From Hometowns to Horizons - Unleashing the Power of Digital Technology

Bulgaria has experienced exponential urban growth over the last few decades. Leaving behind their beautiful hometowns has become the norm as people seek better opportunities and professional fulfilment in larger cities. My father is among those who moved to the capital to improve his living conditions. This trend has persisted for some time, but I believe it shouldn't be this way.

The IT sector has the potential to revitalize abandoned rural areas by creating new job opportunities. There are numerous ways to educate oneself about digital technology, especially with the abundance of online courses available today. The sector is quite accessible to anyone with an interest, so if more people from remote areas start working, for example, as programmers, they could rapidly improve their standard of living. If more people were informed about the possibilities of remote work, migration to cities would drastically decrease.

Digital technology can serve as a bridge between larger cities and rural towns. We’ve reached a point where cities can no longer continue to expand indefinitely. If more people from remote areas are introduced to the IT sector, it will create additional job opportunities. It's crucial that we ensure no one is left behind in the digital revolution we are witnessing.

 
 


Participating in the "Generative AI: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead" panel at the European Leadership Academy was a truly transformative experience. Meeting 29 incredible young women from diverse backgrounds was both humbling and inspiring. The Academy showed me firsthand the immense impact that can be achieved when young women are given the right opportunities and a platform to grow. I left the Academy feeling more empowered and optimistic than ever.

Maro Manoli

CEO & Co-Founder, E-mbracelet

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It may sound cliché, but the best part of the European Leadership Academy were the caring and passionate people who contributed to it, after the end of the European Leadership Academy, I now feel the most confident and passionate that I have ever been. Importantly, the program was completely free of charge, as an ambitious young woman whose family has always struggled financially, the European Leadership academy was a dream come true in many ways.

Veronika Anna Denner

Student. Represented Austria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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This transformative journey has prepared me for anything life may throw my way. What touched me most was the opportunity to connect with girls who, like me, share the same dreams yet are wonderfully diverse. They truly inspired me in countless ways. I learned so much about myself throughout this process; the school has impacted every facet of my identity, teaching me self-confidence and the imporance of colaborartions with others.

Lara Markelj

Student. Represented Slovenia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I knew that the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was going to be an incredible experience but I didn't expect it to be life-changing! With a jam-packed week full of both interesting and challenging discussions, panels, masterclasses & workshops, I left each day feeling inspired and invigorated. I would encourage any young woman interested to apply regardless of your background and experiences - the European Leadership Academy provides an environment for all young women to thrive in.

Amy Calleja

Student. Represented Malta at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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Sisterhood, support and inspiration are just some of the aspects that we have experienced! The European Leadership Academy is an exceptional and priceless program which opened our horizons for the future. For me, one of the best characteristics of the program was its holistic approach. The range of speakers and experts was extraordinary just as their kindness and openness to answer our questions and connect with us.

Katharina Hertel

Student. Represented Germany at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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