Climbing the Tour du Mont Blanc for the UiPath Foundation

Alexandra Petroiu, our Statutory Financial Statements Operations & Controlling Senior Analyst at UiPath Bucharest, traded financial spreadsheets for the challenging trails of Tour du Mont Blanc. A simple, friendly conversation evolved into a meaningful adventure. Through intense physical and mental preparation, she conquered the mountains while making a significant difference in the children’s lives through the UiPath Foundation.

How did your journey with the UiPath Foundation begin? Was there a specific moment or experience that drew you in?

My journey with the UiPath Foundation began with a deep belief that our purpose is to help guide children, not just academically, but through life in general. When I say “direction,” I mean everything that comes with it: moral support, advice, being present, and providing the tools and resources they need to thrive. It’s something that resonates with me personally. I've always wanted to help the community, even if it's just for one person.

What motivated you to take on the Mont Blanc challenge?

The Tour du Mont Blanc adventure started unexpectedly. A casual call with a friend started it all. Everything went well, and I knew I wanted to do something that would challenge and change me at the same time. It was a way of pushing myself outside my comfort zone. It was the time to do something bold, to inspire others, and show that by doing so, we can also help each other.

How were you preparing, physically, mentally, and emotionally for this adventure?

The preparations were intense. I trained my body hard by running, hiking, doing marathons, and working out. Mentally, I focused on building endurance, perseverance, ambition, and self-motivation. I was very lucky to have my family, friends, and coworkers help me. Their encouragement made the difference.

What was the most meaningful or surprising moment from your hike?

During the hike, I was deeply moved by the people I met along the way. The culture of sport and respect for nature across all ages was inspiring. One moment that truly took my breath away was when we stopped for a brief 15 minutes near Le Brévent peak (2,525 m). Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, I felt a sense of freedom and clarity. It was one of those rare moments when you realize: if you can dream it, you can do it.

Did you use any of the volunteering days UiPath provides to support this initiative? How else did the company/your team/your manager etc. empower you during this journey?

Although I didn't use the UiPath volunteering days for the hike, I'll be using them for something just as meaningful, the U&I Summer Camp organized by the Foundation this August. This is another chance to be there for these children and help them in a way that matters. I am incredibly grateful to my team and my manager, Adina Sandu, for the support they gave me, not just professionally, but personally. They believed in me and in the cause I was hiking for. That kind of trust and encouragement made a huge difference.

How has this experience impacted you personally or professionally? Did anything shift in how you see your work or purpose?

I feel more grounded and inspired. The hike reminded me of how strong I can become when purpose drives me. It fills your journey with kindness, empathy, and joy.

Professionally, it's a reminder that our role in the world can be so much more than what's written in our job description. Our work can go beyond tasks and deadlines. Purpose and performance can and should coexist. I now face challenges with more resilience and a stronger sense of meaning.

What would you say to other colleagues thinking about combining a personal challenge with a cause they believe in?

To anyone thinking about something similar: Go for it! You will grow, inspire, and help change someone's life. In the process, you might change your own.

Alexandra's journey reminds us all that stepping outside our comfort zones isn't just about personal transformation—it's about creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond ourselves. As she returns to her role at UiPath with renewed purpose and perspective, her story inspires us to find our own mountains to climb, knowing that each step we take can light the path for others. The true summit isn't measured in meters, but in the lives we touch along the way.