In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, QBI is proud to present a special series of spotlight features celebrating some of the incredible women who help drive our success. This year’s theme, “Redefining Success,” highlights how accomplishments can take many forms. These interviews showcase the perspectives of women who work behind the scenes, shaping QBI’s achievements and pushing the boundaries of science in their own unique ways. Join us as we celebrate their hard work, diverse paths, and inspiring contributions to science!
Celine, how do you define success in your life, and has your definition evolved over time?
"In recent conversations with colleagues and friends, I’ve come to reflect on how the concept of success has traditionally been framed.
Growing up in the 90s, I felt encouraged to succeed academically in order to enter professions that were once reserved for men, and to “become men like everyone else”. Meanwhile, I sensed that the reverse was not really considered: boys moving into traditionally female professions would have meant challenging the hierarchy of values, which was largely unthinkable.
For much of my career, I unconsciously followed this traditional idea of success: a linear climb up an imaginary ladder modeled after a male trajectory. Only recently did I come to realize that success can take many different forms. It’s not just about titles or reaching the highest position; it’s also about the projects you contribute to, the meaningful connections you build, and the impact you have on those around you.
For a long time, I struggled with impostor syndrome because my career path wasn’t linear, but at one point, despite, or perhaps thanks to, this, I consciously decided that I didn’t need to aim for the top, finding fulfillment instead in being someone others could rely on. Does that make me successful? It’s hard for me to say yes, because part of me always wonders if I could have done more. But maybe that feeling is also what keeps me motivated, constantly striving for growth.
Ultimately, success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s about finding purpose, making a difference, and defining achievement on your own terms."
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Margaret, what advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to careers in STEM - especially those who may not see traditional definitions of success as attainable or appealing, or who might not often see themselves represented in the field?
"Careers in STEM can be non-traditional, and success is what you make of it. Maybe that’s a steady paycheck, maybe it’s doing something you are passionate about every day. Maybe it’s hitting that jackpot of being paid to do what you are passionate about. Recognize that a career is more than just the job you have now. It is something you are in control of and can develop by the choices you made. By its nature it changes, and you change with it. So be open to change, to learning and doing new things – especially the things you are passionate about. Those are the kinds of choices that will lead you to success.
Seek out people who emulate qualities you value. Those are your mentors. They might not be in your career field, but the best qualities are applicable to all fields. I have had many great mentors in mine and other fields. I recognize and appreciate different qualities from each of them and I try to emulate those qualities every day to achieve my career goals."
Jacqueline, your work is integral to QBI’s achievements. Can you share an achievement you are proud of or that made an impact?
"I hope that what I am remembered for is creating an environment where women were more involved in key decision making aspects of the institute’s activities. I am really pleased that every time we have a QBI event we look at having a 50% women represented as organizers, speakers and active participants. Another important achievement has been to implement the QBI Scholarship for Women from LMICs. This is a program that has opened great opportunities for long term collaborations that benefit both sides. I am also delighted by our work in Africa. Along with other partners we spearheaded the First International West Africa Symposium & Workshops on Infectious Disease in Sierra Leone. This event was multifaceted with a symposium, a clinical component and capacity building workshops for 91 trainees from across Africa.
It is clear to me that great advances in science will only be achieved through the contributions of many from everywhere. We might be from different nations, but we are one human race, and it makes sense that in order to solve human diseases, we would work together to find solutions."
Gina, looking back on your career so far, what is one piece of wisdom you’ve gained that you wish you could share with your younger self?
"If I could share one piece of wisdom with my younger self, it would be this: You are not responsible for making everyone happy. Early in my career, I was a chronic people-pleaser—I said yes to everything, took on more than I should have, and bent over backward to meet expectations that weren’t always my own. I thought being agreeable and accommodating would lead to success, but in reality, it led to burnout and a loss of clarity about what I actually wanted. Over time, I learned that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. The right people will respect them, and the wrong ones will reveal themselves. True success isn’t about being liked by everyone; it’s about being trusted, respected, and staying true to what actually matters to you.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: 'You don’t need to do it all. Say no when it doesn’t serve you. When you say no to something, you’re saying yes to something you value.'"
