Day 1.
Dear #NextGen- ChangeMakers,

on 27/11/2021

You are leaders, and you are here to lead and you are also here to inspire others. But most importantly, you’re here to be each other’s mentors and biggest supporters.

- Berta Herrero, Programme Director of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age

 

The first edition of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was held in beautiful Lisbon, one of the prettiest cities in Europe, on 23-27 August 2021. The Portuguese capital was an inspiring place for 27 female students, our #NextGenChangeMakers, who joined from every Member State of the European Union. These talented Europeans had the opportunity to deep dive into the digital world, learning from experts the leadership skills that will help them to take their rightful place in the digital revolution.

We celebrated the arrival of the students, experts and lecturers on a beautiful rooftop terrace in the centre of Lisbon with a series of keynotes and inspirational remarks.

Berta Herrero, Programme Director of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age and Senior EU Public Affairs Manager at HUAWEI, shared her advice to our future female leaders: “You are leaders - you are here to lead and you are also here to inspire others. But most importantly, you’re here to be each other’s mentors and biggest supporters”.

Abraham Liu, former HUAWEI Chief Representative to the EU Institutions, inspired all of us on leadership and the power of relationships: “What inspires us is connecting with people. Do bring new [connections], build networks, play a unique role supporting people.”

On behalf of the Portuguese Secretary of State for Citizenship and Equality, Sandra Ribeiro, President of the Portuguese Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality shared a powerful thought: “In the near future, the participants of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age can become very influential and powerful women in the tech industry. I hope that you will help to create a more equal and open world”.

The students had the chance to meet members of the Jury tasked with reviewing 1.225 applications and selecting recipients of the full scholarship.

Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Member of the European Parliament and Jury Member for Spain recognised that such an opportunity is not only a gift for each participant, but also a gift for the whole emerging network of female EU leaders.

Named as one of the 1000 women changing Italy, Martina Rogato, the W20 Sherpa of G20 Italy and Jury Member for Italy, pointed out that “in your network, personal life or business you can make a difference, and we need it. It’s time to be part of the solution”.

Beatriz Becerra, Former Member of the European Parliament & Vice-Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee of the European Parliament and Jury Coordinator of the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age added some inspirational words: “You are here because you have been chosen. You have been chosen because you are talented, and big talent brings big responsibility”.

 

Have a look at the pictures of day 1.

 

The European Leadership Academy

As part of HUAWEI’s broader initiative Seeds for the Future, the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age of the European Leadership Academy represents the company’s continued commitment to digital inclusion. We want to help close the gender gap and empower women to lead us into the digital future.