Lejla Hrustemović joined an inspiring lineup of speakers at "SCI-SHE: Women Creating the World Through Science"
Our 2024 Vera Šnajder Award winner, Lejla Hrustemović, joined an inspiring lineup of speakers at "SCI-SHE: Women Creating the World Through Science", sharing her journey and passion for scientific research held at the Miss Irby Homework Hub Sarajevo. This marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Organized by the European Researchers' Night in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Homework Hub Sarajevo, the Public Institution International Center for Children and Youth Novo Sarajevo, Mediterranean Researchers' Night - MEDNIGHT, Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), Verlab Institute, Dijagnostika Dr. Dedić, and the MCAA Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), under the backing of the European Union’s Horizon Europe program and the Federal Ministry of Education and Science of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The recent evening was filled with emotions, inspiration, and strength as successful girls and women from Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered to share their experiences and encourage future generations. Among them, Lejla Hrustemović, the recipient of the 2024 Vera Šnajder Award, reminded everyone of the importance of learning, mentorship, and courage in overcoming challenges.
An Evening Dedicated to Women Who Change the World
Young girls from a drama school performed a powerful piece that gave voice to women whose achievements had been overlooked throughout history. Their performance evoked feelings of sadness and frustration, serving as a reminder of the injustices women have faced in science, art, and society as a whole. At the same time, the event was filled with pride because, today, thanks to these pioneers, women have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
As one of the speakers, Lejla Hrustemović felt the responsibility to share key lessons from her career journey, hoping that her words might help someone in making important decisions about their future.
Three Key Lessons for Success
Lejla began her speech by offering three essential pieces of advice she wished she had received earlier in her career:
Do not fear failure – Every success comes with challenges, and failure is a natural part of that process. No career path is linear, and what truly defines us is how we respond to setbacks. “If failure happens, it does not mean that we are not smart enough, hardworking enough, or capable enough. Our reaction to that failure will define who we become in the future.”
Volunteer and build connections – Every volunteering experience provides valuable knowledge and skills. Through volunteering, we meet people who can play a crucial role in our professional and personal development. “No volunteering experience is ever ‘wasted,’ because the skills you gain and the people you meet will definitely be important in any career.”
Find mentors – The role of mentors is invaluable. They can be professors, assistants, or professionals from different fields, and their support helps shape careers and develop key skills. “Mentors can introduce you to roles you aspire to, but they don’t necessarily have to be from your field - they can also help you with other skills you want to work on.”
Lejla emphasized that her experiences with BH Futures Foundation were instrumental in her growth - from developing soft skills and stepping out of her comfort zone to meeting mentors and forming meaningful connections.
Honesty and Vulnerability – The Power of True Inspiration
Although she was one of the youngest speakers, Lejla initially felt a sense of insecurity - would her open and honest speech make the right impact? Would she appear as a “strong, independent scientist who had everything go smoothly”? However, as the evening progressed, she realized that other women also shared their struggles, highlighting the importance of persistence, mentorship, and resilience in difficult times.
“It reminded me that we are all just human, with our own challenges, but our shared love for knowledge and discovery gives us the strength to move forward and overcome any obstacles.”
This moment reinforced her belief that there is power in sharing stories, in authenticity and vulnerability, which connect and inspire us all.
The Vera Šnajder Award – More Than Financial Support
Lejla sees the Vera Šnajder Award as a crucial opportunity for future generations of female scientists. Unfortunately, young women often face financial barriers that make it difficult to attend educational events, even though these gatherings are essential for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and building connections worldwide.
However, this award represents much more than financial assistance - it also contributes to recognizing the name of Vera Šnajder, one of the most important women in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s scientific history. “I believe this award will help ensure that Vera Šnajder’s name takes its rightful place in the history of science in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
This inspiring evening reminded everyone that change is possible and that stories like Lejla’s prove the importance of perseverance. Brave, sincere, and dedicated to her goals, Lejla Hrustemović demonstrates that success is built through support, learning, and community.
The Vera Šnajder Award is not just an honor - it is a impulse for future generations of women in science. And through her dedication and hard work, Lejla is already leaving a legacy that will inspire many to come.