upcoming events
FIRE TALK: The Power to Decide Who You Want to Be
We are excited to launch the “Fire Talks”, a women empowerment webinar series designed to ignite dialogue, inspiration, and transformation. Our first session welcomes Jessica Fernandez, Chief Strategy and Relations Officer at WM Refractories. Jessica will introduce herself and share her journey as a woman in leadership within the refractory industry, offering unique insights into navigating challenges and embracing opportunities. She will also share her life-transforming experiences that made her stronger and more powerful, inspiring all of us to embrace the power to decide who we want to be.
FIRE TALK: Male Allyship – Breaking Barriers for Gender Equality
This Fire Talk explores why allyship is more than symbolic support—it demands self-reflection, accountability, and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Tobias Steffen, a Materials Engineer at Forschungsgemeinschaft Feuerfest e. V. and Co-Founder of Women@Refractories shares insights on how men can challenge systemic barriers, fostering environments where diversity drives innovation and success. By embracing new, self-determined roles and dismantling patriarchal structures, men not only support equality but also unlock their own potential for more authentic and collaborative professional and personal lives. In this way, we can redefine traditional male roles in the workplace and wider society.
ceramitec Women‘s Forum: Equal Futures—Together in Leadership
ceramitec Women’s Forum – Connect. Understand. Change.
Immerse yourself in a program that opens up fresh perspectives and provides real inspiration.
The ceramitec Women's Forum is aimed explicitly at both women and men alike —because sustainable change can only be achieved together. This is where people who want to make a difference come together: women who contribute new ideas and perspectives. Men who, as active allies, can make a decisive contribution to equal opportunities and career advancement. And everyone who is convinced that diversity is the key to an innovative future.
Whether you are from the ceramics and refractories industry or other sectors, everyone is welcome to network, learn from each other, and work together to build a strong network for greater diversity, innovation, and equal opportunities.
International Audience Welcome
All presentations will be held in English – our aim is to appeal to a broad international audience and promote exchange across national and industry boundaries.
Networking Aperitif Starting at 18:00, we cordially invite you to join us for a networking aperitif at Clay's Restaurant (Hall A4). Take advantage of this opportunity to make new contacts, engage in exciting conversations, and gain valuable insights in a relaxed atmosphere.
Be part of it and help shape the future!
Women@Refractories meets icr 2025
Women@Refractories is returning to the International Colloquium on Refractories (ICR 2025), and this year we are aiming even higher.
The Women@Refractories event at ICR 2025 features an inspiring keynote speech on authentic influence and exclusive industry insights. Vera Strauch is the founder and CEO of the Dear Monday (Female Leadership Academy), as well as a podcaster and author. For years, she has been exploring leadership, feminism, and organizational development – and is convinced that the world of work needs a fundamental shift and the courage to reshape its structures. Her work is dedicated to driving that transformation.
There will also be a panel discussion in which experienced women from the industry will share real-world challenges and solutions, as well as interactive networking activities designed to foster connection, exchange and mutual support across all career levels.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience – you belong here. And if you’re in a leadership role: this is your chance to support the next generation and join the conversation on shaping a more inclusive industry.
Don't have a ticket yet? You can still book your early bird ticket until 31 July here: https://lnkd.in/dkuJnyyk
Vereinbarkeitsorientiertes Führen
Women@Refractories kicked off the second year of the initiative on February 6, 2025, with “Work-life balance-oriented leadership – a key skill for the modern workplace.”
In this online seminar led by Nadine Schulz (founder of Career & Care), (prospective) managers learned how work-life balance-oriented leadership can not only increase employee satisfaction and retention, but also take their own leadership skills to a new level. Using a mix of emotional and rational approaches, the seminar showed how family-friendly policies not only improve the working atmosphere but also lead to better results. After the seminar, participants had the opportunity to network with each other.
Familie und Feuerfest - Über Führung und Vereinbarkeit
In this seminar, experts Louisa Plasberg and Ronja Hoffacker from equaly discussed how managers, teams, and companies can create a work-life balance-friendly culture. The seminar was aimed at all employees who provide care (e.g., childcare or care for relatives) and at managers who want to learn strategies for enabling a work-life balance in their company.
Female talents: innovation through diversity
At the International Colloquium on Refractories (ICR 2024)
Gender diversity is a driving force for innovation and progress—not just a trend. At this inspiring event, organized by our Women@Refractories initiative, participants explored how diversity shapes the future of the refractories industry.
The program featured a compelling keynote by Stevie Schmiedel, followed by a lively panel discussion with Annika M., Daniela Gavagnin, Milena Amábilis Ribeiro Gomes, Katy Moss, and Paula Campos de Oliveira. Representing a mix of young professionals, senior leaders, and managing directors, the panelists shared their unique perspectives on attracting, developing, and retaining female talent. Their insights highlighted both the challenges and opportunities women face at different career stages, sparking meaningful dialogue and actionable ideas.
Starke Frauen: Starke Feuerfestindustrie
The Women@Refractories initiative was successfully launched on May 6, 2024, with the kick-off event “Strong Women: Strong Refractories Industry!” A seminar led by empowerment coach Evi-Madeleine Paatsch with a total of 31 participants from the refractories industry, academic educational institutions, and media companies at the interface between refractories and users. The networking event that followed the seminar not only provided an opportunity to make new contacts and exchange experiences, but also provided important impetus for further activities by Women@Refractories.