About The Guest

Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva graduated cum laude (with honours) with a Bachelor of Science (Philippines), completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (US), and became a DNA vaccine scientist. Celia then became a lawyer in the Philippines and Australia.

She is the Board Chairperson of a 139-year-old pharmacy and a Director in other boards. She is a passionate mentor of migrants and in 2023, she won the EY Oceania CEO Social Contributor Leadership Award and was a finalist for the Corporate Legend award from the Australian Professionals of Colour. Her son, two daughters, and husband are all CALD STEM professionals.

Summary

Dr. Celia Torres-Villanueva shares her journey in STEM, from her early interest in science to her diverse career path. Growing up in the Philippines, she had the privilege of being encouraged to pursue STEM and attended a specialized science high school. She initially considered a career in law but ultimately decided to pursue molecular biology and biotechnology. She completed her PhD in the US and went on to establish her own research lab in the Philippines, focusing on DNA vaccines.

Later, she transitioned into the field of law and became involved in intellectual property and research contracts. She emphasizes the importance of having a holistic approach to increasing opportunities for culturally diverse women in STEM, including addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion within organizations. She also highlights the value of mentoring and encourages women to believe in themselves and seek support from mentors and allies.

Key Takeaways

• Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva had an interest in both science and law, choosing to purse molecular biology first and set up her own research lab in the Phillipines.
• Transitioning into law, she contributed to intellectual property and research contracts, leveraging her scientific background for legal impact.
• Advocating for culturally diverse women in STEM, she underscores the importance of addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion challenges within organizations.
• Celia highlights the transformative power of mentoring, urging women to seek guidance and become mentors themselves.

Find out more

• Connect with Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about her work with migrant women leaders through Career Transformation Ventures.
• Visit drchloelim.com for more resources from this podcast.

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/