Thekla Stein
Who are you?
My name is Thekla Stein. My first name can be difficult to pronounce in English, but don’t worry too much about it. Over the years, I’ve heard many versions of my name, and they’re all fine.
I am a research assistant at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz and have been involved in several projects in the refractory field.
How old are you and for how long do you work in the refractories industry?
At 44, I bring over a decade of passion and expertise to the field of refractory research. My journey began in the glass industry, where I gained invaluable experience that shaped my career. Even my diploma thesis was focused on refractories, so these materials have been a part of my professional life for a very long time.
Who has significantly influenced your professional life?
Everybody I worked with has taught me something, even if some are not aware of it. The fact that everybody has something to teach as long as you keep an open mind is one of the great things in my work life.
Tell us something about your personal background. What do you burn for besides refractories?
My family! I am a proud mother of two amazing teenagers who are growing more independent every day. This new chapter gives me the freedom to dive deeper into my passions - hiking through nature, enjoying strategic board games, and tending to my garden.
How did you get aware of Women@Refractories?
The institute where Women@Refractories was founded is located right next to my workplace. As a result, I had the opportunity to be invited to the first events.
Why did you join Women@Refractories?
When I started working as an engineer, I was the only woman in the plant. This was a very strange experience. I missed having a second opinion from a peer group or a mentor at that time. Women@Refractories is that peer group for me now.
How has the initiative impacted your professional or personal life?
The initiative gave me the incredible opportunity to expand my network in a new and modern way. By embracing the benefits of modern life like social media and video calls I am now connected with inspiring people in the refractory industry from all around the globe. It’s great to be part of such a vibrant, global community!
Which specific tasks or areas do you currently support within the initiative, and/or in which areas would you like to contribute in the future to expand your professional or soft skills?
I organized a refractory hiking event, which began as a simple idea to connect with people from my local area and workplace. To my delight, it evolved into an international gathering with participants from four different countries! The next event is already in the works, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of bringing networking into the great outdoors once again.
How did becoming a member of Women@Refractories and its Leaderboard changed your professional network?
Women@refractories filled a gap. It is a new idea how to shape the industry and the way of networking. I am glad to have that platform where new ideas can be developed and tried out.
If you had to describe Women@Refractories in one sentence, what would it be?
A new way of thinking that is driving innovation and change in the refractory industry.
Thanks, Thekla! We’re happy that you’re with us!