My greatest strength has always been curiosity and the ability to connect different disciplines. Entrepreneurship taught me to see opportunities, while my academic journey taught me to question assumptions and build evidence.

My main weakness was initially believing that I needed to know everything before I could contribute confidently, particularly when entering technology-oriented environments without a traditional STEM degree.

The greatest opportunity has been interdisciplinarity. Moving between entrepreneurship, European studies, digital transformation, sustainability, and emerging technologies has allowed me to develop a perspective that would not have emerged from a single discipline.
The main challenge has been keeping pace with rapidly changing technologies while balancing academic development with an active professional career. Over time, I learned that continuous learning is not a temporary stage—it is part of working in innovation.

Do not wait until you feel completely ready. Technology changes too quickly for anyone to know everything, and confidence often comes after taking the first step, not before it.

Build strong foundations, but remain curious beyond your own discipline. Learn how technology works, how people use it, and what problems it can solve. Seek mentors, participate in international networks, develop your digital skills, and create projects rather than only collecting certificates.

Most importantly, do not eliminate yourself from an opportunity before anyone else has even evaluated you. Apply, speak, experiment, and allow yourself to grow into ambitious roles.

Learn the language of technology, but never underestimate the value of your own discipline. The future belongs increasingly to people who can connect different worlds: technology and society, research and business, sustainability and growth.

Build your network before you need it. Find mentors, but also become a mentor as you progress. Volunteer for projects that initially feel slightly beyond your experience. Learn to communicate your ideas clearly and make your work visible.

And remember: you do not need permission to become more ambitious.

By 2030, I hope we will have moved beyond discussing women’s participation simply in terms of numbers. Representation matters, but real inclusion means women having equal opportunities to lead research, build technology companies, attract investment, shape innovation policy, and participate in decisions about emerging technologies.

I would particularly like to see more women represented at the intersection of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, investment, and technology leadership. My goal is not only to see more women entering innovation ecosystems, but more women shaping how those ecosystems work.

My biggest challenge was starting my undergraduate studies in Informatics in 1987, at a time when I had never used, or even seen, a computer before. Then again, when I went to grad school in the US. Adapting to a completely new field, a new country, and developing the necessary technical skills from scratch was challenging.

I would encourage girls and women to be curious, confident, and persistent. Computer science and technology need diverse perspectives, and there is no reason to see these fields as “men’s fields.” Build strong foundations, seek mentors and supportive communities, and do not be afraid to take on challenging opportunities.

Be curious, believe in your abilities, and do not be afraid to take up space in the technology sector. Build strong skills, seek mentors and supportive networks, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Check out networks such as eugain.eu

I would also like to see inclusive practices become embedded in institutional culture, rather than treated as separate initiatives. And achieve what Norway has achieved: the percentage of female applicants to computer science studies in Norway has reached 36.7%.

Strengths: One of the key strengths I developed during childhood, partly thanks to the education and values instilled at home, is discipline. I grew up with the belief that anything can be learned if enough dedication and effort are invested in it. This mindset has been fundamental to my success, helping me develop determination, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
Weaknesses: Balancing my studies with employment and a long daily commute was a significant challenge. For an extended period, I had to sacrifice sleep in order to meet my commitments, which inevitably affected my energy levels, well-being, and ability to maintain focus.
Opportunities: My education provided me with many opportunities, including the chance to build a life in a new country, establish a successful career, develop a professional network, and create a family. It opened doors both personally and professionally, allowing me to grow and achieve goals that might otherwise have seemed out of reach.
Threats: Time constraints and lack of sleep were constant challenges throughout my studies. In addition, the theoretical nature of academic learning occasionally clashed with the practical realities of professional practice. This sometimes led me to adopt an overly critical perspective when theoretical concepts did not align with workplace experiences.

To try it out! To get informed about various possibilities, make internships, follow webinars, courses, talk to people!

Engineering is an incredibly broad field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines and opportunities. Let your curiosity be the driving force behind your journey, as technology and knowledge are constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning and professional development.
This advice extends beyond engineering. Success is not necessarily about working harder than everyone else, but about working consistently, with discipline and perseverance. Maintaining a commitment to steady progress and lifelong learning is, in my experience, the key to achieving your goals

By 2030, I would like Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEIS) to be fully embedded in the culture of engineering and academia, rather than being viewed as a separate initiative or a box-ticking exercise. Success would mean that diversity is reflected at every career stage—from students and early-career researchers to senior leadership—and that everyone has equitable access to opportunities, resources, and career progression.

I also hope to see more inclusive research environments where different perspectives are actively valued, leading to more innovative and impactful solutions to global challenges. Flexible working practices, transparent recruitment and promotion processes, effective mentoring, and accountability for DEIS outcomes should become the norm rather than the exception.

Ultimately, I would like future generations to enter the sector without feeling limited by their gender, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic background, or any other aspect of their identity. The focus should be on talent, potential, and contribution, in an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

S: Organisation, Professionalism
W: Stress, Anxiety of Failure
O: Going abroad, doing a PhD and postdocs afterwards
T: not good financing

To try it out! To get informed about various possibilities, make internships, follow webinars, courses, talk to people!

To dare! Not be afraid of other voices and believe in you! Build your expertise and network and you will reach your goal!

Have more female leaders in high-stake positions

At the time there was too much discrimination against women in the mentality of the Greek society, even from university professors who were about 94% of the total faculty. Some men, like my math teacher and my father encouraged me in pursuing maths. My family was strongly supporting success in school and in university studies. The greatest opportunity was to be able to go abroad (Warwick U) for postgraduate studies. The main threat was the time I was loosing in analyzing bad behavious toward me.

Do not hesitate, go for it. Mathematics is a great, deeply satisfactory area of Science.

Things have largely changed by now, women colleagues are welcome and appreciated. Do not forget to always be serious and professional.

To have more representation of women in higher ranks of academic positions as well as in administration (deans, vice-rectors, rectors).

During my studies at the polytechnic university, my biggest challenges within the SWOT framework were managing the high academic workload and navigating a heavily male-dominated field.
* **Weaknesses (Internal Challenge):** Initially, balancing the rigorous theoretical demands of advanced mathematics with the fast-paced, hands-on requirements of computer science was a major test of my time-management skills.
* **Threats (External Challenge):** Coming into a STEM field where women were significantly underrepresented felt intimidating at first. However, I chose to view this “threat” as an **Opportunity**. It motivated me to work harder, build resilience, and excel academically, which ultimately paved the way for my transition into the demanding fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security.

My advice to girls and women aspiring to enter the fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security is simple: “Go for it without hesitation.” This is a highly dynamic sector with incredible market demand and excellent career opportunities worldwide. Digital security is more critical than ever, and the industry is actively looking for skilled professionals. As women, your unique perspectives, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are not just welcome—they are necessary. Do not let stereotypes hold you back. You have the potential to truly stand out, innovate, and **make a real difference** in shaping the future of technology.

As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, lacking advanced digital skills will soon be the equivalent of being illiterate. While the daily reality of the job market can still be tough and hostile on paper, do not let that deter you. This sector offers incredible career prospects and immense market demand. By mastering tech, AI, and cybersecurity, you are not just securing a powerful future—you are bringing a vital perspective that will disrupt stereotypes and **make a real difference** in shaping the digital world.

By 2030, I want to see DEIS evolve from bureaucratic paperwork and formal committees into a tangible, daily reality.

Specifically, I hope to see:

* **Massive Tech Reclamation:** A definitive end to women distancing themselves from IT. As AI skills become the new baseline for basic literacy, women must actively master these tools to avoid being left behind.
* **A Fairer Job Market:** A shift away from the hostile biases that still exist on the ground, making women in highly demanding fields like Cryptography and Cyber Security the norm rather than the exception.

Ultimately, my vision for 2030 is an environment where women are not just included, but are actively leading the digital revolution.

One of the biggest challenges during my studies was balancing several responsibilities at the same time: academic work, teaching, research, and personal obligations. Sometimes time management was difficult, especially when deadlines overlapped. Another challenge was adapting to new technologies, research methods, and constantly changing educational and scientific requirements. At the same time, these challenges helped me become more organized, disciplined, and resilient. They also taught me how to work under pressure, solve problems effectively, and continue developing both professionally and academically.

My advice is to believe in your abilities and not be afraid of choosing a field that may seem difficult or traditionally male-dominated. Education, science, and technology need more women’s ideas, perspectives, and leadership. Be curious, keep learning, ask questions, and do not be discouraged by challenges. Every step in your studies helps you grow stronger, more confident, and more professional.

Do not doubt that you belong in this field. If you are interested in education, science, or technology, follow that interest with confidence. Build your knowledge step by step, develop practical skills, and never stop learning. It is important to be persistent, open to new experiences, and willing to grow. Support from mentors and colleagues is helpful, but belief in yourself is the most important factor.

By 2030, I would like to see even stronger diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in education and STEM-related sectors. I hope there will be more equal opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, more inclusive learning and working environments, and greater recognition of different talents and perspectives. I would also like to see sustainability become a natural part of institutional culture, decision-making, and long-term development.

I never had one single role model, but I’ve always been deeply inspired by women who make a difference. Growing up, I admired women who stood up for women’s rights, who refused to be limited by expectations, and who found the strength to thrive in male‑dominated fields.

But my role models aren’t only the famous ones. I’m equally inspired by everyday women — women who work hard, who support each other, who overcome challenges quietly, and who keep going even when things are difficult. Their resilience, courage, and determination have shaped how I see myself and the kind of person I want to be.

Just do it. There’s nothing to overthink, if you’re curious and motivated, go for it.

We need you! Your ideas, perspectives, and skills are essential for shaping the future of this sector.

NA

Building confidence in myself.

Go for it.

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

That there is no need for it.

One of my biggest challenges was navigating highly competitive international academic environments while continuously adapting to new fields and expectations. At the same time, these experiences became strengths: resilience, independence, discipline, and confidence in solving difficult problems.

Believe that you belong in technical spaces. Do not underestimate your abilities, and do not let temporary setbacks define you. Build strong fundamentals, stay curious, ask questions, and keep going consistently.

Develop confidence through competence. Learn deeply, stay persistent, and do not wait for permission to pursue ambitious goals. Your perspective is valuable, and the field needs more women leaders.

I would like to see equal representation in leadership, fair access to opportunities, transparent hiring and promotion systems, and AI technologies designed responsibly for all communities.