My first role models were my parents. They instilled in me a strong work ethic, a deep sense of ethics, and a natural commitment to fairness and inclusion. Today, I am inspired by leaders who not only have vision, but also get things done, those who turn ideas into action and deliver real impact.

I am most proud of transforming OpenAIRE from a 3 year European project in 2008 into a sustainable organisation with a strong network of over 60 member universities. Equally important to me is having chosen a career that contributes to the public good (open science, science-technology-innovation) while working with diverse communities and partners across the world.

By 2030, I hope to have grown into a role with broader impact, while working in a more balanced and sustainable way. I would like to focus on what truly matters, support others in their growth, and continue contributing to initiatives that serve the public good.

I greatly admired Carly Fiorina, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005 with the mission of transforming the company. She was also the first woman to lead a Fortune Top-20 company. I found her particularly inspiring for her dynamic spirit and her anti-stereotypical profile — a woman leading a global technology giant while having studied History and Philosophy.

Later on, I came across the remarkable story of Ping Fu, the Chinese-American entrepreneur who moved from China to the United States and founded Geomagic, an exceptional 3D printing company. She has also served on the U.S. National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship since 2010. In my view, Ping Fu is a powerful example of resilience.

A few years after I had completed my studies, when I joined a global IT company as a Product Manager, I found myself in a professional environment that was overwhelmingly male-dominated. As I progressed in my career and assumed roles of greater responsibility and authority, this imbalance became even more evident — the higher I moved, the fewer women I saw in those positions.

At times, it could feel quite lonely: as a woman participating in Boards, and later as a Managing Director and CEO of large organizations. That said, I was fortunate that in business interactions I was always treated with respect and professionalism.

What I am most proud of, however, is leaving a positive “stamp” on the people I have worked with. I feel truly happy when I meet former colleagues, and they tell me that, in some way, I influenced them to make a positive change in their professional or personal lives. For me, that is the most rewarding achievement of all, especially if the recognition comes from women ex-colleagues

I hope to continue being helpful to both individuals and organizations for many years to come. I would like to keep developing new and creative ideas that support my clients — especially family businesses — as they navigate the challenges of the future.

I also hope that I will finally find the time to write the book I dream about on leadership.

Trine was my first role model – after gymnasia.

I have had an amazing career in Corporate and I loved it. 8 years ago I got tired of corporate life and formed High5Girls which has become an amazing association with lots of amazing supporters, role models, happy girls and parents. Right now I am very proud of this achievement.

I hope in 2030 High5Girls are in 10 different EU countries.

Back in 2016, my students and I created a STEM project called “Flower Watering Robot” using Arduino kits and sensors. And this result inspired me to develop STEM. That was the beginning. Now we are actively involved in STEM projects.

My first role model was my mathematics teacher. Thanks to her, I developed an interest in science, particularly in mathematics and physics. Later, my own students became my source of inspiration – their eagerness to create STEM projects motivates me to keep going, support them in bringing their ideas to life, and nurture their love for science. Today, I strive to be a role model for younger teachers, sharing my experience and involving them in STEM initiatives both at our lyceum and at national and international levels.

In our organization, we actively promote Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Sustainability (DEIS) through education and empowerment for girls. We create equal opportunities for girls and women in STEM by organizing workshops, mentoring programs and leadership trainings. Our projects focus on inclusive education, psychological well-being and digital literacy for teachers and students. We also encourage sustainable development by integrating eco-STEM themes and digital tools that facilitate responsible innovation.

I am most proud of creating opportunities for students and teachers to explore innovation and technology through STEM educational initiatives. Seeing young people develop critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in their abilities, especially girls who begin to believe that they can be leaders in technology and science, has been the most rewarding part of my job. Together with the students, they joined the CodeWeek initiative, Girls Go Stem, Involved girls in the Young Inventors Club, engaged in robotics club.

My core values ​​are inclusion, curiosity, and empowerment. I believe in creating opportunities for everyone to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. I strive to lead with integrity and inspire others through education and technology.

А future challenge for me will be keeping up with fast-changing technology while making sure my work stays meaningful and inclusive. I also want to balance leadership with hands-on involvement in projects that empower students and communities. Finally, collaborating across diverse teams and continuously learning will be key to overcoming these challenges.

By 2030, I aim to expand my work in technology, education, and social impact, creating inclusive digital learning opportunities. I want to empower the next generation, especially girls and underrepresented groups in tech, while growing in both professional impact and personal fulfillment.