The "EY x Women in Tech Berlin" after-work networking event, held on November 25th, was an inspiring and insightful gathering that brought together tech professionals representing EY as well as other companies, industry leaders, and women committed to advancing their careers in technology. Hosted at EY's Berlin offices, the event provided a platform for meaningful discussions, personal reflections, and actionable advice on navigating the tech industry as women leaders.
The evening began with a Welcome Speech by Christoph Hagmann, Technology Consulting Germany Leader and WeTech Germany Sponsor at EY. As a strong advocate for women in tech, Christoph emphasized the importance of authenticity in leadership, urging women to embrace their individuality, and support one another. He also encouraged them to “always dare to speak up,” reinforcing the need for women to use their voices to drive change and challenge the status quo. His message of solidarity and empowerment set an inspiring tone for the evening. Followed by Amelie Keese, Manager and Lead of WeTech Germany, who introduced the internal initiative WeTech at EY. WeTech is the network for all women within Technology Consulting Germany.
After Christoph's and Amelie’s inspiring welcome, the spotlight shifted to the keynote presentation by Petra Herrmann, Director Indirect Tax Global Trade at EY. Her keynote, titled “Success – a Very Personal View,” offered a deep dive into her 30-year career journey in global trade compliance. Petra shared valuable insights from her work at leading organizations like Panasonic, Hewlett Packard, and Siemens Gamesa, illustrating how she navigated complex challenges while defining success on her own terms. She spoke candidly about the importance of resilience, authenticity, and staying grounded, encouraging the audience to pursue their ambitions with confidence. Her personal reflections struck a chord with attendees, offering both inspiration and practical advice for women navigating the tech and business world.
Following the keynote was an engaging Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to dive deeper into Petra’s personal and professional journey, learning how to balance ambition with authenticity.
The highlight of the evening was a dynamic Panel Discussion titled “Shattering Stereotypes: Women Leading the Tech Revolution,” moderated by Paula Andrea Castro, Senior Technology and Product Management Consultant at Swiss Krono Group and WomenTech Network Berlin Leader. The panel featured inspiring leaders from EY:
Petra Herrmann – Director, Indirect Tax Global Trade
Simone Schmidt – Director, Technology Consulting
Sylvie Schemik – Senior Manager, Technology Consulting
Elisabeth Brauch – Manager, Technology Consulting
The panel covered a range of thought-provoking topics, including career growth, work-life balance, and the importance of mentorship versus sponsorship.
On career design, Elisabeth Brauch and Simone Schmidt reflected on whether their paths were meticulously planned or evolved organically through opportunities. Simone also shared valuable insights on work-life balance, revealing strategies she has used to manage professional and personal demands, offering practical advice for women at different stages of their careers.
The panelists further emphasized the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in breaking the glass ceiling, with Simone and Elisabeth discussing how both roles play a distinct part in women’s career progression. The discussion concluded with powerful advice for the next generation of women in tech, with Sylvie Schemik encouraging younger women to stay curious, resilient, and to embrace opportunities as they come.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Paula Andrea Castro, WomenTech Network Berlin Leader, emphasized: “Bringing women together to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the tech industry is crucial for fostering a supportive network. These conversations not only inspire us but also equip us with the tools to break down barriers and redefine success on our own terms.”
"At EY, we are committed to creating spaces where women in technology can thrive, exchange insights, and envision new possibilities for their careers. This event highlighted the importance of actionable guidance and collaboration, empowering women to step confidently into leadership roles and shape the future of the tech industry.", shared Eileen Hahn, EY Global Women in Technology Program Lead
“It is an honor for all of us, the EY Global Women in Tech team, to support WomenTech Network in driving our shared mission celebrating diversity, inclusion and innovation by empowering women in technology. Organizing the event and witnessing the power of community during this first EY x Women in Tech Berlin meeting proves the impact we can make!”, shared Agnieszka Rak, EY Global Women in Technology Program PM
The evening wrapped up with a vibrant networking session, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Conversations flowed as participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and explored potential collaborations. This informal setting allowed women from various sectors of the tech industry to broaden their professional networks and build meaningful relationships that could support their career growth. It was also a wonderful opportunity for the local Women in Tech community in Berlin to reunite. We extend our sincere thanks to our gracious host, EY, for providing this valuable platform and making the evening possible. Special thanks to the WomenTech Network leaders in Berlin—Paula Andrea Castro, Sumana Saha, and Ananya Misra—for their incredible support in organizing this event and ensuring its success.
Connect with the local WomenTech Berlin community on LinkedIn and stay tuned for future events that continue to celebrate and empower women in technology.
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