Oana-Daniela Cristea
INTERVIEW
Over the past few years, there have been several changes to the Board of YWP DK. As a result, we want to extend our gratitude to the members who have led the network in these recent years. Through this series of interviews, we aim to highlight the individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the network into what it is today.
In this edition, we are pleased to introduce Oana-Daniela Cristea. She became a member in 2021 and soon after she decided to get envolved in planning events etc., before joining the YWP DK board in 2023.
We sincerely thank Oana-Daniela for her dedication and significant contributions to the network. On behalf of everyone in the network, we wish you the very best in your future endeavors.
“…I wasn’t expecting much at the time, but I was very impressed with the people I met, the conversations and insights. I had to stay part of the network after that! Little did I know, it was just the beginning!”
What motivated you to join the YWPDK network? And when did you join the network?
Back in 2021, I was catching up with my colleague, Ida, and she mentioned this event that she had organized through YWP. Ida told me about the network and the event, and I decided to join! I wasn’t expecting much at the time, but I was very impressed with the people I met, the conversations and insights. I had to be part of the network after that! Little did I know, it was just the beginning!
What led you to run for a position as a board member?
By the time I joined the board I had participated in at least one national conference, a few of the regional activities and had organized a workshop through the network. I was fortune to be invited to join Ida, Nerea and Ines to the WISA Conference as part of an exchange program between YWP DK and YWP SA. During the trip to South Africa, I got to know Nerea and Ines who were part of the board at the time and got to hear a bit about the “behind the scenes” of YWP DK. So naturally, when a seat opened in the board I volunteered!
What was your role and how did you “grow” during the past years within the organization?
I was in charge of member engagement and communication which gave me the opportunity to explore different methods to engage more young professionals in the network. Even though we had assigned roles and responsibilities in the board, I felt we were a really good team that shared tasks and had fun doing so! I can’t emphasis enough how impressed I am with Nerea, Francisca, Sergei, Ida, Joakim and Franca for the hours of dedicated work to keep making the network better and better!
How has your professional life changed being a member of the network?
I think I am better at my job as I throughout the least few years have been exposed to so many insights in the industry! I have an idea of the challenges and opportunities within the water sector, and I know what solutions are out there! There were many occasions where I got to listen to very interesting people and so, be acquainted with latest research in all aspects of water. This alone makes me better at my job!
I got to be part of organizing team of the very first European YWP conference and experienced what is like to organize an event of that magnitude!
I also got to advocate for young professionals and their opportunities in the industry, which for me, was the most fulfilling part of being a board member! We got to manage and maintain a platform for young professionals to meet and we took every occasion to promote YWPs!
“I also got to advocate for young professionals and their opportunities in the industry, which for me, was the most fulfilling part of being a board member!”
“I think the network provides the opportunity to meet your peers at an early stage and develop connections that will last for a very long time!”
Which challenges did you face while working at the network?
I think it was challenging to join the board at a point where so many things were happening at the same time and YWP DK became more and more popular. But as mentioned before, I had the best team to guide me through!
Will you recommend joining the YWPDK to other people? Why?
Absolutely! I think the events are interesting and fun, the national conferences are always insightful but above all you are joining a network run by passionate, dedicated volunteers! I would also like to mention that there are a lot of opportunities to get involved and participate in all kinds of events and conferences. Moreover, I think the network provides the opportunity to meet your peers at an early stage and develop connections that will last for a very long time!
One particular memory from the network?
There are many memories I hold dear from the network, but there was this one time, an event I had organized got cancel at the literary last minute. Instead of going home, we just came up with a plan and went to play board games! I thought it was fantastic how these people who didn’t know each other or don’t see each other that often, really just came together like they were always friends!
How do you envision the future activities and the progression of the role of YWPDK nationally and internationally?
I think the role I had was already shifting and I believe a stronger focus on communication is already in the agenda.
I also think that YWP DK took the initiative to create an international event for YWPs to meet and I hope they stay on this track! I hope they manage to create a platform for young professionals to meet across the globe and share insights.
