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THE “FireTalks” SERIES IS HERE
An inspiring new platform where leaders and innovators from the refractories industry share their journeys, insights, and best practices on fostering diversity and inclusion.
We kicked off the series with Jessica Fernandez, Chief Strategy and Relations Officer at WM Refractories, leaderboard member of Women@Refractories and a trailblazer whose career embodies the power of diverse perspectives in male dominated fields. In her inaugural talk, Jessica adresses her personal journey and talks about the power to decide who you want to be.
Join us as we amplify voices, challenge norms, and celebrate the people who are redefining what it means to thrive in the refractories world.
WOMEN@REFRACTORIES SENDS A STRONG MESSAGE ABOUT DIVERSITY AT ICR2025
"Male allyship is essential for achieving sustainable diversity: You don't have to be queer to fight for queer rights; you don't have to be a minority to fight racism; and you don't have to be a woman to fight for women's rights. In male-dominated industries such as the refractory industry, our voices carry weight. We must lead by example and demonstrate that true strength lies in uplifting others rather than holding them back." With these words, Tobias Steffen, co-founder of Women@Refractories, set the tone for the networking event at the International Colloquium on Refractories 2025.
Over 100 industry experts, leaders and young talents came together to discuss the future of the refractories industry. The program began with a presentation of the results of the industry survey, 'The Voices of Refractory', by Leaderboard member Dr Jennifer Astoveza. The survey received responses from over 100 participants in 18 countries, who voted on the inclusivity of the industry and possible solutions to grievances.
This was followed by an inspiring keynote speech by Vera Strauch, founder of the Female Leadership Academy (Dear Monday), on the topic of female leadership – how to exert influence without bending. A high-profile panel discussion, moderated by Leaderboard member Thekla Stein, with participants Nicol Tomaschewski, Head of Region Asia at Cremer Erzkontor GmbH/Managing Director Cremer Erzkontor Hong Kong Ltd., Vera Strauch, founder of Dear Monday, Constantin Beelitz, President Europe & CIS, RHI Magnesita, Dr. Kathrin Weber, Head of Research & Development at Refratechnik Cement and Mahsa Kakavand, research assistant at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, discussed whether diversity is a luxury or a matter of survival in view of the current tense economic situation in the refractory industry.
“Our industry faces major challenges. To overcome them, we need new perspectives and young talents. We can only achieve this, if we make the refractories industry visible and attractive - and a place where women enjoy working and leading,” said Dr. Kerstin Hauke, co-founder of Women@Refractories. “With our events, we not only highlight problems, but above all talk about solutions. These include fair pay, greater visibility and more inclusive career paths.”
The event concluded with an interactive networking session, where participants exchanged ideas and forged new connections. The results of the international survey The Voices of Refractory will be shared publicly later this year to provide further insights into challenges and opportunities for diversity in the industry.
WOMEN@REFRACTORIES - THE NETWORKING EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 AT THE ICR IN AACHEN
“Last year was a resounding success – this year we're going one better” says co-founder Kerstin Hauke.
The Women@Refractories network is hosting its second major networking event on September 17, 2025, from 3:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. as part of ICR 2025 – featuring a keynote speech, panel discussion, and interactive networking. The initiative has already received over 100 registrations for the event.
“Just because the initiative is called ‘Women@Refractories’ doesn't mean that men aren't welcome – quite the contrary: they are expressly invited. I hope to welcome many of them to our event and engage in dialogue with them” said co-founder Tobias Steffen.
The aim is to empower women in the refractories industry, increase their visibility, and promote the exchange of ideas about leadership paths and careers – a topic that is becoming increasingly important for companies. After all, diversity and networking create innovative strength, retain skilled workers, and promote a modern image of the industry.
With keynote speaker Vera Strauch, a high-caliber panel, and targeted networking formats, the event offers impetus, exchange, and inspiration – also for executives who want to promote female talent in their own companies and make them more visible.
Further information about the event, participation and sponsorship opportunities is now available on the ICR 2025 website.
Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Kerstin Hauke and Tobias Steffen
Women@Refractories | ECREF
Women@Refractories.io