work in international organizations and later pursued a Ph.D. in international relations—experiences that were shaped by the academic rigor and global exposure I gained at PSIA. The skills I acquired at Sciences Po continue to underpin my work today, particularly as Director of a research center that bridges academia, policy, and international collaboration. Among the most influential courses was the class taught by H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, which gave me direct insight into diplomacy and international relations at the highest level. The exposure to practitioners who combined theory with practice was pivotal in preparing me for the leadership responsibilities I hold today. The courses delivered by the Sciences Po doctoral School and the research work I pursued for my master thesis under the supervision of Dr. Charlotte Halpern were also fundamental for my research journey. I thank all of them for their wonderful example.

My advice would be to take full advantage of the unique opportunities at Sciences Po—both inside and outside the classroom. Build genuine relationships with your professors, peers, and alumni, as these networks often become lasting sources of mentorship and collaboration. Don’t be afraid to pursue different tracks or experiences, even if they seem unrelated at first; in time, they will enrich your perspective and open unexpected doors. Above all, develop your identity around values and character, always striving toward peace, intercultural respect, and dialogue. Sciences Po is not only a world-class school of political science, but also a school of leadership—one that you help shape through your choices, your behavior, and your future career paths. Its ultimate contribution lies in cultivating these values, which will remain with you throughout your personal and professional journey.