Look Who it Was Random video

Keynote: Breaking Barriers: Creatively and Courageously

381 views · Published 4 April 2017 · 27:36 · Indexed 30 October 2026

Channel: The Linux Foundation · 2017 · Science & Technology

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Keynote: Breaking Barriers: Creatively and Courageously - Jelena Lucin, International Project Manager & Melissa Rancourt, Founder, Greenlight for Girls

In a society often diffused with preconceptions and norms, the greenlight for girls team will tell the story of how an initiative can grow from one email to a global organization in a few short years by breaking barriers, creatively and courageously.

 Greenlight for girls, asbl is an international organisation dedicated to inspiring girls of all ages and backgrounds by demonstrating just how fun & interactive the world of Science and Technology can be. With hands-on workshops and events led by role-models from different industries around the globe, we inspire and build the future talent pipeline of STEM leaders by encouraging young students to think about how their futures are full of possibilities and to realise their own individual and creative potential.

About Jelena Lucin

As a scientist, educator and global Project Manager, her multi-faceted role with greenlight for girls, an organization that instills passion and creativity, takes on many dimensions - from coordinating events, leading project teams around the world to building relationships with major corporations and coming up with new and creative ways to promote learning through hands-on workshops in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She is a science enthusiast, a proactive advocate of education and teaching, with a background in Molecular Biology.

About Melissa Rancourt

Engineer and Entrepreneur. Educator and Creator. 
Melissa Rancourt is the Founder of the international non-profit organisation, greenlight for girls, which inspires girls in STEM studies & careers around the world. This organisation, very near and dear to her heart, was founded to address the issue of the declining or stagnant percentage of women in several STEM (science, engineering, technology & mathematics) fields. In just a few years, it has reached more than 13,000 students with its hands-on fun-filled science events focused on inspiring the future generation. With a team of more than 2,500 volunteers worldwide, the organisation has conducted more than 90 events on 6 continents. 

Her passion for inspiring others to follow her footsteps as an engineer is also coupled with companies she has created to fulfil other interests. In her engineering business, she helps companies in any industry & region to grow and design their business, products & services internationally by driving efficiency and leveraging creativity in their business. She is an owner of a Brussels-based luxury wellness centre and is driving its growth by 25% each year to prepare for its international expansion. In addition, Melissa is the Academic Director of a Global Executive Master Degree in Strategic Design & Management at Parsons leading a new program in Paris, NYC & Shanghai.

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