Meet Hélène Harikiopoulos-Cordova, class patron of the 2024 incoming students

Centrale Nantes: Could you tell us about your background?

Hélène Harikiopoulos-Cordova:
I'm a Centrale Nantes graduate, class of 97, civil engineering specialisation. I came to France from Greece when I was 10. I've spent most of my professional career in civil engineering, working on major infrastructure projects in France and abroad. I loved this work, which gave me the opportunity to combine technical and scientific skills - especially concrete engineering, which I love - with management, cross-cultural and multi-tasking opportunities. 4 years ago, I went back to school. I did an executive master's degree at Sciences Po on the trajectories of twenty-first century leaders, after which I wrote a dissertation on women in the construction industry and went into entrepreneurship. I set up my own company 3 years ago. Consequally is a consultancy and training company specialising in workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on the construction, transport and energy sectors.

I currently support companies in promoting diversity and inclusion, with a focus on women in sectors which are predominantly male. I carry out audits and offer consultancy and training services. I'm also very committed to the place of women in STEM in general (STEM: science, technology, engineering, maths). I am actively involved in a number of associations. As Vice-President of Centrale Nantes Alumni, I created the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the 50-50 project, which was set up a year and a half ago. Through this project, we propose activities, webinars, round tables and informal discussions in order to:

1. Raise the profile of Centrale female graduates and highlight their achievements;
2. Inform all our alumni about the challenges of diversity and inclusion, because it's important to remember that sexism still exists and is a major issue in the workplace;
3. Make people understand what gender stereotypes are, that we all have them and that there are voluntary ways of acting on these issues and fighting against gender discrimination and all forms of discrimination in general.

Centrale Nantes: What is your message as class patron to the students?

Hélène Harikiopoulos-Cordova:
During welcome week, I told them about my career and, above all, that they should make the most of their student years at Centrale Nantes to take advantage of every possible area of their development. Not only the scientific side - they're in the right place for that - but also all the interpersonal and communication skills. I've told them to look out for each other, to be curious, to be open, to be brave and to be generous. Generous and kind, because I believe that these are essential qualities for self-fulfilment and fulfilment alongside others. We talk a lot about sustainable development, and at Centrale Nantes in particular it's essential. There can be no global justice and no clean ecological transition without social justice and equality. Interpersonal relationships, what each of us is and what we give to others is essential in this context. I also told the students to have fun, because that's what they're there for too.

Centrale Nantes: What do you remember about your time at Centrale Nantes?

Hélène Harikiopoulos-Cordova: 
I have a lot of memories of my years at the school. Particularly the cafeteria where the parties were organised. I was general secretary of the student association and a member of the sports association, where I played volleyball for a very long time - we were even regional champions! I got a lot out of it. You have to take advantage of the network of associations and clubs at school. At Centrale Nantes, I had an extremely active life outside the classroom. I have many precious memories and friends. My closest friends are Centrale students from Nantes. I also met my husband here.