International Women's Day 2025

Happy International Women’s Day! At MdME, we’re proud to celebrate the female leaders who help shape our firm and drive our success.

In the theme of Accelerate Action, we invited members of our team to reflect on their journeys—how their approach to mentoring younger professionals has evolved over the years and the inspirations and influences that have shaped their careers and lives. Their insights remind us of the impact we can have on one another.

Helena Kok | Partner

Looking back, how has your approach to mentoring younger professionals changed over the years? And what's one thing you've learned from the people you've mentored

Over time, my mentoring approach evolved by blending diverse styles into a versatile method—inspired by my mentees’ varied needs. Early on, I focused on adapting techniques, but I’ve since learned (from mentees) that flexibility is crucial, as fear of failure or overconfidence can both hinder growth. Today, I prioritize genuine care as the foundation; it builds trust, ensuring my guidance resonates and unlocks their potential.

Eliana Varalonga | Chief Operating Officer

How do you see the role of collaboration across departments shaping the future of legal services?

The legal industry has made progress in supporting women in senior roles, but there’s still work to be done. One key area for evolution is ensuring that flexibility and leadership are not seen as mutually exclusive. Firms that truly embrace flexible work structures, recognize the realities of balancing career and family, and foster mentorship programs tailored to women’s career paths will be the ones that attract and retain top female talent.

Márcia Silva | IP Protection Manager

How do you mentor women in your team to navigate the dual demands of technical expertise and client relationship-building?

Prioritize creating an open space for communication, collaboration, and tailored workload organization, where we can learn from one another. Each team member brings unique strengths, and when we foster a supportive environment that encourages listening, the energy flows freely. This synergy promotes learning and ultimately benefits both our work and our clients.

Mandy Fu | Senior Associate

What’s one way you’ve seen the legal industry evolve (or need to evolve) to support women in senior roles?

The legal industry is increasingly recognizing the value of women’s leadership, promoting them to senior roles and supporting caregiving responsibilities through flexible work policies. While gender equity awareness is growing, setting clear, measurable goals and transparent promotion criteria is crucial to ensure fairness and drive progress, benefiting the profession as a whole.

Stephanie Tang | Associate

What’s a lesson from your early career that still influences how you approach challenges today?

One lesson that has stayed with me is this: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s a mindset that helps me overcome challenges and grow from every experience.