From where?

I was born in 1991 in Brussels. This lovely city was the location where I completed all of my studies. After spending 7 months studying in Mexico as an exchange student with SBS-EM, I moved to Paris for 6 months to gain my first work experience. I am a proud brussels resident, and I am particularly fond of our city’s bustling atmosphere, with various initiatives emerging frequently.

From which program and class do you come?

I studied Business Engineering with a Master in Management Science and Green Management at Solvay.

What is your job title today?

I am Procurement Coordinator for Médecin Sans Frontière Supply. .

Can you briefly describe the project/mission?

I am the head of the procurement department for the logistic center for MSF Belgium. MSF is acting to help population in needs around the world (more or less 45 countries where we act as MSF Belgium). As MSF Supply (the humanitarian supply center), we provide all the goods necessary to the missions: from vaccines, to drugs, tents, mosquito nets, etc. The point of my department is to negotiate with suppliers to get the best price, quality and supply conditions for items we deliver in unsecured environments.

What was your most significant professional obstacle, and how did you overcome it?

In my opinion, the most significant challenge I faced in my professional career occurred during my initial employment with a major food retailer. While I acquired a great deal of knowledge and skills in that organization, there was a moment when I recognized that my personal values did not align with those of the company. As a result, continuing to work for them became exceedingly difficult. Given that we dedicate five days a week to our work, it is crucial for me to be employed by a company in which I have complete faith and share common values.

Have you had an experience abroad with SBS-EM? How has it influenced your life?

I went to Queretaro, Mexico as an exchange student. I can confidently state that it was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. I spend 7 months there. It was amazing to dive into another culture like this. You share a routine with a lot of different people from around the world but you learn also a lot about the country itself. Mexico is rich of everything : nature, cultures, traditions, different landscapes, amazing people, lot of different food. Because I loved the country so much, I decided also to write my thesis on Mexican social entrepreneurs. It gave me even more information about the way the country works with its different perceptions and I met lots of interesting and incredible people.

Is there a particular teacher at SBS-EM who had a significant impact on you as a student?

Not really, but my cursus gave me a lot of different perspectives. I learned more about Law (with the famous Huguette Jones and Tiphany Afschrift), what I loved. I also had a lot of fun with the "IT WEEK" of Hugues Bersini. I didn't realize that this kind of courses would have interested me.

In what ways do you believe you contribute to society?

Since almost 6 years after my first job (for the big food retailer),I choose to work for companies/projects where I can have a positive impact on society, the environment and people. Because I have this philosophy in my daily life, I want to be consistent as well in my work. Working for The Barn Bio Market and MSF was for me a chance but also an evidence.

What do you feel passionate about?
As a true Brussels girl, I am passionate about discovering new restaurants and places to go out. There are more and more nice initiatives and new interesting projects in Brussels, with a positive impact. I am also addicted to discovering new cultures and traveling. I try to be consistent with my values and traveling in the best way. The world is huge and mysterious, there are too many things to discover in order to open our minds and learn from each other’s.

Who has had the biggest influence on you?

Esther Duflo with her book "Poor Economics". That book was part of the curriculum during my third year at SBS-EM.This reading changed my vision of the economy and how we can all contribute positively to the society. I always knew that I wanted to work for something good (I had this strong interest for humanitarian world but seeing also that it not as sustainable as I wanted). Through this book, I gained a deeper understanding of the models that can be implemented to attain sustainability and social objectives while achieving self-sufficiency.

So, to where now? 

My professional goal is to build experience either in the sustainable food sector and social/humanitarian world. In few years, I know that I want to connect both interests and find my own way of running a business. I want to create my own project bonding food and social entrepreneurship.
Updated on August 3, 2023