For Rudina Tafhasaj, Senior Software Engineer at Rapid7, a journey sparked by curiosity and shaped by perseverance unfolded. Rudina’s early fascination with technology—driven by a childhood spent sneaking peeks at her brother disassembling computers—grew into a career defined by embracing change, advocating for inclusivity, and stepping confidently into leadership. As Rudina puts it, “Leadership wasn’t something I pursued for recognition; it was something I grew into by doing what was needed.” In this interview, she shares insights into her career transitions, mentorship experiences, and practical advice for those eager to advance into tech leadership.
Mentoring can be a game-changer—especially when you're already successful but looking to grow in new ways. For Elena Frank, an Executive Deal Lead at AT&T Inc., Femme Palette’s mentoring program became the missing piece in her journey toward launching a purpose-driven financial education business. In this interview, Elena shares how mentoring helped her refine her goals, clarify her brand, and gain the confidence to move forward with her vision.
Have you ever dreamed of sipping coffee in a cozy Parisian café, working from the beach in Bali, or spending more time with your family without sacrificing your career? For Vendula Popp, the founder of @nomadikadigital, digital nomadism isn’t just a trendy lifestyle—it’s a powerful way to balance personal passions with professional growth. Here, she shares insights into how people can successfully navigate remote work, the skills they’ll need, and the lifestyle perks and realities of becoming a digital nomad.
The year 2024 has been another exciting chapter for us! We continued to grow, innovate, and make a real impact on the lives of our mentees, mentors, and community members. 2024 was marked by new milestones, platform updates, successful events, and expansion into new communities. I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, all while navigating changes, welcoming new team members, and celebrating two new babies in the team (with one more on the way!). A huge shoutout to everyone in our team who made this possible, and to our community and partners for their continued trust and support. Here are some of our key achievements this year!
Yuliya and Anna, key members of the Women@eBay Community of Inclusion (COI) in Prague, are leading efforts to create meaningful opportunities for working mothers. With a shared passion for gender equity and professional advancement, they have initiated a mentorship program in collaboration with Femme Palette, providing mothers with the tools and support needed to navigate career challenges. We sat down with Yuliya and Anna to discuss their motivation, the impact of their initiative, and how it aligns with eBay's broader goals of diversity and inclusion.
This time, we spoke with Lucie Krobová, a mother and manager who gracefully balances raising her 11-year-old daughter while overseeing the integration of the regional delivery centers into the company's global structure. How has she managed to juggle all responsibilities the right way, what has worked best for her, and what advice would she give to others? Find out more in this candid interview.
Meet Anna Grigoryan, Director of Product Management (Core Experience and Mobile) at Wrike, a living testament to the power of determination, innovation, and leadership in the tech industry. With over three years of experience at Wrike and a wealth of knowledge in product management, Anna's journey offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals, especially women, looking to leave their footprint in the field. In this interview, we explore her path to success, the challenges she's overcome, and her vision for the future of product management.
Tereza Vankova, a former molecular biologist turned software engineer, is on a mission to empower women in tech through her work as the founder of ReactGirls and R&D Community Manager at Mews. Tereza’s personal journey of self-retraining, paired with her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, has made her a key figure in supporting women’s entry into IT. We spoke with Tereza about her career transition, the pivotal role of mentorship, and the initiatives she’s spearheading to bridge the gender gap in tech, both at ReactGirls and Mews.
At Tighe & Bond, a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with over a century of history, fostering the growth and development of their top female talent has become a strategic priority. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry, the company sought an innovative approach to mentoring that would empower their mid-career professionals with the leadership and soft skills necessary to excel. This led them to partner with Femme Palette, a decision that has proven to be transformative for the participants and the company alike. We spoke with Margo A. Armstrong, Chief HR Officer & Senior Vice President at Tighe & Bond, about how their mentoring initiative with Femme Palette has enhanced the confidence and effectiveness of their female leaders, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
