From Solvay to Success - Valérie Coolen

From Where?

I was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1998, and I've remained there ever since.

From which program and class do you come? 

I completed my undergraduate studies in economics and continued on to earn a Master's degree in Economic Analysis and European Policy.

What is your job title today?

Political advisor to the federal minister of Climate, the Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal.
 

Can you briefly describe your mission?

Political advisors to the minister help her achieve her political agenda as well as the objectives of the Government Agreement and the Minister's general policy note. We are responsible for analysing, advising on and monitoring issues and matters falling within her competencies. I am working on subjects related to economics such as sustainable finance or corporate sustainability due diligence.
 

Which skills did you acquire during your time at SBS-EM that you use the most today?

My time at university has enabled me to get involved in several student associations. As co-founder of the ULB unit of Rethinking Economics, I'm glad to have been able to contribute to the debate on the need for economics teaching to be pluralist, feminist, decolonial and in line with the ecological emergency in which we find ourselves. I greatly appreciate how SBS-EM fosters student involvement, which has allowed me to gain extensive knowledge about the socio-economic aspects related to ecological transition, a topic that received constrained attention in the coursework.
 

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

I didn't have him as a teacher, but I did work for Marek Hudon on projects to vulgarize scientific content related to the ecological transition. He took part in my formation on subjects related to ecological economics, and I was delighted to cross paths with him again during my professional career, in view of his role as co-chair of the High Committee for a Just Transition, established by Minister Zakia Khattabi. Hugh Murphy also had an impact on me by enabling the English course to be a place for discussion and debate, which lectures in big auditoriums don't offer.
 

In what ways do you believe you contribute to society?

Working in a government or public institution allows you to have a direct impact on public policy. We are living in a period where we are transforming our economy, our social model and our way of life to become a truly sustainable and resilient country. There are multiple (economic) challenges linked to this transformation and I am very glad to contribute to society by putting my knowledge in economics at the service of the minister’s cabinet.
 

What do you feel passionate about?

I’m passionate about feminist theories and my time at SBS-EM has made me very curious on how to put feminist perspectives in the analysis of economics. This led me to write my master thesis on the precariousness of Belgian “titres-services” workers. During my free time I also love to go see movies or have a nice walk in Brussel’s most vibrant areas.

Who has had the biggest influence on you?

Of course a lot of people have but I could say French economist Hélène Périvier had a big influence on me with her book “l’économie féministe”. She writes about the invisibilisation of women and feminist perspectives in economic theories, as well as about more specific public policy related subjects such as care work, in which she establishes the links between the economy and inequality, not only in the workplace but also in the family.
 

So, to where now ?

I hope I can continue my engagement in the political area and be part of the collective effort toward social justice and environmental justice.