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Kęstutis Kupšys

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

Kęstutis Kupšys is a Vice-President of the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance, which (as of September 2021) unites ten consumer associations. The Alliance has been a member of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) since 2013.

After a 2-decade long career in finance, political consulting and public relations, Kęstutis Kupšys joined the consumer rights movement in 2011, when he was chosen to supervise the establishment of 'For Honesty in Banking', a consumer advocacy organisation destined to steer diverse civic and legal campaigns of vulnerable consumers hit by the financial crisis of 2008–2009. Kęstutis Kupšys currently serves as the Executive Director of this organisation, which along with the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance has been actively participating in national and European debate on various essential issues, among them overindebtedness, the affordability and accessibility of financial services, financial literacy, green finance, and socially responsible savings and investment. In 2014–2015, as Lithuania was preparing to enter the Eurozone, he led a national campaign monitoring consumer rights during the litas-to-euro transition period.

In April 2018, Kęstutis Kupšys was assigned the role of an alternate member of the European Economic and Social Committee, in the 'Diversity Europe' Group (III). He was appointed full member in October 2020. He also currently represents consumer interests in the Payment Systems Market Expert Group at DG FISMA as well as in the Occupational Pensions Stakeholder Group at EIOPA. In addition, he takes part in the work of various BEUC working groups (on Trade, Financial Services, Sustainability, and Energy).

Kęstutis Kupšys graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in Economic Cybernetics/Systemic Analysis of the Economy (in 1995), while his supplementary study interests encompassed Financial Markets and Business Administration (via Catholic University Eichstätt, Germany, 'Gaststudium' program in 1992–1993) and Philosophy (Vilnius University, 1995–1997).

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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