[ June 17, 2026 by ECWT 0 Comments ]

Tetiana Tereshchenko

Your organization field and mission

Odesa Vocational College of Transport Technologies is a higher education institution that prepares qualified specialists for the transport, engineering, construction, and information technology sectors. Our mission is to provide high-quality education, promote innovation, support digital transformation, and equip students with the practical and professional skills needed for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization

I am a Civil Engineering Lecturer and Chair of the Cycle Commission. My responsibilities include teaching specialized subjects, developing and improving educational programs, coordinating academic and methodological activities, and integrating modern digital technologies into the educational process. I also support STEM initiatives, promote innovative thinking among students, and help them develop the technical and analytical skills required for professional success in today’s digital society.

Your interest in STEM

My interest in STEM began during my school years when I became fascinated by computer science, technology, and the opportunity to apply knowledge to solve real-life problems. During my studies in Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering, I realized how science, engineering, and modern digital technologies work together to create a safe, comfortable, and sustainable environment for people. It was then that I understood the importance of STEM education and its role in the development of society. This inspired me to dedicate my professional career not only to the construction industry but also to educating future professionals who are capable of driving innovation and effectively addressing modern challenges.

My first role models were my teachers, who inspired me through their professionalism, dedication, and passion for sharing knowledge. They showed me the importance of lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement. Today, I am inspired by educators, engineers, researchers, and innovators who contribute to technological progress, promote sustainability, and create opportunities for future generations through education and innovation.

Your studies

During my studies, one of my strengths was determination and a strong interest in engineering and technology. My main weakness was balancing academic responsibilities with personal commitments. The opportunities included gaining professional knowledge, participating in practical projects, and developing problem-solving skills. The challenges were adapting to rapidly changing technologies and continuously developing professional competencies. These experiences helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Do not be afraid to choose STEM fields and pursue your ambitions with confidence. Believe in your abilities, stay curious, and never stop learning. Engineering, technology, and science need diverse perspectives, creativity, and innovative thinking. Challenges will always exist, but determination, hard work, and self-confidence will help you overcome them and achieve your goals. Remember that your ideas, knowledge, and contributions can make a meaningful difference in society and inspire future generations.

You at work

Our college promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability through equal access to education, support for students from different backgrounds, inclusive learning practices, and the integration of digital technologies into the educational process. We encourage participation in STEM activities regardless of gender, provide opportunities for professional development, and support projects that contribute to sustainable development and social inclusion.

What I am most proud of in my professional career is the opportunity to positively influence the development of young people and help students realize their full potential. I take great pride in my students’ achievements in education, professional activities, competitions, and various projects. Another significant accomplishment is the implementation of modern educational approaches and digital technologies that make learning more practical, engaging, and accessible.

Your point of view

Technology opens new opportunities for women in education, professional development, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. It provides access to knowledge, modern tools, and international collaboration regardless of location or social circumstances. Technology empowers women to develop their talents, turn innovative ideas into reality, and take an active role in shaping society and the economy.

Do not be afraid to choose STEM fields and pursue your ambitions with confidence. Believe in your abilities, stay curious, and never stop learning. Engineering, technology, and science need diverse perspectives, creativity, and innovative thinking. Challenges will always exist, but determination, hard work, and self-confidence will help you overcome them and achieve your goals. Remember that your ideas, knowledge, and contributions can make a meaningful difference in society and inspire future generations.

By 2030, I would like to see a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible educational environment where everyone has equal opportunities to learn and develop professionally, regardless of gender, background, or individual circumstances. I hope to see greater participation of girls and women in STEM fields, wider adoption of inclusive educational practices, and stronger integration of sustainability principles and digital technologies in education. These changes will help create a more innovative, diverse, and resilient society.

To finish with

My core values are responsibility, professionalism, integrity, respect for others, lifelong learning, and continuous self-improvement. I believe in the power of education, equal opportunities, innovation, and collaboration. I am committed to inspiring young people, supporting inclusion, and contributing to a society built on knowledge, mutual respect, and sustainable development.

One of my main professional challenges is to continuously adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and educational trends while maintaining high-quality teaching and student engagement. I also aim to further integrate digital tools and innovative teaching methods into education, promote STEM learning, and help prepare students for the demands of the future workforce. Continuous professional growth and lifelong learning will remain essential parts of my career journey.

By 2030, I hope to further develop as an educator, mentor, and leader in STEM and vocational education. I would like to contribute to innovative educational projects, strengthen the integration of digital technologies into learning, and support more students in achieving their professional goals. I also hope to expand my involvement in national and international educational initiatives that promote inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/ 

[ March 24, 2026 by ECWT 0 Comments ]

Katerina Doka

Your organization field and mission:

The Bank of Greece is the central bank of Greece and part of the Eurosystem (the network of euro-area central banks led by the European Central Bank). Its activities focus on maintaining financial stability, supporting monetary policy, and supervising the banking system.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

Design and development of systems that store and analyze large scale data.

Your interest in STEM

Since childhood I had a passion for Math and  loved solving mathematical puzzles.

My first role model was my mathematics teacher in high school. He made complex problems feel exciting and encouraged curiosity. At present, I admire people who stay curious.

Your studies

S: Curiosity,
W: time management,
O: Exposure to challenging subject,
T: overcoming stereotypes

Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes. Stay confident and persistent.

You at work

No specific initiative that I am aware of. In general, the Bank of Greece is a respectful, collaborative work environment.

I am particularly proud of my teaching experience at NTUA. Helping students understand complex concepts and seeing them gradually develop confidence in their analytical abilities is extremely rewarding.

Your point of view

By providing greater access to education, information, and professional opportunities.

Believe in your abilities, stay persistent and look for mentors that support your growth.

Equal representation in my sector, especially in leadership positions.

To finish with

Integrity, curiosity, respect, commitment to quality.

Adapting to new technologies and knowledge, contributing to an inclusive environment.

By 2030, I hope to have grown into a role where I can contribute significantly to the bank’s analytical and research activities.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/ 

[ March 24, 2026 by ECWT 0 Comments ]

Dimitra Papadimitriou

Your organization field and mission:

IT Services.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

Design & lead AI solution system implementation.

Your interest in STEM

I was more interested in Science when I was in high school. My true interest in Technology occurred when I started studying Computer Science.

My sister was my first role model and still is. Later on struggling into the research world, it was really encouraging when I found a female mentor. Nowadays, at work I am still looking into a few female colleagues for inspiration.

Your studies

Strength:  Strong  Logical Thinking.
Weakness: Identify area of research.
Opportunity: Internships and meeting researchers and professionals around the world.
Threats: Imposter syndrome risk

You at work

Your point of view

Remote work enables women to join the workforce without geographic or time constraints.

Remember that you  do not have to prove more than your male counterparts.

Ensure fair access to promotions, leadership roles, and pay for historically underrepresented groups.

To finish with

Integrity, Respect and Accountability.

Staying true to myself and my values and at the same time remain in the current competitive and focused on achievements only academic environment.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/ 

[ March 24, 2026 by ECWT 0 Comments ]

Elina Charatsidou

Your organization field and mission:

KTH is a engineering institution.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

I am a PhD candidate.

Your interest in STEM

It started in Greece during my high school years with physics and math being very fun and challenging subjects for me.

My math teacher in high school and honestly Amy from Big Bang Theory.

Your studies

Language barriers, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexist comments.

Do it despite what people say. Remember two things 1. do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from and 2. When someone give you an advice it comes from their own perspective, not yours. So when they say ‘it is impossible’ what they mean is that it is impossible for THEM not for you.

You at work

Free period products in bathrooms, gender and harassment workshops for juniors and seniors, lecture and full courses dedicated to feminism and structural discrimination.

Having supervised 3 exceptional women during their MSc all of which got offered a PhD position directly after.

Your point of view

Technology can empower anyone and enhance equal representation provided that we think who is sitting behind the computer and the keyboard, and analyse that person’s biases, motives and lack of seeing their privilege. With critical thinking and critical acting tech is essential to promote women in the field!

Do it despite what people say. Remember two things 1. do not take criticism from someone you would not take advice from and 2. When someone give you an advice it comes from their own perspective, not yours. So when they say ‘it is impossible’ what they mean is that it is impossible for THEM not for you. Be loud and ‘a productive pain in the a**’.

People to be screened on their values and their stance on DEI and on the importance of gender and other respesentatiton in the field. We need a time where if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem isn’t only spoken about but implemented in action. Period leaves are a must and paid leave for both parents not only the mother.

To finish with

True meritocracy, educate all men on gender issues and how this is primarily is man’s problem to solve. Gender equality and representation in all level of hierarchy.

To fight the status quo, to fight so that the women after me do not have to. To create an environment in my workplace where women feel safe, heart, and understood, where they can flourish and become the best version of themselves.

I hope to be in an even stronger position so that my voice can travel father and initiate discussion and actionable decision making to change the field in a more inclusive space for all.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/ 

[ October 22, 2025 by ECWT 0 Comments ]

Roberta Trapani Maggi

Your organization field and mission:

The Curriculum Entitlement section, part of the Secretariat for Catholic Education, mission is to provide curricular guidance and support to school leadership teams and teachers in curricular and methodological matters. It strives towards helping teachers provide learning experiences which enhance the learning and progress of each and every child according to his or her potential in Catholic Schools in the Maltese Islands.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

As a Head of Department for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills, with a focus on supporting educators in integrating STEM, AI, and computational thinking across the curriculum. My work centres on designing and promoting innovative learning experiences that help students develop digital competence, creativity, and critical thinking. As an EU Code Week Leading Teacher, and Scientix and eTwinning Ambassador, I coordinate activities that encourage inclusive participation in coding and emerging technologies, guiding both teachers and students to use digital tools responsibly and meaningfully in addressing real-world challenges.

Your interest in STEM

My interest in technology began in childhood, watching my father tinker with mechanical and electrical projects. I was fascinated by how things worked and spent hours exploring and learning beside him. That early curiosity grew into a lasting passion for engineering and STEM education.

My first role model was my dad, and a family friend who was an electrical engineer, now a University professor – a field that was largely male-dominated at the time. Today, I continue to draw inspiration from women who challenge expectations and shape the future with courage and determination. Even when working against the current, seeing small but visible changes reminds me that persistence matters. Their example motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in my own field and to create spaces where every learner feels confident to explore, innovate, and believe that their ideas can make a difference.

Your studies

One of my biggest challenges during my initial university studies was persisting and proving my value in a male-dominated course. Later, during further studies, the greatest challenge was balancing multiple responsibilities at once — managing my studies, work, and a young family, while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Have confidence in yourself and keep moving forward. The road can be tough, but persistence pays off. Let curiosity lead your mind, kindness guide your heart, and effort guide your hands. Remember, failure is part of learning — pause, reflect, and try again.

You at work

A few initiations from the Secretariat for Catholic Education (SfCE) Malta include:

Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLG): Inclusive classroom discussions fostering critical thinking, More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Interactive Groups (IG): Community volunteers supporting student learning More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Dialogic Pedagogical Gatherings (DPG): Teacher professional development on social justice and inclusion More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Environmental Policy: Climate change and ecological responsibility aligned with Catholic teachings More info: https://church.mt/climate-change-tops-priorities-in-catholic-educations-secretariat-new-environmental-policy/

STEMMERSION Project: STEM resources using virtual tours, robotics, AR, and podcasts for skills development More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/stemmersion-dissemination/

Code4Earth: Digital skills for tech solutions to environmental challenges More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/stem-project-code4earth/

Inclusive Education Support: Policies and plans for diverse educational needs and transitions More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/departments/student-services/inclusive-education/

Through projects like Code4Earth and STEMMERSION, I support educators and students in developing creativity, critical thinking, coding, computational thinking, and essential transversal skills to share best practices and create new opportunities.

Your point of view

Technology empowers women by providing access, skills, and opportunities that were once limited. It opens doors to STEM and digital careers, supports flexible learning and work, amplifies their voices, and allows them to create, innovate, and lead.

Have confidence in yourself and keep moving forward. The road can be tough, but persistence pays off. Let curiosity lead your mind, kindness guide your heart, and effort guide your hands. Remember, failure is part of learning — pause, reflect, and try again.

By 2030, I hope digital education empowers every student — especially girls and those with learning difficulties — to overcome barriers through technology, guided by an open-minded, growth-focused approach from educators and learners alike.

To finish with

I value curiosity, inclusivity, and resilience, driving innovation while supporting others to thrive. Empathy, integrity, and perseverance guide how I learn, teach, and lead in an evolving digital world.

Looking ahead, one of my key challenges is continuing to balance the demands of family life with a rapidly evolving professional role, particularly as digital technology and AI continue to transform education. I see this as an opportunity to develop resilience, adaptability, and sustainable strategies that allow me to lead effectively, support others, and maintain a healthy work-life balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

By 2030, I hope to to drive inclusive digital learning, blending research, teaching, and innovation to empower the next generation — especially girls and underrepresented groups in tech.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/