Caterin Salas-Redondo
Caterin Salas-Redondo is a physicist and Sustainability Manager in the photovoltaic industry with vast experience in applied physics of semiconductor materials and sustainability. In an interview with our team, she explains how she lost her confidence after having children, despite her many impressive academic and research achievements. She advises other mothers in STEMM to be comfortable with trying new things and not being afraid to reach out to others, and emphasises that there is no shame in wanting both a career and a family.
1. Please describe your job in one sentence.
I'm a Sustainability Manager at ROSI, a French company with the only site in the world recovering critical materials such as silicon, silver, and copper from solar panels at an industrial scale. I help to make sure that our operations and innovative processes remain sustainable and support with the valorization of our circular materials.
2. What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why?
I put my strength, willpower, and passion on what I do for the service of society. The thing I aspire the most in my career is to give legacy. That steers me to work on what I believe it matters to make/have a long lasting benefit for the world.
3. What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?
I've obtained many awards, prizes, and recognition throughout my academic and professional life, I've also had many career milestones worth celebrating like being hired even before I submitted my PhD thesis (they even waited for me for more than half year!), first time managing people/project, first time turning down a job offer because it didn't meet my requirements, first time being referred to as a subject matter expert, receiving a promotion... but I've also fallen at least as many times!
However, I must confess that I achieved the most important milestone at the very beginning of my career, when I was barely 21 years old, and I had to convince my parents to support me in pursuing postgraduate studies abroad, out of reach of a family member or anybody they would know. I got up the courage and prepared arguments to explain (and make them realize) the amazing work they have done raising me. So, they did not have a reason to worry and could trust in my capabilities to excel and take care of myself. Now I realize the difficult position they had to take, the huge risk I took but the great outcome that decision has turned out to be in my life.
4. What career obstacles have you faced as a mother in STEMM? How did you overcome them?
Being a mom is the most important role in my life. When I got pregnant I always felt powerful: "I'm giving life", I thought - "I can do anything". However, I had lost self-confidence after my second child was born. I did not recognize myself for a long time. I felt I was in competition between my career and motherhood growth. But then, I remembered how courageous I've always been. So I did not fear neither to advocate nor to stand up for myself in the working place. Once I realized that most of everything going on in my head was put on me by myself, I could get back the control of how I was behaving and feeling. Speaking with my loved ones and people who care about my well-being truly boosted the cadence as I overcame this challenge.
5. What was the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?
Be comfortable with trying new things, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others. Often, you may find opportunities that you think you can't pursue, but the truth is that you really can. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable and try things you’ve never done before because you never know, it might turn out that you like it. Don’t be discouraged. Believe in yourself, dream big, and work hard. Don’t hesitate to express your passion for STEM, as that will drive you to excel in whatever you wish to pursue. As Einstein said, “I have no special talent, I am only passionately curious.”
6. How did MiS help you professionally and/or personally?
I am an active member of a few associations for Women in STEM, where I serve as an advocate and mentor, such as OWSD, GWNET, WIE, and Cátedra Matilda. However, I found Mothers in Science (MiS), a network like no other, that is focused on Mothers in STEM, with webinars, mentoring, and other outreach activities that are tailor-made to empower mother scientists. I am committed to the MiS mission by mentoring other moms, encouraging others to join the association, and partnering up to support all the mothers juggling motherhood and a career in STEM.
7. What advice would you give to a mother in STEMM?
I believe that motherhood is often perceived as a career blocker, so women face a life struggle even before becoming mothers. My profession is my passion and my family is my pride. There is no shame in wanting both. It shouldn't be an either/or decision. A sincere, loving, and constructive communication with my husband has been the key to growing professionally while enjoying life as a parent without forgetting our aspects as individuals and as partners. To take care of others you need to take care of yourself first. That accounts for both physical and mental care.