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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Moving to Boston alone at 25 for a PhD. Imposter syndrome, being one of few women in my cohort, research progress being very slow, and then COVID hit at the 3rd year of my program and I also changed advisor and research area at the same time. The biggest lesson was that persistence and resilience matters for everything.

Do not be afraid to take the hard classes, and find mentors and peers in both genders in all stages of your career.

More than ever today, AI is not just math and theory but the ability to have a critical mind and make decisions. Hence, being in tech needs creativity, judgment, and people who ask “should we?” not just “can we?

Women in AI leadership becoming boring – not newsworthy, just normal. And better STEM pipelines reaching Southern and Eastern Europe, where the talent exists but the access doesn’t.

During my studies, one of my biggest challenges was feeling that I truly belonged in a male-dominated environment. I was one of only a small number of women among hundreds of students, with very few female role models. As a first-generation student, I also lacked guidance and academic “know-how”. I had to overcome the feeling that I was there by “luck” and not by merit. Over time, I built confidence in my abilities and learned to trust that I deserved to be there.

Do not underestimate your abilities, even if you feel uncertain or out of place at the beginning. You belong in this field as much as anyone else. Stay curious, ask questions, and allow yourself time to grow — confidence comes with practice, experience, and many failures along the way.

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By 2030, I would like to see more women represented across all levels of STEM, especially in academic and leadership roles. Beyond numbers, I hope for inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong, and where access to opportunities is not limited by gender or background.

A key challenge was navigating interdisciplinary work—learning to combine chemistry, data science, and engineering. Over time, this became my greatest strength.

Be curious, don’t be afraid of technical fields, and embrace interdisciplinary learning—your unique perspective is a strength.

Own your expertise, seek mentorship, and don’t wait to feel “ready”—growth comes from taking opportunities early.

I hope to see truly diverse leadership, equal access to opportunities, and inclusive environments where different perspectives are actively valued.

I love to learn – when I studied electronics and was the only girl in the class I had to find some friends in the class… but they were all good guys and the teachers too.

Just do it – and if you need support from other women contact High5Girls or other organizations that can give you the help you need. And if you do not need any help then I think you have an obligation to help those girls/ women that need help to be in a male dominated sector.

It is amazing to work with STEM – interesting, challenging, it is about helping people and you are payed a good salary.

Equality 100% taking into consideration that men and women are not equal but we should have equal rights, salary for same jobs etc.