Hall of Femmes

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...the internationality of my working environment at a university with campuses in six European countries and colleagues and students from all over the world. Here, I not only get to teach in an international, innovative way (e.g. through serious games), but also to advance my international research on issues that are important to me (including new forms of work, talent management, intercultural competence and diversity and inclusion).

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...I don’t know that there’s been one specific highlight. I’m grateful for many good times and experiences, and above all I’m proud of the fact that I was the first person in my family to go to university. And I’m happy that I’ve been able to pursue an exciting academic career and combine my career with my family life, raising two children. I therefore hope that I can be a role model for young women.

(3) When I look back on my career so far, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...the fact that people always had a lot of confidence in me, supported me in my development and offered me opportunities, all of which has enabled me to lead an exciting and fulfilling life. From a professional point of view, this began at Paderborn University with Professor Weber and continued with others further along my path who supported me and with my team-oriented co-operation with colleagues.

(4) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
...be courageous and confident! Trust in your skills, grow your networks and take on challenges that come your way, even if you’re not 100% sure you can 100% do it (others aren’t either...)! There are lots of ways in which you can shape your environment so that you can give your best and still get the work-life balance you need.

(5) For me, gender equality will be achieved when...
...we’re able to abolish all quotas and related rules and don’t need to talk about it anymore! But there’s still much that needs to be done until we get there.

(6) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
…a wealth of opportunities for personal and academic development. In addition, Paderborn University was the “gateway to the world” for me, because I was able to study in France as part of an exchange programme and spend time in Australia, the USA, Africa and Asia through research and work stays. These experiences ultimately formed the basis for my current job at an international business school and were, of course, fantastic experiences on a personal level, for a multitude of reasons.

(7) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
...to continue to offer students excellent opportunities for development and shape them academically, but also to contribute to the development of a concept of values that is based more than ever on the issues of sustainability and understanding diversity and inclusion – not only, but also – in international co-operation, alongside a keen focus on digital elements and modern, inspiring forms of teaching.

(8) As a positive effect of the “Hall of Femmes” for readers, I hope that...
...the life paths in profile will encourage young women to follow a similar path. Role models were few and far between in my day. These days, there is a wealth of opportunities to network with others and to learn from and with each other. The “Hall of Femmes” provides great starting points for this.