Our Partners

The EU agency that contributes to the development of labour market, education and training systems in EU neighbouring countries.

“Being at the forefront in promoting better opportunities for all in the EU Neighbourhood, we are very happy to continue supporting talented young women and welcome the opening of the ‘School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age’ to a talented young woman from the Western Balkans and from Ukraine. Through initiatives such as this, we can further reduce the gender and digital gap and boost human capital development in the region.”  – Xavier Matheu de Cortada, Interim Director, ETF

The Brussels Binder is a leading organization championing gender-balanced EU policy debates.

We are glad to continue supporting the initiatives of the European Leadership Academy, as we firmly share the mission of fostering fair and equal representation for men and women at the decision-making table.
When evaluating gender balance in policy panels, it is crucial to address the underlying reasons why women are often underrepresented compared to men. This imbalance is closely tied to the presence of women in leadership positions. In certain policy fields, significantly fewer women attain such roles. This is influencing after all who is chosen to represent the organization in a panel. While we provide resources like our database to assist journalist and event organizers in finding qualified female speakers, we recognize that addressing the core issue of underrepresentation requires tackling the scarcity of women in relevant leadership roles. – The Brussels Binder

EWOB is the European umbrella association for gender equality at decision-making level. We are a non-profit Brussels-based organisation whose aim is to increase gender diversity in C-Suite and Board roles throughout Europe. 
"EWOB's mission is to support women leaders to achieve their goals in becoming top decision makers in various types of companies and organizations. We feel that there should be enough opportunities available for women to develop their skills, influence and progress. Diversity of thoughts creates just better communities. European Leadership Academy shares the same ambitious goal with us and therefore is a natural partner." – Maria Sipilä, EWOB Vice Chair & Board Member, EWOB

The European Association of Institutions in Higher Education is the leading representative of professional higher education (PHE) in Europe with a mission to lead a harmonisation process across the EHEA. 

“EURASHE represents many higher education institutions in rural areas, which provide women with the skills and knowledge to innovate. They also cooperate closely with the world of work that needs more innovative women. We are therefore delighted to be supporting this initiative to increase the capabilities and thus the opportunities for individual women and enterprises in rural areas.” - John Edwards, Secretary-General, EURASHE

In Perspektywy Women in Tech, a mission-driven non-profit organization from Poland, that inspires, connects, and supports women's careers in technologies, science, and innovation in Europe and Central Asia - for over 15 years we’ve been actively working to power European technology, economy, and business with successive generations of young women engineers, scientists, innovators, and startuppers.
Together with our Partners, leading global technology companies, we create platforms and coalitions allowing cooperation between academia and the most innovative high-tech industry. We educate and empower young women in new technologies, equalize their educational opportunities, support research careers, prepare to enter the job market, and assist in building a professional career in industry, science or by developing their own tech startup.
Every year we organize the Perspektywy Women in tech Summit - the biggest conference for women in new technologies in Europe. The Summit has become Poland's showcase in the world, earning us the name of the hub of women in IT & Tech. Thanks to it, Poland has the opportunity to present its achievements and encourage talents from all over the world to take an interest in our education, science, and attractive opportunities on the job market.

Women Political Leaders' (WPL) mission is to increase both the number and the influence of women in political leadership positions. As the largest global network of around 12,000 women politicians we are very happy to work with young outstanding women at the European Leadership Academy and to inspire them to lead the future in politics.

“We know girls play a fundamental role in the shaping of our future. We want to make sure that they feel ready to fill these roles! Providing young women with future-ready skills stands at the core of both the ELA and Girls Future Ready. We are thrilled to join as a partner this year.” - Zofia Kierner, Founder, Girls Future Ready Foundation
 

"At allWomen, we are committed to empowering women with the digital skills and leadership capabilities needed to thrive in the tech industry. Partnering with the European Leadership Academy aligns perfectly with our mission to close the gender gap and create more opportunities for women to lead and innovate. Together, we are building a future where diversity drives progress and where every woman has the tools to shape the digital world." – Laura Fernández, CEO & Co-Founder, allWomen

Dear Young, Ambitious Women,
Please, take a seat at the table! The Future Health HERo initiative, initiated by the WorkInHealth Foundation created by EIT Health, is a vibrant, dynamic community designed to empower, engage, and elevate women like you in the healthcare sector. Here, your voice matters deeply. We are eager to hear your ideas, understand your fears, celebrate your visions, and support your journey from where you are now to where you aspire to be.
At FHH, you are at the heart of a movement aimed at shattering glass ceilings and forging paths in leadership, offering you not just support but a platform to connect with influential Women Health Heroes who demonstrate that achieving top roles is not just possible, but probable with the right support. We are delighted to contribute to initiatives like the "European Leadership Academy for the Digital Age" because the ELA program aligns with our goals by supporting the immense potential of female talent, empowering women to lead in the tech revolution, and fostering an inclusive digital era in the spirit of European cooperation and solidarity.
Join us in transforming the healthcare landscape and embracing the power of your potential.

WiSEu is a professional network that supports career development and leadership for women in the solar, energy storage, and EV charging industries across Europe.

"Women in Solar Europe is a community for women to shine together, to nurture a sense of belonging in a male-dominated industry and a network of support to overcome internal barriers and navigate external ones that prevent us from reaching leadership positions where decisions are made. Every individual, regardless of gender, should have the same opportunities to make a mark and contribute to the energy transition. The solar industry is the energy for good, not only its positive contribution to fight climate change but also for its social impact in communities across the planet." - Carmen Madrid, WiSEu Network Founder, www.wiseu.network
 

A female-founded EdTech startup equipping and empowering girls and young women to learn how to code.

“At imagiLabs we believe that technology is our future and in order for this future to be inclusive and equal, all genders need to have a say in how we develop technologies. We cannot achieve this vision without strong partnerships and we are very happy to be able to join forces with the European Leadership Academy. The young female leaders trained in the programme will be the seeds of change across all of Europe.” – Dora Palfi, Co-Founder and CEO, ImagiLabs

 

The Life Terra foundation aims for 500 million trees for Europe

“Life Terra seeks to bring people together, harnessing and monitoring nature’s own carbon capture mechanism and enabling citizens to take urgent action against the climate crisis. In this respect we’re proud to partner with the European Leadership Academy, empowering a new generation of leaders to not only bridge the digital divide but also to promote sustainability across all of Europe” - Sven Kallen, Founder & Secretary, www.lifeterra.eu
 

Women4Cyber is a non-profit European private foundation that promotes, encourages, and supports women's participation in cybersecurity.
The Hungarian Chapter is made of esteemed leaders in the cybersecurity industry who will generously share their insights and invaluable lessons gleaned from their remarkable journeys. In Women4Cyber Hungary, as prominent advocates, we actively contribute to conferences and events as presenters. Additionally, we take pride in hosting our admission-free events designed to empower the active participation of students and emerging professionals, further solidifying our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

“At MWCapital, we believe that digital technology has the power to transform lives and create a more connected and inclusive world. Our mission is to champion the advancement of digital innovation across industries, institutions and citizens  fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By investing in groundbreaking initiatives and supporting the development of future leaders, we are paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future." – Eduard Martin, CIO & Director of Connectivity, MWCapital

“At Startup Academy, our mission is to support the development and implementation of innovations by startups and corporations. The Summer School for Women Leaders of the Digital Age fits perfectly into this vision, providing tools and knowledge to future leaders who will influence the shaping of the future. We are proud to be part of a project that not only strengthens the skills necessary in the modern business world, but also promotes the values ​​of equality and diversity in new technologies.” - Karolina Piotrowska, Board Member, Startup Academy

"Several barriers limit women's empowerment, including gender stereotypes, discrimination, and lack of access to resources, such as education, healthcare, and finance, which can limit their participation in society. This may be due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, or entrenched cultural norms that prioritize men's access to resources. As a company passionate about women's issues and the safety of victims of violence, the majority of whom are women and children, we at Lilja are happy to support the important role and goals of the European Leadership Academy Rural Innovation as it aligns with our values. Women's empowerment has a great impact on their own lives and their families, it also plays a key role in community development. Women fight for positive changes in health, education, and general social welfare, which increases economic growth and social development. Increased participation of women in society has been shown to reduce gender-based violence, women's empowerment is an ongoing process that involves challenging entrenched cultural norms that are detrimental to women." - Inga Henriksen co-founder and CEO of Lilja

“Copa and Cogeca are the united voice of European farmers and agri-cooperatives. As an organization we are very engaged in issues concerning both the representation and participation of women in the sector as well as the topics concerning digitalization, innovation and rural development. We are happy to support the mission and goals of the European Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation in assisting rural women across the EU gain important knowledge and skills that can help ensure their better participation in today’s technology driven society. We believe these skills would allow them to seize the opportunities digital innovation offers and in this way contribute to the development of rural areas and the agriculture sector.” - Pekka Pesonen, Secretary General, COPA-COGECA

Rural Youth Europe (RYE) is an European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth. Established in 1957, it functions as an umbrella for youth organisations working to promote and activate young people from rural areas. It provides international training and mobility opportunities, having youth work, volunteering and non-formal education at the core of our work. Rural Youth Europe is a member-led organisation: democratically constituted and led by young people for young people. Today, 24 member organisations from 20 countries and more than 500,000 young people are part of Rural Youth Europe.
www.ruralyoutheurope.com

The State Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Croatia is the State administration body with responsibilities in the field of protection of intellectual property rights.
The Office carries out procedures for granting industrial property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications and designations of origin, topographies of semiconductor products) and performs the accompanying professional and legislative activity.
In addition to the legislative and professional activities, including the procedures for granting rights, a significant segment of the Office activities makes the provision of information and services in the field of intellectual property, the cooperation with other institutions for the enforcement of intellectual property rights and support of innovation activity, as well as the cooperation with economic and R&D entities.
www.dziv.hr
 

The Croatian Chamber of Agriculture represents nearly 75,000 family farms, organized through 20 sectoral committees, and advocates for their interests before national and EU decision-makers. Through its Committee for Women and Youth in Agriculture, it works on strengthening their position within legal frameworks. Additionally, it actively implements Horizon projects, such as Grass Ceiling which aims to empower rural women and increase the number of socio-ecological innovations led by women in agriculture, the rural economy and rural communities. Rural areas cannot thrive without agriculture, young people, and women, which is why it is crucial for us to promote innovation and knowledge transfer, as well as to highlight necessary concrete financial measures that can support their sustainability.
komora.hr

ITC is a non-profit business support organization located in the North-Eastern region of Slovenia. With a vision to drive cross-sectoral innovation and facilitate the adoption of novel technologies and ICT, ITC focuses on transforming rural sectors. Its goal is to build a Europe-wide innovation-based ecosystem that fosters the transition towards resilient, healthy, and environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable rural areas. ITC is also the founder and main administrative office of the European Digital Innovation Hub – DIH AGRIFOOD, a collaborative network that combines Slovenian and European research and development expertise in agriculture, food production, processing, and supply chains. DIH AGRIFOOD serves as a One-Stop-Shop, providing services to organizations through a Multi-Actor Approach (MAA), promoting the production and distribution of safe, sustainable, and high-quality food, while addressing the challenges of the food system.

The DIH AGRIFOOD network consists over 1,200 organizations, reaching 30,000+ European stakeholders. It is supported by a broad ecosystem of 50+ projects, 5 Europe-wide Innovation Networks, 25+ Living Labs, 100+ European Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), and 200+ Business Support Organizations. It is driven by the efforts of 40 trained facilitators from 13 countries, making it a critical player in fostering sustainable innovation across Europe.
ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster

“CEJA acts as a forum for communication between young farmers and European decision-makers. Its main objective is to promote a younger and more innovative agricultural sector across the EU-27 and to create good working and living conditions for young people setting up in farming and those who are already “young farmers”.
The main concerns of young farmers are issues related to access to land, credit and production rights, and strengthening education and training facilities for young people in rural areas. CEJA represents around 2 million young farmers in Europe.
Our membership spans across 22 EU Member States and 33 national member organisations, including an observer member from Latvia and two associate members from the UK and Serbia. We remain in regular contact with young farmers’ organisations, agricultural institutions and associations throughout Europe and worldwide.
CEJA has built strong links with various international youth organisations over the years in its advocacy work for young farmers, while always maintaining independence from any political ideology.”
- CEJA

"We are proud to support The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation, as we believe in the transformative power of education and innovation to uplift rural communities. Empowering women by providing them with the skills and tools to become agents of change is essential to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This project reflects our commitment to social impact, ensuring that women in rural areas have the opportunity to lead in technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development, creating a more equitable and lasting future." - xFarm Technologies

 

“The rural and sparsely populated environment is often described as a territory without opportunities. This image makes people in big cities think that these areas are not a lifestyle choice. Furthermore, this vision weakens the confidence of the rural population in their prospects for life and prosperity in their homeland. For this reason, it is important to influence the selfesteem of members of rural communities, as well as to boost economic activity and social commitment through training in innovation for present and future generations.” -  sspa-network.eu

The mission of our foundation is to promote diversity as a fundamental organizational value, make equality the norm, and inclusion a key element on the path to business and individual success. We create educational programs, nationwide social campaigns, and projects tailored to the individual needs of collaborating companies. Our work builds upon 16 years of experience and stems from the organization “Success Written in Lipstick,” founded by Olga Kozierowska in 2008. 

“This is no longer the time when a woman is merely an "accessory" to the male world. Today, a woman becomes the architect of her own fate, boldly entering areas that were once reserved only for men. A modern woman not only walks the pinnacles of her career, but also cares about balancing professional and private life.
One of the most fascinating qualities of a modern woman is her independence. This is not just financial independence, although this is an important aspect. It's also independence of thought, decision-making and action. The modern woman does not wait for social approval or acceptance to pursue her goals. She knows what she wants and pursues it with determination and confidence.” – Agnieszka Rupniewska, Mayor of Zabrze (Silesia region, Poland)

València is commited to promote new opportunities and support women in these amazing days of change and disruption. We are proud to welcome young talented women that will lead the future and make the world a better place for all. The local goverments, in particular, have a word to say for inclusion, sustainability and equality policies. This is the moment and the right place to do it. Go for it!

“The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) proudly embraces this opportunity to join the European Leadership Academy, reaffirming our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering diverse talent. We strive to contribute to sustainable growth and impactful change in Europe's educational landscape through collaboration and shared vision.” – José E. Capilla, Rector, Universitat Politècnica de València 

DigitalES is a Spanish employers’ association born in 2017, representing +100,000 jobs in our country. Our aim is to help all economic agents to successfully undertake the digital transformation.
“At DigitalES, we believe education in digital capabilities is the first step for a brighter, more productive and resilient future for all. That is why we proudly support the European Leadership Academy, as well as new collaboration opportunities with both enterprises and academia, and we look forward to all these young future female leaders have to show!” – Víctor Calvo-Sotelo, managing director of DigitalES

The Spanish Confederation of Employers' Organizations, CEOE, is the organization that represents and defends the interests of Spanish companies and entrepreneurs.
Founded in 1977, it is one of the most representative employers’ organizations in Europe. It brings together, on a voluntary basis, more than two million companies across all sectors of the economy and from every region.
We act as the economic and social interlocutor with:
•  the Government
•  the different Public Administrations
•  political parties
•  trade unions
•  international institutions
•  civil organizations
SMEs are represented at CEOE through the Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CEPYME), and self-employed individuals are represented by the Association of the Self-Employed (ATA).
We represent more than 2 million companies and self-employed workers, 210 territorial and sectoral business organizations and 4,500 grassroots business associations.

"From the Training Area of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce we are committed to making female talent visible by promoting, through training, the potential of women to lead the change towards a more diverse, inclusive and sustainable digital world. We are a hub of knowledge, experiences and learning, based on the impact on results, educational innovation, technology and the connection of people and companies. We are proud to be part of the European Leadership Academy." – Cristina Vicente, Directora Area de Formación, Cámara Valencia, Escuela de Negocios 
 

With climate change and the energy transition on top of global agendas, the European Union is set to lead the race on carbon neutrality, while addressing industrial challenges through new legislative packages such as the Net-Zero Industry Act under the Green Deal Industrial Plan. To this end, the EU has greatly recognized the urgency of reskilling and upskilling EU citizens as well as developing new programmes to address the upcoming challenges of a required fast technological uptake to fast-track the transit to energy efficiency. 

Magasin is a plural space for meeting and collaboration between women that seeks to promote the influence of female leadership in our society and to acknowledge their abilities and talents.
"Support, education and empowerment of young generations of women is a guarantee of leadership. Looking  forward, it means more than a necessity. It’s an obligation for us as actual leaders to contribute to the building and strengthening of young leaders. Our mission is pushing them to be principal actors of a world where diversity, inclusion, technology or sustainability are at the same time skills and goals of the new society".

The national body responsible for the implementation of public policies designed to promote gender equality in Portugal.

“The Portuguese government is really supportive of this idea [of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age], so thank you very much.” – Sandra Ribeiro, President, CIG

Summer School 2021, Lisbon

"Our university has always been an academic institution committed to the local ecosystem, which is why we decided to cooperate in such a pioneering project as the first European Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation. Supporting innovation and equality at local level is key to achieving socio-economic development in rural areas”. - D. Ricardo Rivero Ortega, Rector, usal.es

Portugal’s integrated public policy initiative aimed at enhancing digital competences.

“Digital inclusion is social inclusion, especially for women. Thanks a lot to this Summer School, for choosing Portugal for its first edition. This event shows the great vision of your company.”– Luisa Ribeiro Lopes, Chair of the Board of Directors, .pt & General Coordinator of INCoDe.2030

Summer School 2021, Lisbon

"Agencia EFE, as a public company and the major multimedia news agency in Spanish language, maintains a firm commitment to gender equality. Efeminista, a global and transversal project, is an example of our commitment, as well as our Equality Plan, the application of parity in appointments or the use of non-sexist language in all our products. We are delighted to participate in The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation to promote female leadership in areas where women have been traditionally forgotten."  - José Manuel Sanz, Agencia EFE Chief Editor

“The Federation of Rural Women's Associations (Fademur) is a progressive organization that strives for equality and progress for women living and working in rural areas. For us to cooperate with the European Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation is to tap into a pioneering project that like FADEMUR believes that innovation and skills can help breach the gender gap and contribute to the economic and social development of rural areas. These objectives that are at the heart of the SDGs.” - Teresa López López, President of FADEMUR

The Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic is a voluntary, apolitical and nongovernmental organisation. Members of the Union are towns and municipalities.  The Union of Towns and Municipalities is a partner for governmental and parliamentary political representation.

„The Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic (SMO CR) supports a complex development of both rural and urban territories with the emphasis to their special needs. There is a number of active women local representatives working within the SMO CR structures (committees, working groups, etc), as well as within the leading positions of our association. SMO CR supports the involvement of women into all levels of public administration and promotes the equal opportunities for men and women with the accent on equality at the local level as well as in the rural areas.“ Radka Vladykova, Executive Director of SMO CR

Abodoo is an inclusive skills mapping and matching technology platform that is bridging the gap between education and industry. Female founded and launched from a Village, Abodoo now works internationally with universities, enterprises and government and is a partner of the European Commission's Start Up Village initiative to revolunise rural communities as new Live Work Destinations

"We are excited to share The My Work Life Vision e-learning programme that provides the tools needed to achieve an amazing international remote career from a Village." -  Vanessa Tierney CEO Abodoo 

The European trade association which represents leading global companies and European national associations working in conventional pesticides, biopesticides, plant biotech innovation, and digital and precision farming.

“I am very pleased that CropLife Europe is able to take part in this initiative. Our members are investing in digital and precision agricultural technologies. These types of technology can be employed to support almost all farming activities on a daily basis. Initiatives like this one sets to tackle one of the key barriers to the adoption of these practices – the urban-rural divide. We fully support closing this divide as we believe that there is a huge benefit for society by encouraging rural innovation.”- Olivier de Matos, Director General, CropLife Europe

“Honoring its Sardinian roots, Siendas was created to serve as a guide for the quality agribusiness market. Siendas digitizes and maps regional food and wine production in the island of Sardinia, offering technology integration services to all quality producers, and enabling the local economy internationalize in a uniform, effective and sustainable way. The Siendas Openfood software was created to defend local producers from market speculation, and to protect high-quality food and wine production. In just a few years, it has established itself as a key market player. Exporting to 15 European countries, its system acts as an organizer of the Sardinian agro-food B2B trade with the goal of digitizing the entire Sardinian agri-food sector, offering high-tech solutions for each producer by integrating 4.0 technological processes that can improve and make more sustainable all their operations related to logistics and marketing of products. As a champion of sustainability, inclusiveness and equality in the agri-food ecosystem of Sardinia, Siendas strongly supports the goals of this Academy and is honored to contribute to its mission”. -  
Marco Arca, CEO of Siendas.it