Pooja Aggarwal
Conference Marketing Coordinator
Women in Chemicals
In an industry where curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to community create lasting impact, Pooja Aggarwal stands out as a dynamic leader. As Conference Marketing Coordinator for Women in Chemicals, Pooja has built a career that bridges scientific expertise and strategic storytelling, turning complex chemistry into conversations that matter. From earning her Ph.D. to navigating global career moves and championing mentorship, her story is one of bold pivots, cultural connection, and a deep belief in the importance of empowering others along the way.
From Chemistry to Marketing: A Career Fueled by Curiosity and Community: Pooja’s career path wasn’t a straight line and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, she grew up valuing education, health, and cultural tradition. A deep interest in chemistry led her to pursue a Ph.D., but over time, she discovered a passion for communication and storytelling.
Bridging science and business felt like a natural fit, and she transitioned into marketing roles where she could translate technical concepts into meaningful narratives. Through every step of her journey, her family’s emphasis on resilience and lifelong learning laid the foundation for a career built on adaptability and curiosity.
The Power of Mentorship and Paying It Forward: A cornerstone of Pooja’s professional life is her commitment to mentorship. As a proud alumna of Villanova University, she stays connected through the BRIDGE Society, a student-run program that links alumni with undergraduates exploring their career paths. Pooja tailors her approach based on the needs of each student, whether offering a sounding board, brainstorming next steps, or simply sharing lessons learned from her own experiences. She believes mentorship provides peace of mind, empowers students to trust their instincts, and builds a lasting sense of community.
Navigating Career Transitions and Embracing Change: From lab work to sales and marketing, and from the U.S. to the U.K. and back, Pooja’s professional journey has been shaped by change. With each transition, she leaned into her problem-solving mindset and embraced the unknown.
Relocating internationally, balancing family life, and pivoting to new roles taught her the importance of strategic planning and maintaining a strong support system. Pooja credits her adaptability to a combination of scientific training, personal resilience, and advice from her grandmother: “Take life as it comes.”
Work-Life Balance and Redefining Success: Experiencing motherhood in both the U.K. and the U.S. gave Pooja unique perspectives on work-life balance. In the U.K., she discovered a supportive culture for working mothers, something she carried with her as a core value when she returned to the U.S. Her strategy for managing it all? Leaning on her network, refining organizational skills, and giving herself permission to rest and recharge. Meditation, physical activity, and a “live and let live” mindset have become essentials in how she stays grounded and patient through life’s demands.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Pooja encourages women to carve out time for themselves, resist the urge to compare, and focus instead on personal growth.
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