YML STORIES | Your Story Matters

YML Milan City Hub member, Luca Torelli, EMEA Supply Chain Development Project Manager at EssilorLuxottica, joined the YML Network in 2022.

He was awarded for the 2022 World Manufacturing Report Contest during the YML Main Event. He was interviewed by Isidora Trucco, Research Fellow at Politecnico di Milano and he says that being part of the multivariate, diversified and international community of the YML Network gave him the opportunity to discover more about the world of manufacturing like new trends and paradigms – and has played a crucial role for his professional growth.

YML Gothenburg City Hub members Greta Braun, Phd student; Clarissa Gonzalez, Phd Candidate; Paulo Victor Lopes, Operations Research Phd student; Smilla Emillson Wallerstedt, Project assisant from Chalmers University of Technology,  got the chance to reflect on how inspiring it has been to be part of the YML Network and in its initiatives like contests, workshops, international events, and how the networking activities have helped them create new connections from all over the world and grow in their professional career, get in contact with people both from the academia and the industry sectors.

YML Basque City Hub member and Founder, Elena Fernández Calvo, R&D Engineer at MESA – Schneider Electric,  shares her remarkable journey, achievements, and insights within the manufacturing industry and with the Basque City Hub. Elena’s passion for innovation and collaboration shines through her involvement in the creation of the YML Basque City hub, where she played a pivotal role in coordinating and participating in various activities. Notably, among the many acitivities, Elena contributed to the development the activity “Skating in Manufacturing” and recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity, Elena took part as a speaker in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion on “Women in Manufacturing and STEM Careers” during the YML Main Event 2021. Elena credits the YML network for its tremendous impact on her personal and professional journey. Through this vibrant community, she stays updated on trending topics, discovers young talents from different countries, and explores new technologies and paradigms in the manufacturing world.

Filipe Correia, a dedicated student at FEUP and a passionate member of YML since January 2023, was recently interviewed by Leonor Conego, a PhD student at FEUP and project leader at YML Porto City Hub. Filipe also plays a significant role in ACM, organizing activities and workshops for those interested in computer science, bridging the gap between ACM and YML. In the interview, Filipe highlighted YML’s transformative power for professional growth, offering unparalleled opportunities through activities, events, and mentorship programmes. He emphasized the collaborative nature of YML, facilitating networking and knowledge exchange with like-minded individuals. For Filipe, YML is more than just a student organization; it’s a vibrant community that encourages creativity, knowledge-sharing, and mutual inspiration. He looks forward to contributing further to YML’s mission and empowering others in the ever-evolving world. Overall, Filipe’s dedication exemplifies the impact of organizations like YML, driving meaningful change and advancements in people’s lives.

John Power, a PhD student at University College Dublin, and Andrew Dickson, the CTO and Founder of Infraprint, highlight the invaluable experience they’ve gained through their involvement with the YML Network. This opportunity has afforded them a remarkable insight into both the research endeavors and the professional landscape within the manufacturing sector across Europe. Moreover, they’ve had the privilege of forging new connections with like-minded individuals who share their passion and aspirations in this field.

Their engagement with the YML Network has not only broadened their network and opened up new avenues for professional growth but has also granted them the privilege of attending prestigious international events such as the World Manufacturing Forum. Their participation in such events has enabled them to contribute to global discussions on manufacturing, further fueling their enthusiasm for this ever-evolving sector in Europe.

Simon Petrasek, PhD student at CVUT talks with Lucie Hlavůňková, PhD Student at CVUT and enthusiastically shares his recent experience within the YML Network, where he had the opportunity to actively participate in two remarkable initiatives: the YML Learning Paths and the YML Contest: Youth in Action for Industry 5.0. The YML Learning Paths program proved to be an immensely enriching endeavor, focusing on the vital themes of diversity, inclusion, equality, as well as entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. Through this initiative, Simon expanded his horizons and deepened his understanding of these critical aspects of the professional world. Additionally, Simon was thrilled to take part in the YML Contest: Youth in Action for Industry 5.0, which challenged participants to create innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the sustainability, people-centricity, resilience, and digitalization of manufacturing processes, product-services, and business models. Entrants had the exciting opportunity to pitch their groundbreaking ideas via video submissions, with the chance to secure an invitation to the prestigious World Manufacturing Forum 2023. Notably, Simon emphasized that the contest remains open for submissions until the 24th of September, providing an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to showcase their innovative solutions. These initiatives merely scratch the surface of the incredible opportunities that the YML Network offers to support and nurture your professional growth.

Iosif Karaounas and Aikaterini Paraskevopoulou,  students from the University of Patras and actively engaged as researchers at LMS, discovered the transformative world of YML through their academic pursuits. Fuelled by curiosity and a passion for innovation, they eagerly seized the opportunity to participate in the YML Contest, with Aikaterini achieving distinction at the YML Summit for her outstanding contribution to the WM Report 2023. Their journey didn’t end there – the duo was privileged to immerse themselves in the World Manufacturing Forum held in Treviglio, Italy. This immersive experience proved to be a catalyst for their professional growth. The YML learning paths, meticulously curated to cover the pivotal aspects of the future of manufacturing, played a pivotal role in unlocking the duo’s full potential, equipping them with knowledge that is poised to significantly elevate their careers in manufacturing. Beyond its role as a mere network, YML emerged as a gateway to a myriad of opportunities within the manufacturing industry. Iosif and Aikaterini now stand as testaments to the transformative power of YML, a platform that not only connects but propels individuals towards unparalleled prospects in the dynamic realm of manufacturing.

Ainar Pent, Sales Engineer at Saunum Saunas and Tallinn City Hub Representative, shares His Journey with the YML Network. Since joining the YML Network in 2022, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Ainar’s quest for knowledge led him to the World Manufacturing Forum 2023 in Italy, where he delved into a treasure trove of insights and cutting-edge resources. From industry trends to groundbreaking strategies, he emerged equipped with a panoramic view of the manufacturing landscape. But that’s not all: Ainar harnessed the power of the YML Network’s skills.move platform, a revolutionary space where innovation meets personal development. Sharpening his entrepreneurial acumen, fostering creativity, and championing equality and inclusion became second nature.