It takes courage to grow up in a communist country where the division of roles between the country and the government was actively questioned in one's own family. It strengthens and also shapes you. Therefore, it is not surprising that Letitia is also vehemently committed to equality in business life. An asset to any company. Of course, you can connect with her. Read her interesting profile to find out how.

Who is Letitia Petrache?
I am Romanian born, but Swiss at heart after 7 years living in Lausanne, and with a global mindset after having traveled the world. I grew up in communism, in a family of intellectuals who resisted the oppressive regime. It was tough, but it taught me to not take things for granted, to value freedom, to have critical thinking and to challenge the status quo. This is how innovation became my “modus operandi”, driving my entire career.

I studied political science, with a strong desire to change the political system from within, and got my first job, for the Romanian Government, when I was only 19 years old. After 4 years working in communication for the Government, I realized that the context was not yet ready for change, so I followed a career in advertising and marketing, while remaining an activist for democracy and human rights.

Who or what has strongly influenced your professional career?
My corporate career began in 2006 and it brought me to Switzerland 7 years ago, as a global marketing executive for a Fortune 500 company with the HQ in Lausanne. As I moved up in senior roles, I was more and more exposed to the many gender equality issues women face every day. As I couldn’t just sit on the sidelines, I started to get actively involved in different Inclusion & Diversity projects and even developed a mentorship-based program to address some of the issues that keep women from gaining the kind of visibility which leads to career progression.

At the same time, I became more and more sensitive to the stereotypical advertising campaigns targeting women consumers. When I decided to leave expat life and build roots in Switzerland, leaving the company I worked for many years for, I also decided to use my business knowledge and innovative spirit in a more meaningful way. My mission now is to build meaningful brands that empower women and organizations that support strong women and challenge the status quo, embracing innovation.

Why are you a member of bwomen?
Because I believe in the power of women joining forces to bring positive change to society. I joined bwomen without planning it, being invited to attend the AI Workshop in Nov 2020 and I discovered a community of extremely intelligent, strong, inspirational women that I just loved interacting with. The workshop discussions revealed a truly stimulating environment fostering innovation and growth. Such a team can literally rule the world.

On which topics can other members contact you and where?
For anything that has to do with women empowerment and growth, marketing and innovation, organizational digital transformation, politics (especially political marketing) and human rights. And for anything any woman may need help with.

Contact me at: Letitia.petrache@gmail.com