Careers, Challenges and Change: Women Leaders in Optics & Photonics

25 March 2026 11:00 - 12:00

WORKinOPTICS Career Center Webinar

In honor of Women’s History Month, join us for a candid and inspiring panel discussion featuring women leaders across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship in optics and photonics. Our panelists will share their career journeys, current work, and the lessons they’ve learned navigating technical fields as women in STEM.

Hear from Begüm Kabagöz, Postdoctoral Associate at the MIT Kavli Institute, Diana Mojahed, CEO of Lightfinder, and Caroline Boudoux, Professor at Polytechnique Montréal, as they reflect on the role of mentorship and sponsorship, overcoming challenges, building skills, and balancing demanding careers. The conversation will also explore how the landscape for women in optics and photonics has evolved, and what still needs to change.

This session is designed for students, early-career professionals, and established scientists alike who are interested in career growth, leadership, and advancing equity in STEM.