European Leadership Academy

💫How can we power female talent to shape the digital age?

On Monday our founder, Berta Herrero will host a Women Leaders’ Roundtable at in Barcelona, the largest and most influential connectivity event in the world! Attended by +88,000 people last year, this forum brings together global thought leaders who are defining the future of technology worldwide.🌍

The amazing Kinga Stanislawska, Mary Coughlan, Sarah Toms and María Paula Caycedo will be joining Berta on stage. Together they will address everything from Generative AI ethics to funding for female founders - and even the increasing participation of women in sports!

Then on Wednesday, Berta will lead a discussion on The role of women in humanising technology as part of Mobile World Capital's official programme.

She will be accompanied by our 2023 Summer School Future Leader Award winner, Croatia's Rina Bogdanovic. Alongside top Marta Portales, Cecilia Danesi and Friederike Hettinger, they will explore the importance of advancing diversity, consolidating a human-centric approach to innovation, and upholding the ethical values that can make AI work for all.

👏We can’t wait to hear their valuable insights! If you are attending MWC, make sure to drop by these events to connect with our inspiring female leaders. Details below!

Monday: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/agenda/sessions/4512-i-c-talent-nurturing-excellence-in-a-digital-world Wednesday: https://barcelona.mobileworldcapital.com/en/agenda/4yfn/

💫We are looking forward to exploring the future at in Barcelona, the largest and most influential connectivity event in the world! Three of our will get the chance to dive there into the cutting edge of tech next week.

They include our 2023 Summer School Future Leader Award Winner, Croatia's Rina Bogdanovic, who will take the stage to discuss inclusive innovation with leading .

Last year, MWC was attended by +88,000 people. Imagine how many beautiful minds Rina will be able to inspire with her words!💪

This is a unique opportunity for our talented alumnae to connect with industry trailblazers and global thought leaders, expand their networks and share their ideas.
✨Get ready for an unforgettable week!

🌱 Just like seeds need nurturing to grow, talent too flourishes with care and cultivation.

Our path to leadership takes all kinds of learning experiences. It's about continuously honing your skills, staying motivated, and being ready to seize opportunities, even if you don’t see results right away. 🚀

In a world that is constantly evolving, staying ahead means embracing every moment to expand your horizons. Your commitment to personal growth is the foundation upon which future successes are built. 🌟

What steps are you taking to nurture your skills and talents? Let's gather some amazing ideas in the comments! 🌞

🌟 More and more women are entering the world of science, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Currently 40.9% of scientists and engineers in the EU are women!

But there is still much to be achieved on the road towards gender equality. The European Parliament is pushing for more significant representation of women in the board room by 2026.

To close the remaining gaps and shape a more equal world, women must be given space to lead, innovate, and inspire. We have to ensure that women's voices are heard and valued in every field, from to politics.

The European Leadership Academy is committed to nurturing who will drive sustainable and equitable progress. Together, let's build a future where gender equality isn't an aspiration, but a reality. 🌍💪

The future of is female!

🌟👩‍🔬 On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science we celebrate the trailblazing women leading the way in STEM fields.

This year’s theme "Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability" underscores the indispensable role women play in furthering sustainable development.

The European Leadership Academy is dedicated to empowering women to be key architects of a sustainable and equitable future. 🌐💪

Exciting announcement! 📢

Our director, Berta Herrero Estalayo, has been recognised as a leader in diversity and inclusion by EU Bubble Insiders’ "Who to Follow in 2024”. 🙌

We are honoured by this recognition of our founder’s groundbreaking contributions to shaping more equitable and inclusive debates and policies.

The European Leadership Academy continues to inspire and encourage women to excel in the world of tech and become and .

Driving diversity in leadership is essential to building a better future for all. 💪

is more than just a path to knowledge. It's a building block towards achieving a more inclusive society.

🌍✨ The theme of this year’s International , "Learning for Lasting Peace," highlights the critical role of education in fostering understanding, tolerance, and harmony across communities. To learn is to shape minds that can create lasting change.

Let’s celebrate the transformative in building a future filled with peace, understanding, and shared prosperity!

Where, oh where are our and now? 👀

Follow our ELA alumni this week as they expand their horizons on to China - the land where modernity meets tradition. ✨

Join us as Diana, Reda, Hannah, and Nekane immerse themselves in the culture and learn more about the importance of inclusivity and cooperation as they experience thought-provoking discussions on building a more equitable and thriving future for all in the tech industry! 🙌

When our finish our programmes, it’s always an emotional time.
They come away from our Schools full of new insights and experiences, having formed strong new friendships.

But we know this is not goodbye: it is just the beginning of their extraordinary leadership journey.
The Schools open up a world of opportunities like to China, the chance to speak at the prestigious European Innovation Day event in Paris or to gain valuable insights at the Ocean Tech Summit in Ireland.

They are continually supported in the dreams and careers, making their voices heard by publishing on the ELA blog, and forming new connections through many networking opportunities.
They soon discover that not only did they have the experience of a lifetime, they have gained a community for life.

The statistics speak volumes—more women are enrolling in universities than ever before, shattering stereotypes and rewriting the narrative. 👩‍🎓

From fields to the humanities, women are making their mark and shaping the future of diverse industries.

Hailing from 29 European countries, our 2023 students brought together a wealth of academic backgrounds to learn, share, and evolve into tomorrow's leaders representing mostly the following ones:

💼 Management & Business
💻 Computer Science
📈 Economics
⚙️ Engineering
🌐 and Political Science.

Remember, what you’ve studied or where you come from doesn't determine your potential. It's your drive, passion and dedication that make a lasting impact! 🌟

As we dive into the new year, let's celebrate every small step we take towards becoming the people we want to be. 🎉

Whether it's learning something new, making a new contact, or balancing work and life, every little achievement brings us closer to our bigger goals. 🌱

🌟 Why Small Wins?

They fuel our motivation and remind us that every effort counts.

Let's keep the momentum alive and make 2024 our best year yet! What small wins are you proud of?

We’re ready to get 2024 off to a flying start with a global adventure! 🌍✈️

Reda 🇱🇹, Diana 🇵🇱, Nekane 🇪🇸, and Hannah 🇩🇪 are gearing up for an epic journey to Beijing and Shenzhen, China!

Thanks to the European Leadership Academy, these four incredible alumnae are about to embark on an unforgettable experience. They will dive into research, education and business while discovering the magnificent capital Beijing and global tech hub Shenzhen.

By exploring smart sustainable cities, rural connectivity, and the latest wave of tech disruption, our alumnae are set to gain a global perspective like never before.

Get ready to follow their journey as they make waves in Asia!

How can we beat the January blues and get the year off to a running start? Here are some tips:

📅 Fresh Goals: Set small, achievable goals to kickstart your new year’s resolutions.

🔄 Mix It Up: Change your routine for a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

🤝 Stay Connected: Reach out to your network for support and inspiration.

🧘‍♀️ Self-Care: Take time to relax and rejuvenate. It's essential for your well-being.

💪 Stay Positive: Embrace challenges with a positive mindset. You've got this!

Do you have any other tips to start 2024 off on the right foot? Share them in the comments!

Innovation thrives when diversity takes centre stage - and the world of tech is no exception.

Studies show that women are not only contributing significantly to tech development, but are also spending more time in the proto-metaverse and taking the lead in metaverse activities.

Our are poised to explore and harness the potential of these technologies, gaining insights that will undoubtedly shape the future of tech innovation.

From fostering inclusivity to providing new avenues for leadership, the digital age presents unparalleled opportunities for women to shape and redefine the tech narrative!

Through laughter, tears, and a wealth of shared learning experiences, our community has grown stronger in 2023.

With a distinguished jury, inspirational speakers and dedicated mentors, alongside our remarkable , we're thrilled to help build an inclusive digital realm which celebrates each of our unique contributions.

This shared commitment to inclusion and innovation sets the stage for an even more exciting future. Here's to the bonds we've forged and the countless possibilities ahead!

Happy New Year! 🎆

From proudly representing Latvia at the 2021 Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age to her inspiring commitment to personal development, Alisa Uzarina’s story embodies resilience and success.

"As I reflect on the achievements of 2023, it becomes evident that the journey is as crucial as the destination. Each step taken and every hurdle overcome contributes to the mosaic of personal growth."

Alisa's reflections on the passing year serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and community.

Read her full story: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4762/double-excellence-an-excellent-year-and-a-new-position-in-operational-excellence/

Education empowers, 2022 Winter School alumna Cara Doumbe Kingue has realised during her extraordinary leadership journey. As she completed an impressive academic career, she found her voice and started advocating for more diversity in the ivory tower:

“Now that I have the power to break educational glass ceilings for others, I am just getting started.”

Cara’s courage and determination to make an impact are an inspiring example of what it means to give back.

Follow her journey here: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4776/education-a-conveyor-of-self-empowerment/

Embarking on a journey of reflection, 2022 Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age alumna Evangelia-Maria Kostopoulou shared her experiences of self-discovery and strength over the past year:

“The most transformative achievement of the year was the cultivation of self-belief. Doubts FINALLY began to dissipate as I started to believe in my abilities and potential.”

Evangelia proves that when you wholeheartedly believe in yourself, the magic unfolds, paving the way for personal and professional triumphs.

Read her extraordinary story: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4769/breaking-barriers-and-embracing-self-love/

After representing Slovenia at the 2022 Winter School in Nice, Nina Brauc experienced a personal journey that led her to change her priorities and lead a more balanced lifestyle.

“I knew I had to change my lifestyle. I had far too much on my plate. On days off, I'd either crash, sleep endlessly, or worse, try to sleep the day away, fighting the thoughts of everything I felt obliged to do. The idea of doing nothing seemed impossible,” she wrote.

Her story illustrates that the path to success is not just paved with hard work - putting your mental and physical health first is also essential to sustainable achievement!

Read Nina’s story: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4768/try-try-again-the-power-of-perseverance/

For the 2023 Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age alumna Hannah Kuhn, success is not just about the destination, it’s about the determination:

“I had the courage to try again. And surely that is an attribute much more important in life than any individual success.”

Her tenacious spirit resonates deeply with our , capturing the essence of true leadership and what resilience means in challenging times.

Read her story: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4768/try-try-again-the-power-of-perseverance/

From celebrating the diverse achievements of our to diving into the enchanting world of winter traditions, it's been a year filled with growth, learning, and laughter.

Whether you're unwrapping presents, savouring holiday feasts, or embracing cherished rituals, here's to creating memories that stay with us.

May this holiday season bring you moments of joy, surrounded by the love of family and friends! 🎁

'Tis the season to cosy up with some cocoa and do your favourite winter holiday traditions! ☕️

From eating twelve grapes at midnight to hiding pickles in evergreen trees, every tradition brings its dash of magic to the season. Just make sure to leave your shoes by the fire and to wear your new clothes so the Yule Cat doesn’t get you.

Whether you are going out caroling, or enjoying the taste of roasted chestnuts, traditions are a fun and festive way to spend time with your loved ones and take a moment to appreciate the slow moments in life.

What are your favourite winter holiday traditions?

Setting clear goals isn't just about controlling your time - it's about empowering yourself to make confident decisions.

Having well-defined goals not only directs your efforts, but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining commitment. It's the difference between merely moving forward and moving forward with purpose and determination.

As we approach 2024, take a moment to reflect on the aspirations that will drive your year. What goals are you setting for yourself?

Stella Dumenčić’s journey is marked not only by her leadership achievements, but also by her commitment to guiding others as a mentor and providing support to those who need it:

“As someone who had the opportunity to be a part of the European Leadership Academy, I am more than aware of how much mentoring can mean. This is why I accepted the offer of being a co-leader and mentor in a university team.”

Stella's dedication to supporting her peers and lifting others on the path to success continues to shine brightly!

Discover her powerful story about mentorship: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4767/a-year-of-achievements-nurturing-passion-for-positive-change/

The 2022 Winter School alumna Austėja Keturkaitė embraced her passion for writing, leading to exciting new milestones over the past year:

“As 2023 draws to an end, I find myself looking back, and I can confidently say it was my best year as a writer so far. People have finally started recognising my work. Never before have I received such an overwhelming amount of love for my writing.”

Whatever your passion may be, we encourage you to pursue it with energy and commitment this coming year!

Austėja’s story reminds us that we should never give up: https://www.europeanleadershipacademy.eu/female-leadership/alumnae-network/vision/4772/taking-breaks-doesnt-mean-giving-up/

As we navigate the year-end hustle and bustle, it's crucial to reflect on the balance between our professional ambitions and personal well-being.

While dedicating energy to our future and career goals is important, let's not forget the profound impact of making self-care a non-negotiable priority.

Research from the Journal of Women's Health highlights that women who practice self-care regularly are less likely to experience stress and anxiety, as well as benefitting from overall improved physical health and mental well-being.

Amidst the rush of activity, pause and ask yourself: Have you taken a moment today to relax and take care of yourself?

Europe’s economic future is female!

According to studies, increasing female representation in the workforce could boost the European GDP by €3.15 trillion by 2050.

As our step out into the world armed with knowledge, inspiration and an incredible network, we know the impact of their time at the European Leadership Academy will extend far beyond our programmes.

By investing in the development of tomorrow’s female leaders, we contribute not only to gender equality but also to a thriving Europe! ✨

During this festive season we are thinking about all of the wonderful celebrations that brought us together. 🌟

Each of our Schools culminates in a joyful final gala and awards ceremony, where we get to highlight the achievements of our and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

By recognising their groundbreaking projects, innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, our awards showcase the unique brilliance of our students. We not only celebrate individual success but also the collective power of collaboration and the bonds that our students form during the programme.

Our alumnae will carry forward the lessons learned, friendships made, and awards received as they embark on a new year of challenges and successes! 🙌