Oana Gharbi’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. A former journalist with 15 years of experience in television, Oana’s life took a dramatic turn after personal loss and a long infertility journey. What began as a deeply personal struggle became the spark for her work in women’s health and FemTech. Today, she is a mentor, public speaker, and leader in partnerships for fertility innovation. Humans of Fuzia is featuring Oana because her story highlights strength, adaptability, and the power of using one’s own challenges to uplift others—an inspiring message for our global community of over 5 million members working to support women, embodying both He for She and She for She.
Q: What sparked your journey into women’s health and FemTech?
Oana Gharbi: It all started with my own experience. I had worked in journalism for 15 years, but after becoming a widow at 36, moving to France, and then facing three years of secondary infertility and multiple failed IVF cycles, I felt both frustrated and unheard. It wasn’t just the medical struggle—it was also the lack of empathy and communication I experienced in care. As a journalist, I turned to writing. I started a blog to share my journey and realized many women were going through the same thing. From there, I began writing for Fertility Road magazine, and eventually started working with FemTech startups. What began as a painful chapter became the foundation for a completely new career.
Q: What challenges did you face while establishing yourself in this new field?
Oana Gharbi: The biggest challenge was self-doubt. Coming from Eastern Europe, there’s this idea that you need formal diplomas and accreditations before you can speak up. My background was in journalism, not medicine. So, I pushed myself to gain certifications—I studied with universities like Monash, UCL, St. George’s, and even Harvard Medical School on digital healthcare. That gave me confidence. The other challenge is the persistent taboo around women’s health. Even today, there are so many topics we shy away from, and breaking that silence is an ongoing battle.
Q: What milestones or achievements are you most proud of?
Oana Gharbi: I’m proud of my evolution. From starting a blog to writing for a magazine, to my first professional role with Proov, a small but innovative FemTech company—I’ve come a long way. Now I lead EMEA partnerships at Carrot Fertility, mentor at FemTech Lab in London, and speak at international events. Every year has brought milestones, and I feel like my journey is still unfolding.
Q: How do you view women in leadership, especially in your industry?
Oana Gharbi: Women’s health was overlooked for centuries, with medicine and studies centered on men. Now, it’s women who are leading the innovation in FemTech—and rightfully so. I’ve met extraordinary women who build companies while also being mothers, daughters, caregivers, and more. Women are resilient, adaptable, and capable of anything they set their minds to. In this field, women are finally claiming the space they deserve.
Q: What message do you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Oana Gharbi: Do not believe you can’t do it. Five years ago, I could never have imagined mentoring innovators or leading global partnerships. Yet here I am. Anything is possible if you do it with passion. Pour your heart into what you love, and success will follow.
Q: How do you define success, both personally and professionally?
Oana Gharbi: For me, success is waking up excited about your day. It’s loving your work so much that time flies without noticing. Of course, financial stability matters, but passion is what makes you truly good at what you do. If you love your path and give it your all, success is inevitable.
“In life, passion fuels purpose. If you do what you love wholeheartedly, success will always find you.” – Oana Gharbi
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