PHOTO // Women redefining boundaries. Event dedicated to leaders in non-traditional fields
04 April 2025
On March 8, 2025, Tucano Coffee hosted the event “Living Library: Women who have redefined boundaries”, organized by “MilleniuM” Training and Development Institute. The event brought to the forefront the stories of women who have built careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, overcoming prejudices and social barriers.
Among the guests were four women who stood out for their determination and professionalism in their fields:
Mariana Grama: Moldova’s first female colonel
Mariana Grama started her career as a chemistry teacher, but in 1997 chose to join the armed forces. She was the first female officer promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Department. In 2016, she took part in the Independence Day parade with an all-female detachment, a symbolic moment for the integration of women in the military.
Photo: MilleniuM Training and Development Institute
Ada Banu: Senior Officer of the General Inspectorate of Border PoliceS
Ada Banu chose a career in policing, a field in which women are often viewed with skepticism. Initially working in sales, she has completely changed her career path and proved that perseverance and rigorous training can overcome any prejudice.
Photo: MilleniuM Training and Development Institute
Ecaterina Podzirca: Car instructor
In a field where men are in the majority, Ecaterina Podzirca has managed to make a name for herself as a car instructor. Initially motivated by a desire to teach her daughter to drive safely, she has since expanded her business and now has many trainees, both women and men.
Photo: MilleniuM Training and Development Institute
Andrea Axenti: Senior NCO at the Regional Search and Rescue Directorate in Chisinau
A student at the Technical University of Moldova, specializing in Fire Engineering and Civil Protection, Andrea Axenti has wanted to become a firefighter since childhood. Today, she works as a senior non-commissioned officer at the Regional Search and Rescue Department in Chisinau and encourages other young women to follow this professional path.
Photo: MilleniuM Training and Development Institute
The event highlighted the need for a shift in thinking about gender roles in diverse professions. Their stories show that success does not depend on stereotypes, but on passion, hard work and determination.
The organizers underlined the importance of such initiatives to promote equal opportunities and to encourage the younger generation to follow their vocation, regardless of the norms imposed by society.
