A Most Distinguished Jury

The 28 young participants were selected by a distinguished jury composed of business executives, EU policymakers, professors, senior journalists, and equality defenders from all 27 Member States and from the 'Western Balkans 6'.

The members of the jury looked for well-rounded candidates. They reviewed academic achievements alongside the applicant's interests and work outside of the classroom, and their desire to learn more about the role of technology in the world.

Barbara Rambousek

Director for Gender and Economic Inclusion, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Shada Islam

Founder, New Horizons Project

Iva Tasheva

Co-founder and Cybersecurity Lead, CYEN

Tamara Tafra

Counsellor for Cyber Issues, Hybrid Threats and Disinformation, Permanent Representation of Croatia to the European Union

Androulla Vassiliou

Former European Commissioner for Education and Health

Katharine Klačanský

Research Fellow, EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy

Anja Monrad

Senior Vice President and General Manager, Central & Eastern Europe, Dell Technologies

Liisi Org

CEO, Latitude59; Venture Associate, The Better Fund 

Sirpa Pietikäinen

Member of the European Parliament

Isabelle Magyar

Global Advisor, HeForShe initiative, UN Women

Aikaterini Liakopoulou

Technology Executive

Carmen Niethammer

Senior Gender Specialist, European Investment Bank (EIB)

Anett Mádi-Nátor

President, Women4Cyber Foundation  

Maria Walsh

Member of the European Parliament

Ersilia Vaudo

Chief Diversity Officer, European Space Agency (ESA)

Gunta Sloga

Executive Director, Baltic Centre for Media Excellence

Kęstutis Kupšys

Member of the European Economic and Social Committee and Vice President of the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance   

Marc Angel

Member of the European Parliament 

Josianne Cutajar

Member of the European Parliament

Roberta N. Haar

Professor of Foreign Policy Analysis and Transatlantic Relations, Maastricht University; and Research Director, University College Maastricht   

Robert Biedroń

Member of the European Parliament

Maria da Graça Carvalho

Member of the European Parliament

Sabina Ciofu

Head of EU and Trade Policy, TechUK

Lucia Kleštincová

Women Empowerment Coach, European Commission 

Violeta Bulc

Former European Commissioner for Transport

Lina Gálvez Muñoz

Member of the European Parliament

Mattias Larsen

Industrial Development Expert, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)   

Lida Kita

Senior Human Capital Development Expert – Social Inclusion, European Training Foundation  

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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