Welcome, Future Leaders!

This was a school like no other, with an agenda like no other and we were delighted to share it with our students. The days were inspiring and stimulating from morning until night, with endless opportunities to learn, bond, explore and grow.

Take a look at the day-by-day agenda to understand more about what our students experienced over the 5-day programme.

Day 1

Welcome to Nice!
Students made themselves comfortable at the hotel and the staff were on hand to make them feel at home and enjoy their stay. There was an introductory lunch followed by a teambuilding activity: Nice through the passage of time.
In the evening students and mentors got together for a Welcome Cocktail.

Day 2

Now that students had met their follow participants they enjoyed an energising breakfast together.
The programme started at 09.00 sharp and kicked off with an opening ceremony. This was followed by a panel on the subject of Leading with Purpose for a Sustainable, Inclusive world. The day then lead into a series of Masterclasses - Leadership I and II. This was followed by Teamwork and some free time before the teambuilding activity: The Secret of France's Competitiveness.
The day closed with a traditional French dinner.

Day 3

The next day's programme was even more exciting.
It kicked off with an Inspiring session on The Ethics of Technology, followed by the second panel: Green and Digital as the Pillars of Europe's recovery. Following a coffee break, students embarked on Masterclasses on Coding, with lunch between its two sessions. The afternoon was taken up with more teamwork, followed by a Spotlight on The Future of Digital Skills.
After some free time everyone travelled to a new venue to enjoy dinner and a debate on Preserving our Planet through Technology.

Day 4

Thursday began with the second Inspiring session on The Future of Diversity. It was followed by the third panel on The Road to Real Equality - Closing the Gap.
Today’s Masterclasses today were on Public Speaking, where students learned valuable presentation skills and techniques.
Following some more Teamwork sessions, everyone took part in a relaxing evening where they were able to shake off the strains of the day with a Yoga session.

Day 5

Our last day before the closing of the academic programme began with the final Inspiring session on the subject of The next Stage of Innovation. It was followed by the final panel on The Role of Women in Tech, Cyber and the Digital Economy.
Next, there was a Spotlight session on Talent Development for a Stronger Europe. The afternoon featured the final teamwork session followed by a chunk of free time to explore Nice. That evening, everyone attended the Farewell Gala and Awards Ceremony.

Day 6

All good things must sadly come to an end, and it was now time to wake up and go to the airport.
Our students had made friends for life, and learnt the important building blocks needed to lead, and take their career to the next stage. We are confident that they will meet again – and when they do, they will all be proud of how far they have come!

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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