My interest in STEM began from an unexpected starting point, as I come from a background in archaeology, a field traditionally considered more theoretical. Early on, I was often faced with the idea that STEM was “not for me.” Instead of discouraging me, this sparked my curiosity and determination to explore it further.
What also drew me in was the connection between both fields as forms of experiential and non-formal learning, learning through discovery, interpretation, and real-world engagement. This perspective helped me see STEM not just as a technical field, but as a creative and exploratory one.
Over time, I became motivated to bridge these worlds, discovering how technology can enrich learning experiences. This journey ultimately led me to fully embrace STEM and integrate it into my professional path.
Your organization field and mission:
Cognita’s mission is to deliver a personalized, world-class education that enables every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The organization recognizes and nurtures the individuality of each learner and each school, supporting their unique strengths while connecting them to a global network of knowledge, best practices, and opportunities. By combining local identity with international expertise, Cognita empowers students, teachers, and schools to reach their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
I lead a team of Computer Science educators while also overseeing digital education across the entire school. My role focuses on integrating innovative tools and AI into teaching and learning, ensuring a safe and effective digital environment, and designing engaging digital learning experiences. Additionally, I contribute to the development of school-wide digital policies and strategies, supporting both staff and students in adapting to a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Your interest in STEM
My first role model was my piano teacher. Through music, she introduced me to a different “language” of learning, one based on creativity, discipline, and learning by doing. These values stayed with me and continue to shape my approach to education.
Today, I am inspired by educators in digital learning, such as Tony Bates, whose work highlights the potential of technology to create meaningful learning experiences. This continues to influence the way I design engaging and forward-thinking learning environments for our students.
Your studies
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.
You at work
In our organization, we actively promote inclusion and equity through the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensuring that learning experiences are accessible and adaptable to diverse student needs.
We also place strong emphasis on data-informed practices. By systematically collecting and analyzing learning data, we continuously refine our approaches to better support all learners, identify and root out biases.
Equally important is the student voice. We actively seek feedback from students and incorporate their perspectives into the design and improvement of learning experiences, fostering a more inclusive and responsive educational environment.
One of the achievements I am most proud of is having delivered training sessions that have reached over 150,000 educators throughout my career. A large percentage of this was via the nationwide introduction of smartboards in Greek public schools, for which I was a lead instructor. Beyond the scale, what stands out to me is the impact – seeing educators engaged, inspired, and sometimes surprised by how accessible digital learning can be.
I also value the moments when participants were curious about my background and were surprised to learn that I come from a humanities field. For me, this reflects something important: that meaningful innovation in education comes from combining different perspectives, not just technical expertise
Your point of view
Technology empowers women by enabling independence through access to remote work, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning, allowing them to shape their own career paths and futures.
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
To finish with
My core values are to act with integrity, to live by always learning, to strive to leave this world better than I found it, and to bring a smile to those around me.
The most significant challenges are related to keeping abreast of all the developments (technical, legal, ethical) in artificial intelligence; This requires almost a daily commitment of continuous learning and adaptability, as well as helping to ensure that AI is used responsibly, effectively and fairly within a school environment.
By 2030, I hope to have further evolved through continuous learning and conscious career choices, strengthening the core I have built in education. I am particularly interested in advancing in lifelong and adult learning, while growing as a leader in the field of education.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/