Strengths: High Engagement & Passion: Being part of a newly established department meant learning from young, passionate professors who were highly invested in the students’ success. Intimate Learning Environment: With a small cohort of only 50 students, the environment allowed for personalized attention, tight-knit collaboration, and a strong sense of community.

Weaknesses: Lack of Industry Connections: At the time, the university lacked established pipelines or networks with the private sector. This made it difficult for students to gauge their true market potential or easily transition into corporate roles.

Opportunities (External Advantages): Pioneering Expertise: Graduating as one of the few cohorts with specialized cybersecurity training in Greece created massive potential for research, innovation, and rapid professional advancement. Uncapped Career Growth: Entering a niche, high-demand field provided plenty of open lanes for early career evolution and leadership.

Threats: Rapid Technological Evolution: The field of computer engineering and cybersecurity moves at an incredibly fast pace. The constant shift in technologies and methodologies demands continuous learning and adaptation just to remain competitive.

While the advice to “believe in yourself” is often overused, the reality is that many women battle a constant inner narrative of self-doubt. This pressure can either be a catalyst for growth or a source of burnout; our power lies in choosing the former. Furthermore, we must refuse to let our emotional intelligence be dismissed as mere “sensitivity.” It is a strength, and its value is non-negotiable.

Own your creativity as a hard skill: Don’t suppress your creative side to fit a rigid tech mold. Lateral thinking, design, and storytelling aren’t “soft skills”—they are high-value assets that allow you to build elegant, innovative solutions.
Lead with empathy to drive innovation: The best technology solves real human problems. Lean into your emotional intelligence to understand user needs, bridge team gaps, and design software that is intuitive and truly inclusive.
Be the translator: Tech often hides behind intimidating jargon. Use your communication skills to demystify complex concepts for others. By making tech approachable, you become an invaluable leader and pave the way for the next generation.

I wish we won’t need regulations to enforce the disciplines of DEIS.

During my studies, my greatest strengths were motivation, responsibility, perseverance, and a genuine passion for education. At times, I faced challenges such as self-doubt and the difficulty of balancing academic requirements with personal and professional responsibilities. However, these experiences helped me become more resilient and adaptable. My studies opened many opportunities for professional growth, including learning innovative teaching methods, participating in educational initiatives, and later integrating STEM approaches into early childhood education. The main threats and challenges included limited access to modern resources, rapidly changing educational demands, and, more recently, the impact of war and uncertainty, which required flexibility, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to my professional goals.

Believe in your abilities and never let stereotypes limit your ambitions. Education, science, and technology are fields where curiosity, creativity, and perseverance matter more than gender. Be open to learning, ask questions, seek new experiences, and do not be afraid of challenges or mistakes—they are valuable opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive people, continue developing your skills, and remember that your knowledge and ideas can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and in society as a whole. STEM offers endless opportunities to innovate, create, and inspire future generations.

Believe in your potential and do not be afraid to pursue your goals. Working in education, especially in early childhood and STEM education, gives you the opportunity to influence future generations and inspire young minds. Stay curious, continue learning, embrace innovation, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Your knowledge, creativity, empathy, and leadership can make a meaningful impact on children’s lives and on society as a whole.

By 2030, I would like to see every educational institution fully embracing the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability. I hope that all children, regardless of their background, abilities, gender, or circumstances, will have equal access to high-quality education and opportunities to succeed. I would also like to see greater representation of women in STEM-related educational leadership, increased support for inclusive practices, and stronger integration of sustainability and global citizenship into early childhood education. Creating learning environments where every child and educator feels respected, valued, and empowered should become the standard rather than the exception.

My biggest challenge was the limited availability of technology and robotics equipment. However, this motivated me to be resourceful, seek alternative learning opportunities, and develop strong problem-solving skills.

My advice to girls and women who want to pursue studies in STEM is simple: keep moving forward and believe in your abilities. Do not be afraid of challenges or stereotypes. Stay curious, keep learning, and take every opportunity to develop your skills. STEM offers endless possibilities to innovate, solve real-world problems, and make a positive impact on society.

My main advice is to never let the stereotype that tech is a ‘male-dominated field’ hold you back. Continuous learning is key: embrace curiosity, start with the basics of coding or digital literacy, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that is how we grow in this field. Find a community or a mentor, share your knowledge with others, and remember that your unique perspective is exactly what the tech industry needs to innovate.

My vision for 2030 is a tech and education sector defined by true accessibility and equal opportunity. I would like to see systemic barriers removed so that teaching digital skills, coding, and cybersecurity becomes universally inclusive, empowering a diverse next generation of tech leaders regardless of their gender or background.

Building confidence in myself.

Go for it.

Go for it, surround yourself with trusted seniors, read continuously.

That there is no need for it.

When I started my MBA I was working full time and hadn’t done such type of studies for over than 6 years so had to learn to find a balance between family, studies and a full time job. COVID hit when I was studying so even though it was challenging it created a unique learning environment.

Given that at that time we were working remotely and having lectures online, it was more stressful and less easy to take a break from the routine as there were restrictions and limitations, however, it is all about navigating complexity with integrity and knowing when to stop and ask for help if needed and maintain the focus on what really matters.

In the past few years, the visibility of strong female figures has increased. Be encouraged by it. My advise would be simple:
1. Find mentors everywhere – seek out for role models but learn from diverse leaders across genders and backgrounds
2. Build your own narrative – create your own success
3. Embrace the learning curve – there is a learning path for everyone
4. Support other women – as you progress, lift others up, the sector grows stronger when we all succeed.

Start now, don’t wait to be ready as you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers before you begin.
Build you network and find your people.
Set boundaries and protect your well being.
Don’t try to fit into a mold or replicate someone else’s success.

Technology itself should be designed with diverse teams, ensuring products and services work for everyone. Beyond numbers, I want a culture where psychological safety, work-life integration, and continuous learning are standard,not exceptional.

During my studies, one of my biggest challenges was managing the demanding workload and balancing different responsibilities at the same time. STEM studies often require strong commitment, continuous effort, and the ability to cope with pressure, so staying organised and consistent was very important.

Another challenge was building confidence in highly competitive and demanding academic environments. At times, this required perseverance and self-discipline, but it also helped me become more resilient and focused.

At the same time, these challenges became strengths, because they taught me how to work systematically, adapt to difficulties, and keep moving forward. They helped me develop both academically and personally, and they played an important role in shaping my professional path

My advice to girls and women who want to study in this sector is to believe in their abilities and not be discouraged by stereotypes or challenges. STEM needs diverse perspectives, creativity, and determination, and women have a very important role to play in shaping its future. It is important to stay curious, work hard, and not be afraid of difficult subjects, because confidence grows through effort and experience.

Most importantly, they should follow their interests with confidence and persistence. With dedication and passion, they can succeed, contribute meaningfully, and become role models for the next generation.

My advice to girls and women who want to work in this sector is to trust their abilities, stay curious, and not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Most importantly, they should believe that they belong in this field. With persistence, hard work, and passion, they can build a successful career, make a meaningful contribution, and inspire others to follow the same path.

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS become a natural and fully integrated part of the culture in our sector, not just a target or a policy discussion. I would like to see more women in leadership, more equal opportunities for career development, and more inclusive environments where different perspectives are truly valued.

I would also like to see technology and innovation developed with sustainability and social impact at their core, so that progress is not only measured by technical achievement, but also by the benefit it brings to people and society. For me, the goal is a sector where diversity is seen as a strength, inclusion is actively practiced, and sustainability guides the way we design and implement solutions.

Over the past 20 years, the field of media and digital technologies has evolved rapidly, creating a constantly shifting landscape. Computer-mediated communication was -and still is- a game changer, and keeping pace with this change has required continuous learning and rapid adaptation to new tools and approaches. as concepts, technologies—even entire fields such as media law—were quickly becoming outdated.

This, At the same time, this dynamic environment pushed me to think across disciplines, combining technology, media and real-world applications, while also fostering creativity—since everything felt new and evolving. The allure of constant change has always been what sparked my curiosity about what comes next. Over time, this became one of my key strengths. During my studies, I often struggled with attention to detail, as I was naturally drawn to big ideas and the broader conceptual framework rather than finer execution points.

An open mind and flexibility towards change—these are essential ways of thinking and key attitudes in a rapidly evolving field. A genuine curiosity and love for learning are the most precious skill. Technology and science are constantly advancing, and the ability to continuously explore new knowledge will set you apart.
Develop the ability to think beyond the boundaries of your own discipline—to connect, synthesize and create at the intersection of fields, where technology meets other domains.This interdisciplinary mindset is critical for navigating the new era we are entering, where artificial intelligence is already reshaping the rules of the game.

Stay open-minded and adaptable—curiosity and continuous learning are your greatest assets in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Think beyond boundaries: the future belongs to those who connect disciplines and create at the intersection of technology and society, especially in the age of AI.
-Redefine success on your own terms: not as a choice between career and motherhood, but as a balance you consciously shape at the intersection of both: Embrace this dual path—it will challenge you, but it will also build resilience, a unique kind of leadership, grounded in real life—one that only women can truly define.

By 2030, DEIS in my sector should move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and truly recognise that equality does not mean sameness. It should take into account that women and men work differently, real-life factors—such as motherhood—that require thoughtful and supportive structures, not neutral treatment. True inclusion means designing conditions that respond to these differences, enabling everyone to thrive on equal terms.

Strengths: Strong interest in creativity, along with the ability to combine artistic thinking with analytical skills.
Weaknesses: At times, balancing creative interests with more structured subjects was demanding.
Opportunities: My work as an educator with a technical orientation encouraged me to pursue STEM-related paths and develop my skills further.
Threats: Limited access at times to advanced resources and the challenge of choosing between different career paths that interested me equally.
Overall, these challenges helped me build resilience, adaptability, and a multidisciplinary perspective that continues to influence my professional role today.

Believe in yourself and don’t let stereotypes limit your choices. STEM and vocational fields offer exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. With confidence and persistence, you can succeed and make a real impact

Keep learning, stay curious, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. With determination and passion, you can build a meaningful career and inspire others along the way.

By 2030, I envision a fully inclusive vocational education sector where diversity thrives, women lead in STEM, and sustainability is embedded in every aspect of learning, empowering all students to shape a better future.

One of my main challenges was balancing postgraduate studies with full-time work and family responsibilities, as a mother of two. This required strong organization and adaptability.
At the same time, I was able to apply what I learned directly into practice, which helped me grow both academically and professionally.
Overall, this experience strengthened my resilience and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively

Don’t be afraid to combine different interests, such as pedagogy, technology, and creativity, as this is what will make you stand out. Try to apply what you learn in real settings, even in small ways, as this is how confidence is built.

Also, surround yourself with supportive people, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to take up space. Your perspective matters, and the field benefits from diverse voices.

Don’t wait for permission to enter the field. Υour voice and perspective are needed. Be curious, keep learning, and embrace both education and technology. Growth comes through doing, not waiting.

By 2030, I would like to see inclusion truly reflected in everyday practice, where learning is designed from the start to meet different needs, not adjusted afterwards.

I would also like decisions to be more informed by real data and, most importantly, by listening to students’ voices. For me, success would mean that every learner feels seen, supported, and able to participate equally

During my studies, one of my main challenges was to identify which direction within my education would best prepare me for the next stage of my career. At the same time, I had to develop my background in informatics and computational methods largely on my own, as my university studies did not provide relevant training, although these skills were crucial for the field I later followed, especially numerical weather prediction.

My advice is to study with dedication, work hard, and stay open to innovation. Equally important is to build a supportive environment by surrounding yourself with people who share your values and ideals, because this can make a real difference both in your professional path and in maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

My advice is to work hard, and stay open to innovation. In my field, research is not particularly male-dominated, so the main challenge is less about entering the sector and more about sustaining a healthy balance between personal life and professional growth.

By 2030, I would like to see more women holding positions of responsibility and leadership in my sector. Greater representation at this level would be an important step toward a more inclusive, fair, and forward-looking research environment.