Session: Women in deep tech in Europe: trends, gaps and opportunities
All Europeans need digital skills to study, work, communicate, access online public services and find trustworthy information. However, many Europeans do not have adequate digital skills. The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) shows that 4 out of 10 adults and every third person who works in Europe lack basic digital skills. Even worse than this, there is a very low representation of women in tech-related professions and studies, with only 1 in 6 ICT specialists and 1 in 3 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates being women.
During this panel we want to discuss with some successfull women working in edtech, what challenges and biases women involved in deep tech are facing everyday and what are the most impactful strategies they are developing to help them in their career growth.
Navigating the business world as a woman, particularly within the tech industry, can present a unique set of challenges - from contending with stereotypes to encountering limited advancement opportunities, gender biases, and unsupportive work cultures - be it in established corporations or small startups. Given the pivotal role of the tech sector in shaping our collective future, fostering an inclusive environment is crucial. By promoting equity and cultivating diverse leadership, we not only drive innovation but also foster societal progress at large. Therefore, understanding the significance of promoting women in deep tech is paramount for achieving this transformative vision.
Bio
Francesca Barisani (panel moderator, EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative) - Francesca is a professional with more than 12 years of experience in planning and executing complex projects managed from different perspectives (financial, operational, people-based) across multiple sectors (environment, energy, IT, AI) and types of stakeholders (public and private). She has worked at international consultancies, Embassies, Academia and, now she is the Outreach and Stakeholder Manager of EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative, where she has successfully closed over 75 strategic partnerships with companies, universities, and accelerators.
Alexandra Badea (speaker, She Is Mom) - Alexandra Badea is a serial entrepreneur with a rich background in psychology, business, and recruitment, and is a dedicated trainer in mental health and motivation. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create "She is Mom," an ed-tech platform aimed at empowering mothers through education and a supportive community. Alexandra's journey reflects her deep commitment to using technology as a force for positive societal change, particularly in the areas of education, mental health, and women's empowerment. Her diverse expertise positions her uniquely to advocate for and contribute to the advancement of women in deep tech, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and intrinsic motivation in fostering innovation and inclusivity. Companies founded and involve as associates: Talent Center, She is Mom, Agritech Center, Silo App.
Lisa Ambros (speaker, The Female Factor) - Lisa is the VP of Business Development at the female factor, a global career & HR platform that aims to close the gender leadership gap in business. She is responsible for partnerships, the internationalisation of the network and supports companies such as Google, Visa, Unicredit and many more in addressing female talents as well as employer branding, talent scouting & talent development measures.
Prior to her role at the female factor, Lisa worked primarily in arts and culture management and in the transportation sector globally.
Monika Ptáčníková (speaker, Czechitas) - Monika Ptacnikova is a Co-Founding and Governing Board member of Czechitas, a non-profit organisation aiming at making IT skills more accessible to youth and women of any age. In addition to the fundraising and business development of the organization, she has been engaged in career counseling and talent development in the tech sector for more than 10 years. Monika also serves as a member of the Council for Innovations of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic and she is a proud mom of 2.
Rasa Strumskyte (speaker, Talent Garden) - Rasa is a co-founder and VP of Business Development at Talent Garden, Europe’s leading digital skills academy and a founding partner of a global edtech group. She is also a board member at Hyper Island, a global learning provider that has been named the ‘Digital Harvard’ by CNN.