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.

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.

One of my biggest challenges during my studies has been coming from a small town, which initially meant having more limited access to resources, opportunities, and exposure to large academic and professional networks compared to students in bigger cities. This required extra effort, adaptability, and self-motivation to seek out opportunities, develop my skills, and stay competitive. At the same time, this challenge helped me build resilience, independence, and strong problem-solving skills. It motivated me to actively engage in internships, competitions, and international programs, which ultimately strengthened both my academic and professional development.

My advice to girls and women who want to follow their studies in this sector is to never underestimate themselves. Even if you are just starting out or feel like you don’t yet belong in the field, that does not define your potential. I come from a small town, and I know what it feels like to doubt whether you are “enough” compared to others who seem more prepared or more exposed to opportunities. But those doubts should never stop you. In fact, they can become the reason you work harder, dream bigger, and prove to yourself how far you can go. You don’t need to have everything figured out at the beginning. You just need courage — to start, to learn, and to keep going even when it feels uncomfortable. The rest will come with time, experience, and persistence.

My advice is to believe in your potential even when you feel like you are at the beginning. You don’t need to know everything or come from a perfect background to succeed in STEM or cybersecurity. What matters most is curiosity, consistency, and courage to keep learning. Do not let self-doubt or where you come from define your limits. Every expert was once a beginner. Take opportunities even when they feel intimidating, and trust that growth comes through experience, not perfection.

By 2030, I would like to see DEIS principles fully integrated into the technology and cybersecurity sectors, where diversity is not only encouraged but naturally present at all levels. I hope for equal representation of women in technical and leadership roles, especially in cybersecurity, as well as greater inclusion of young people from different regions and backgrounds. I would also like to see stronger awareness and education around digital skills starting from an early age, ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities in the digital world. Ultimately, I hope for a sector where inclusion is not an initiative, but a standard.