We are delighted to announce Charlotte Marasigan, as a finalist for the 2025 Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in the Flame of Solidarity Award category.

Connection to the Award

The Flame of Solidarity Award celebrates those who stand with others to build confidence, unlock potential, and create lasting change. For Charlotte Marasigan, mentorship has been the heart of her journey. For more than three years, she has guided women formally and informally—whether through her role as a GradMAP mentor supporting aspiring graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, or in her own research lab, where she nurtures undergraduate women in science.

Her mentorship extends beyond academic and professional spaces. Charlotte also holds safe, open conversations about mental health, self-worth, and career choices—particularly in STEM, where many women feel isolated or overlooked. By showing up consistently and listening deeply, she helps women recognise their voice, their value, and their right to belong.

Mobilising Change

In 2022, Charlotte mentored a group of undergraduates—Team EM—through their thesis research. Under immense pressure to deliver, they not only produced excellent scientific work but, with Charlotte’s encouragement, grew into more confident and collaborative leaders. That same year, their project went on to win a research competition championship.

For one of her mentees, Syrene Bermas, the transformation was life-changing. Once uncertain of her scientific capabilities, Syrene flourished under Charlotte’s guidance and today is a teacher mentoring students of her own. She carries forward Charlotte’s principles of patience, clarity, and heart—a ripple effect that exemplifies the power of solidarity in action.

Charlotte’s commitment has been widely recognised, including the Lagerwey Award for Social Justice. She integrates gender-responsive support in everything she does, ensuring women feel seen and heard in spaces where they are too often sidelined. Now, as she pursues her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, she continues to volunteer her time through Wedu and other platforms, mentoring women who face the systemic barriers of academia, imposter syndrome, and graduate school.

Why Charlotte Stands Out

Charlotte’s impact lies not only in her academic excellence, but in the way she uplifts others with conviction, empathy, and vision. Her mentees describe her presence as transformative—helping them believe in themselves, ask difficult questions, and claim space in research and leadership.

She embodies the spirit of solidarity as a practice, not just a principle: showing up for others, leading with love, and creating pathways for women to flourish in science and leadership.

As a finalist for the Flame of Solidarity Award at the 2025 Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards, Charlotte represents a flame that lights others. Quiet but fierce, her legacy shines in the lives she has transformed—and in the generations of women who now mentor, lead, and inspire because of her.

Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn

Join us in celebrating women’s leadership!

On 30 September at 6PM ICT, we will announce the awardees of the four Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in a special online celebration. Reserve your spot and be part of the moment. RSVP here to join us