Discover People at Soitec

Today, discover the journey of Alona, a Level 2 Production Operator in the NCPR-Refresh sector (Cleaning, Bonding, Polishing, and Recovery) in Bernin. Her story, marked by extraordinary resilience, illustrates how the drive to rebuild oneself can lead to new technological horizons.

With a Master’s degree in Law, Alona worked for ten years as a notary clerk in Kyiv, Ukraine. Upon arriving in France, she showed exemplary determination by learning French in just eight months. After gaining experience in various sectors, she joined Soitec in early 2025, where she now manages cleaning and bonding equipment with constant rigor and a thirst for learning.


Rebuilding a life from scratch
For Alona, joining Soitec was more than just a job; it was the symbol of a new beginning. Coming from a family of engineers, she reconnected with this technical heritage by preparing for her integration through online mathematics and data analysis courses, supplemented today by technical French classes at the university.

"When I stepped into the cleanroom, I realized I was finally 'home.' I was struck by seeing so many women involved in complex, technical tasks. In this environment, language, gender, or accents matter little: it is talent that counts, and gender boundaries fade away."


Technology as a driver for fulfillment
On a daily basis, Alona thrives by mastering her workspace. She describes the cleanroom as a place of constant stimulation where she can observe science in action and participate actively in technological progress.

"I love understanding how the machines work. What motivates me is knowing that our work makes human life easier through progress. Seeing my female colleagues become technical leads inspires me every day: here, I find strong, intelligent women who share their experience."


A message of strength and authenticity
For Alona, March 8 is a reminder that equality is an ongoing struggle, but it is also a celebration of resilience. As a mother, she wants to be a role model for her children, proving by example that one can start over without ever giving up on their dreams or their personality.

"The first obstacle to overcome is the mental block you impose on yourself. If something interests you, don't hesitate, go for it. Every day, take a small step toward your goal. No matter how long it takes, you will eventually end up exactly where you are meant to be."