Begoña Pérez Villarreal

Director, EIT Food South

Begoña Pérez-Villarreal is the Director of EIT Food for Southern Europe aimed to boost innovation involving stakeholders from the Mediterranean area, from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey up till Israel. Main activity is related to building a dynamic ecosystem developing collaborative projects and activities in business creation, education, innovation and communication programs to develop products and services contributing to a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable circular bio-economy.

BSc in Pharmacy, DESS-Microbiologie des Aliments, DEA-Business Management of Food companies. She has been involved in R&D&I activities and technology transfer to the food industry, particularly in the SME area, concerning quality issues, product development, traceability, authenticity and sustainability of the food chain for 25 years, coordinator of several European projects, has published 75 articles and is co-author of 5 new food products patents. She collaborates with different organizations and governments departments on strategic plans for R&D for the food industry.

An amazing event to connect young talent with the real world of work providing them unique experiences and unforgettable inspirational leadership moments.

Carla Rebelo

Global Head of Permanent Recruitment, SVP, Adecco

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The European Leadership Academy was an absolute whirlwind of inspiration! As a panel speaker, I was blown away by the immense talent and passion in the room. Sharing the stage with accomplished women who are shaping the future of technology, innovation, business, inclusion and sustainability was an honor.

Egle Ciuoderiene

Founder & CEO, Duevo; Expert Evaluator, European Commission

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I was invited to give some ally-ideas on global collaboration and its direction. I was impressed by the whole Academy. Young participants were sharp.

Akseli Koskela

Deputy Director, Technology Industries of Finland; former State Secretary for Security and Migration of Finland

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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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I firmly believe that the exchange of knowledge and inspiration facilitated by such events contributes to real change and supports the development of women in these key fields.

Agnieszka Jasińska-Kołodziej

Head of Legal Department Creotech Instruments S.A.

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I had a privilege to contribute to a panel discussion and to share some insights from my career path. Two days spent with bright and ambitious young ladies from a cross the Europe were very inspiring.

Dr. Brigita Serafinavičiūtė

Research Attaché, Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the EU

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I was very impressed by the quality, insights and care put into every single aspect of the Summer School program. You are an inspiration and invaluable resource for the future generations in the digital age.

Rebeca de Sancho Mayoral

Senior Adviser on EU innovation & access to finance

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If you want to be inspired, motivated, and supported in reaching your goals, there is no better place than the European Leadership Academy. Attending was one of the best experiences of my life, where I realised my dreams and met some of the brightest and kindest people.

Sabrina Steinberga

Student. Represented Ireland at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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The week in Warsaw with European Leadership Academy was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. By meeting 28 other amazing, talented, ambitious and kind young women, I truly feel blessed, and I can tell, I have a friend from each country of Europe. Together we learned new skills, had fun and made lasting relationships. I'm truly happy to be part of this!

Ágota Ráhel Tóth

Student. Represented Hungary at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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It would be an understatement to say that the European Leadership Academy was a dream come true. The support and motivation I received have become my driving force. The women who were part of this experience were not only inspirational but admirable in every possible way.

Vasilena Uzunova

Student. Represented Bulgaria at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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The women you’ll spend the week with are driven, ambitious, and share your go-getter spirit. It’s truly empowering to be surrounded by such like-minded individuals, and this experience will fuel your own journey to success!

Raluca Ioana Niculescu

Student. Represented Romania at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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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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During your time at European Leadership Academy you will have access to the most beautiful brilliant minds of our time and it is in your hand to use that possibility. If you are thinking about applying - don’t think, just do it. It might become one of the most beautiful journeys of your life up to now.

Mylana Bulat

Student. Represented Ukraine at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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Attending the European Leadership Academy Summer School of 2024 was an experience I will cherish forever. The growth I experienced in Warsaw is something I will carry with me, and the connections I made are sure to have a lasting impact on my professional and personal journey. I am thankful beyond words for this chance to learn, grow, and connect.

Irma Salkic

Student. Represented Western Balkans 6 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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Excited, I applied for their summer school twice and finally got accepted on my third try, representing Croatia in Warsaw! It turned out to be one of the most dynamic, positive, and stylish weeks of my life. It was so much better than I had imagined. The organizing team was top-notch, and everyone was so impressed with the quality of the program.

Teodora Kolak

Student. Represented Croatia at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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The various sessions, workshops, and panels were not only educational but also deeply inspiring. The passion and knowledge of the speakers left a profound impact on me, motivating me to strive for excellence in my own career and make a meaningful change in today’s world.

Victoria Vandenberghe

Student. Represented Belgium at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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There is no better way to describe the Summer School other than "transformational". For the first time in my life I felt that I was introduced to a community of like-minded women who strive to bring change in our world and lift others while doing so.

Konstantina Cheimara

Student. Represented Greece at the 2024 Summer School in Warsaw

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I have met 28 young inspiring women and mentors who are willing to accompany you on your way. I have created memories for life that I hope to tell my children about some day and I have realized that I should continue to dream big because every dream comes true at some point.

Maryam Kazemi

Student. Represented Austria at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia

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Participating in the European Leadership Academy was for me life-changing. The connections I made along with support I received from the other 28 participants has been a source of strength that has motivated me to further push my boundaries and pursue my goals with newfound determination. My advice to all young women is to apply! This is a gift that will inspire you to continue make a difference!

Julia Qiu

Student. Represented Sweden at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia

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The Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was a life-changing experience for me. This program empowered me with invaluable skills and insights to thrive in the digital world, and let me form meaningful connections with incredible participants and inspiring mentors.

Anežka Paličková

Student. Represented Czech Republic at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia

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My time at the Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age was truly unforgettable! I learned so much from all of the incredible talks and was grateful to connect with the impressive speakers.

Hannah Charlotte Kuhn

Student. Represented Germany at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia

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A unique journey for which I am eternally grateful: this is how I describe my adventure representing Portugal at the European Leadership Academy Summer School 2023 in my neighboring country, Spain, in the beautiful city of Valencia. Every day in Valencia was special, from the people, the activities, the speeches and workshops, our coaches, the decorations and everyone who accompanied me.

Matilde Abreu

Student. Represented Portugal at the 2023 Summer School in Valencia

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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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From the first moment I arrived, I knew The Summer School for Female Leadership in the Digital Age will be a life-changing experience. The whole week has given me a tremendous amount of knowledge about various topics, such as coding, cybersecurity, leadership, or public speaking.

Kateřina Tesařová

Student. Represented Czech Republic at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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The ELA experience feels just like a dream come true. That is the only way I can describe it. During the Summer School, you have the opportunity to broaden your horizons, to speak with professionals from both the private and the public sector and to learn all you want about vital topics as sustainability, ethics or AI.

Maitane González Pérez

Student. Represented Spain 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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The European Leadership Academy’s Summer School didn’t just give me the opportunity to meet new people, visit a beautiful city and learn about important topics, but also helped me to grow as a person and find my life purpose.

Georgina Toronyi

Student. Represented Hungary at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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I have never felt so inspired, grateful and happy. It was a week full of masterclasses and panel discussions on the hottest topics like sustainability, the gender gap and digitalization, taught by the most amazing women in Europe.

Jeske Zijlstra

Student. Represented The Netherlands at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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This Summer School made me believe that almost anything is possible with the power of collaboration. When so many people believe in you, you start to believe in yourself. With the help of their advice, emotional support, inspiration you suddenly become a part of something big.

Reda Petravičiūtė

Student. Represented Lithuania at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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If I have to describe the Academy with just one word, it would be 'magical'. It surpassed my expectations and it is truly an experience you need to go through yourself in order to fully appreciate its merits. The Academy is necessary now more than ever in order to empower young women and give them the tools and confidence that they can break the glass ceiling.

Delyana Petkova

Student. Represented Bulgaria at the 2022 Summer School in Prague

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