Laura Vingan – Senior Manager, Global Communications
From Focșani, Romania. Living in Brussels, Belgium.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in communications studies from the University of Bucharest and a Master of Science in management from Vrije Universiteit Brussel. I have been working for membership organizations since the beginning of my career, first as a communications manager at an insurance brokers’ network and then as a communications and membership manager for the European Association of Communications Agencies.
I joined BSA in January 2024. Here, I oversee the development and execution of BSA’s communications strategy across the EMEA region, working closely with the Brussels policy team and colleagues in Washington, DC, to shape BSA’s voice as a leader in the software industry.
What/who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I’ve always been a creative person with a great imagination. I thought I was going to be a journalist for a long time, but when I got into communications, I realized that this career track fits me like a glove. I get a chance to help organizations grow, to develop my skills continuously, to meet and get inspired by remarkable people, all while nurturing my creative side.
What’s the most unique part about working at BSA?
Honestly, I love that the BSA members are very engaged, responsive, and plugged into everything BSA does. They are a pleasure to work with, and that’s a rare thing in the world of trade associations, especially in Brussels. That, and being surrounded by some cool, smart people every day at work, in the office, and remotely across the globe.
What advice can you give someone who just started their career/wants to pursue a similar career?
I’ll share some advice I received when I started my career: always offer people more than what they ask for — a little extra, a little piece of information, a bit more context, a person to contact, you name it. It goes a long way in building trusting work relationships and establishing yourself as a reliable human being.
Tell us one fun fact about you (that might surprise your colleagues).
I take pictures of abandoned chairs and upload them to a dedicated Instagram account I’ve been running since 2017. I don’t always find the time to post, but my phone is full of chair photos, some even sent by friends and family. My highlight so far has been showcasing them at an exhibition in Brussels.
Why chairs? They’re often thrown away, yet they carry stories of the people who sat on them and the places they’ve been. A chair means resting, working, eating, discussing… it’s a huge part of our lives. Too bad so many end up on the street instead of getting a second chance.
What are some of your favorite foods?
They say you can take a Romanian out of Romania, but you can’t take Romania out of a Romanian. I love our national food, and I’d gladly trade any meal for a menu that includes the following dishes: aubergine salad, my grandma’s fish roe salad, meatball soup, sarmale (cabbage rolls) with polenta, raisin and cheese pie, and a generous portion of papanași.
Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? What did you learn?
This article in The Guardian is fascinating. It’s my Roman Empire.
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s “By the Sea” was one of those books that I just couldn’t put down. Gurnah’s vivid writing pulls you into the intertwined stories of two immigrants, showing how what seems trivial to one person can be life-altering to another. It’s a powerful reminder to always try to walk in someone else’s shoes.
And then there’s “The Power of Nunchi”. The Korean term nunchi is described as the art of finding happiness and success by knowing how to read a room, but I see it more as a lesson in behavior, awareness, and emotional intelligence. It’s the kind of book that deserves a place in schools.
How do you unwind after work?
OK, this may sound like a cliché, but there’s no real unwinding when you’re chasing after a super active toddler. That said, I am a Pilates Reformer enthusiast. Those 50-minute classes are my precious “me” time a couple of times per week. And when the instructor’s playlist matches mine? Oh là là!
