Meet Ana Luisa Romero, our Career Services Coordinator

Ana Luisa Romero (Master in Business Administration, 2007) is a catalyst and facilitator. This year she volunteers as our Career Services Coordinator. We sat down with her to find out what drives her to give back to our community.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Solvay?

I was pregnant during my first year, which was not the best situation! I loved coming to class on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings, but sitting for hours was painful, so I always brought my pillows.  I always tell people I have a Solvay baby!

I could not come back right away after giing birth, so I finished a year later. That is why I am class of 2007. In the end, I met two groups of people, and I quite liked that.

What made you want to be part of the alumni association?

Community is very important to me. In an alumni association, you give and you receive. If you invest time, you get attention and presence in return. You also learn new things and discover new perspectives. I recently attended the conference about elite sport. I was an athlete in high school and did not expect to hear anything new, yet the panelists’ experiences truly inspired me. When you really listen to others, there is always a spark.

There is a professional side too. The world of work is changing fast and things are tricky, so strong connections matter. I also want to talk with people who are career-oriented but are starting to see things differently.

Why did you volunteer for coordinating our Career Services?

I had a great experience with Career Lab workshops in 2016. I was coming back after about ten years as a stay-at-home mum, with no network in Belgium other than the Solvay Schools community, which was golden for me. Sitting in a room with others in the same situation, I saw that we all had similar experiences, even when the paths differed. The facilitator’s energy was exactly what I needed, and I made two very good friends there (which are still my friends today!).

Today I have time, and I know first-hand how hard exploring a change or looking for a job can be. There is strength in numbers. This is a direct way to put my grain of salt in for others.

Which Career Lab projects are you working on now?

Three things. First, Career Lab workshops, with experienced presenters who came back this year because they loved it.

Second, a career day for young professionals, now in the design phase and planned for spring next year. The goal is professional development, but also exploring what is possible and having fun together.

Third, a mentoring programme that we hope to launch at the beginning of 2027. Mentors and mentees always learn from each other. If you want to give your time, or you need guidance, it will be there.

What can we wish for you?

A fruitful next career step. I would like to build something with all the Lego pieces I have. It could be one big project or many mini ones. I am very open, which is both a blessing and a challenge.

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That is exactly what we wish to Ana Luisa! 

Discover and register to our upcoming Career Lab Workshops clicking here!

... and stay tuned if you're interested in becoming a SSA mentor or mentee.