
Yana Peeva
Student. Represented Bulgaria at the 2021 Summer School in LisbonThe Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age is so much more than its title, its programme, its sponsors... It goes beyond the borders of countries and the limits of the imagination. It is far greater than the final projects we completed and the lectures we learned so much from. It is all about the exploration of yourself and the world, about the discovery of beautiful people and brilliant ideas, about the support circle you build together with them. In a week, I found 26 sisters from across Europe: all talented, ambitious, inspired and inspiring. To be considered part of this group of female leaders is an honour I do not take lightly. Their work, their unconditional support, their courage in the face of failures and challenges: they brought me back the hope for tomorrow. Because of their belief in my own grand ideas I feel assured that I am on the right path of achieving my goals and my happiness. I want to thank them for finding the light within me and bringing it out for the world to see. I learned so much more than how to set goals for a business, how to speak in public, and how to analyse information from several points of view, which were the biggest lessons from the lectures we had every day. I learned how to take on challenges with courage and determination, how to be fearless in the face of failure and how to create a safe environment for like-minded people to bond, work, have fun in (and let me tell you, the future female leaders of Europe know how to have fun!). I cannot wait to see what the future holds for each participant, and I would be delighted if I get to be by their side during the whole journey to the top!