After a short summer break, Fierce Stories is back — and fiercer than ever. 🌈
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Petra De Sutter: gynaecologist, politician, Europe’s first openly trans minister, and the newly elected Rector of Ghent University.
For this special edition, the conversation will be moderated by Marion De Bruyne, Dean of Vlerick Business School. Expect a candid, inspiring dialogue on leadership, authenticity, resilience, and what it means to be unapologetically visible.
About Fierce Stories
Fierce Stories is a series by the Vlerick Alumni Fierce & Proud Club, a Vlerick Alumni community that celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices and allies. Our mission is to create space for stories that empower, inspire, and connect.
A fireside chat is not your typical keynote. It’s a relaxed, open conversation that invites honesty, reflection, and realness. This format allows us to go beyond the headlines and hear directly from queer leaders about the journeys that shaped them — while also giving the audience space to join the dialogue.
About Petra De Sutter
Petra De Sutter is a Belgian gynaecologist, academic, and politician. She built her career at Ghent University, where she became Head of the Fertility Clinic, and went on to serve as a Senator, Member of the European Parliament, and Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. In 2025, she was elected Rector of Ghent University. Petra made history as Europe’s first openly transgender minister and is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, ethics in science, and social justice.
Programme
⏰19:00 — Welcome & Registration
🗣 19:30 — Fireside Chat with Petra De Sutter (moderated by Marion De Bruyne, including audience Q&A)
🥂 21:00 — Networking Reception
⏰ 22:00 — End of Event
