Growing up in a conservative Chinese household in Canada, Gloria Kwong was taught to avoid taking risks and prioritize her education to ensure a successful future. This upbringing shaped her professional journey, which has spanned across Canada, Austria, and France, focusing on nuclear waste management, decommissioning, and environmental remediation.
During her career, Kwong has faced numerous challenges in a male-dominated industry. Despite these hurdles, she has remained committed to her work and encourages young women to pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities, even if they come with risks.
Early Aspirations and Educational Background
As a young girl, Kwong dreamt of becoming a professional chef. However, her parents encouraged her and her four siblings to concentrate on their academic studies. After high school, Kwong pursued a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada. Shortly after, she advanced to a managerial role at a leading telecommunications company.
Despite her success in telecommunications, Kwong realized her true passion lay in more technically demanding work. This realization led her to her current role as Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Transition to the Nuclear Field
Kwong’s move to the nuclear field began as a design engineer at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Power Station (OPG) in Toronto. While working as a Senior Engineer at OPG, she pursued a PhD in materials engineering from Imperial College London. After over a decade at OPG, which later became the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Kwong accepted the position of Radioactive Waste Management Specialist at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Paris, France.
Leadership and Growth at NEA
Kwong’s career at the NEA was marked by her willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles. Over 11 years, she held various managerial positions, including Acting Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Division and the Nuclear Technology Development & Economics Division. Her leadership skills and technical insight led to roles as Deputy Head of the Office of Policy and Coordination, Head of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and eventually, Senior Advisor to the Director-General.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Like many women in male-dominated fields, Kwong had to work hard to establish her credibility and earn the respect of her peers. Her career has been marked by professional milestones and unique international experiences, but it has not been without its challenges.
“A big hurdle for women has always been work-life balance and prioritizing career development, but I see more employers, like the IAEA, addressing these matters through educational scholarships that relieve financial burdens, flexible professional development programmes, and new, accommodating HR policies, thereby attracting more women to the nuclear sector,” Kwong said.
Current Role and Vision at IAEA
After over a decade at the NEA, Kwong moved to Vienna to join the IAEA as the Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section. In this role, she and her colleagues promote nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation by supporting sustainable nuclear energy development. They encourage countries to integrate circular economy principles into national decommissioning and radioactive waste management policies and facilitate knowledge sharing to promote efficient resource use and safe material reuse.
“I want to contribute to narrowing the energy equity gap to ensure more people can access affordable, sustainable, and clean energy. I believe that nuclear power can elevate its contribution to complement other clean energy sources, which is why I believe in the mission and work of the IAEA,” said Kwong.
Advice to Young Women in the Nuclear Field
Kwong advises young women considering a career in the nuclear field to follow their hearts in decision-making, explore other opportunities, and not be afraid to take some risks.
Her journey from a conservative upbringing in Canada to a leadership role in the nuclear industry is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. Kwong’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals, especially women in STEM fields, highlighting the importance of education, risk-taking, and the pursuit of one’s true passion.
For more information on Gloria Kwong’s work and the IAEA’s initiatives, visit the IAEA website.
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