Ep 5: Pivoting from STEM to Law | Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva
Release Date: 12/16/2023
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About the Guest: Diana Malcomess has vast experience in technology consulting, whose career exemplifies the power of curiosity and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Currently serving as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Diana brings a wealth of global experience and cultural diversity with a background spanning three countries, including Partner in Digital & Emerging Technology at Ernst & Young (EY) and a significant tenure in New York with a leading tech company. Diana embodies leadership through action, emphasizing the power of example over words. Diana...
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About the Guest: Dr. Supre Ponnappa is a distinguished materials scientist who holds a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology. With a stellar academic background, she secured a gold medal in her engineering master's program and was recognized with the Higher Achiever Award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on developing a scalable biosensing platform utilizing polymer materials. Dr. Ponnappa’s career trajectory spans across scientific evaluation, industrial research, economic analysis, and policy development with experience in several...
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Ep 17: Helping Communities to Innovate Against Climate Challenges with Dr Aparna Lal
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Ep 16: Navigating the Commercial World in STEM with Nadine Najmeddine
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Ep 15: Economics and STEM: How Economic Modelling Can Help Non-Profit Organisations
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Ep 11: From Office Assistant to Senior Executive: A Data Journey Story
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About the Guest Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data analytics, her mentoring, and her dedication to innovation and excellence. Prior to working for the ANAO, Xiaoyan dedicated 11 years to the Australian Sports Commission, where she led data-driven...
info_outlineAbout The Guest
Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva graduated cum laude (with honours) with a Bachelor of Science (Philippines), completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (US), and became a DNA vaccine scientist. Celia then became a lawyer in the Philippines and Australia.
She is the Board Chairperson of a 139-year-old pharmacy and a Director in other boards. She is a passionate mentor of migrants and in 2023, she won the EY Oceania CEO Social Contributor Leadership Award and was a finalist for the Corporate Legend award from the Australian Professionals of Colour. Her son, two daughters, and husband are all CALD STEM professionals.
Summary
Dr. Celia Torres-Villanueva shares her journey in STEM, from her early interest in science to her diverse career path. Growing up in the Philippines, she had the privilege of being encouraged to pursue STEM and attended a specialized science high school. She initially considered a career in law but ultimately decided to pursue molecular biology and biotechnology. She completed her PhD in the US and went on to establish her own research lab in the Philippines, focusing on DNA vaccines.
Later, she transitioned into the field of law and became involved in intellectual property and research contracts. She emphasizes the importance of having a holistic approach to increasing opportunities for culturally diverse women in STEM, including addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion within organizations. She also highlights the value of mentoring and encourages women to believe in themselves and seek support from mentors and allies.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva had an interest in both science and law, choosing to purse molecular biology first and set up her own research lab in the Phillipines.
- Transitioning into law, she contributed to intellectual property and research contracts, leveraging her scientific background for legal impact.
- Advocating for culturally diverse women in STEM, she underscores the importance of addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion challenges within organizations.
- Celia highlights the transformative power of mentoring, urging women to seek guidance and become mentors themselves.
Find out more
- Connect with Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about her work with migrant women leaders through Career Transformation Ventures.
- Visit drchloelim.com for more resources from this podcast.
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