In our latest interview, we sat down with Valentyna Chycha, Senior Software Test Engineer at Paylocity, who shared an inspiring look into her career journey - from a surprising start in software testing during her studies in Ukraine to a leadership role in a fast-paced U.S. tech environment. Valentyna reflects on the power of resilience, mentorship, and self-advocacy in navigating challenges such as micromanagement and underrepresentation. Her thoughtful insights highlight how continuous learning, clear communication, and inner confidence can shape a successful and fulfilling career in tech.
Meet Rayse Praková Monteiro, a dynamic communications professional originally from Brazil who has called the Czech Republic home for the past 13 years. In this spotlight interview, she opens up about overcoming impostor syndrome, discovering newfound confidence, and learning to leverage her strengths—proving that with the right guidance and determination, the path to professional growth can be both inspiring and empowering. Read on to learn how Rayse’s mentoring experience helped shape her approach to work and prepared her for the next steps in her career.
Cold days and long nights can make winter feel draining, but the right self-care habits can keep you feeling good. From nourishing foods to skin-saving tips and fun ways to stay active, here’s how to embrace the season while taking care of yourself.
Pay inequality remains a pressing issue in the Czech Republic, with long-term consequences for women’s lives. Czech women earn, on average, 18% less than men, which translates to CZK 8,400 lower monthly wages. This disparity affects not only their current financial situation but also their pensions, which are on average CZK 3,271 lower than those of men.
Managing your finances can feel daunting, but when you have the right guidance, it becomes an empowering journey of self-discovery, strategic planning, and community support. Femme Palette’s recent Financial Wellness Event brought together industry experts, hands-on workshops, and a network of like-minded participants—all with the goal of helping women gain confidence and clarity in their financial lives.
Navigating your career can feel like venturing into uncharted territory especially when you're searching for new opportunities. The path isn’t always clear, and going it alone can make the journey even tougher. That’s why you don’t just need a map and a compass—you need a team. A network of mentors and trusted allies can act as your personal board of directors, guiding you toward growth and success. Let’s dive into how you can build this powerful support system and leverage it to accelerate your career.
At 16, I stood at a podium in front of my entire high school, hands shaking, voice cracking—my first experience with public speaking. I walked away convinced I had failed. At the time, I thought confidence was something you either had or didn’t—an innate trait I simply lacked.
Investing is a highly relevant topic for many women, no matter if you are young or old, student or successful business owner or manager. Yet, when you ask women whether they invest, many sigh and admit that they would love to invest, and even know they should, but…Clearly, investing is something women think about a lot. However, there seems to be an invisible barrier that prevents many from taking that crucial step - to simply start investing.
We are delighted to present our Mentor Spotlight featuring Natia Mikhanashvili, a professional coach and founder of Persona Coaching. With over a decade of experience in senior HR leadership, Natia now dedicates her career to empowering first-time founders and CEOs to scale their businesses with confidence. In this interview, Natia opens up about her journey as a mentor, what she has learned through the Femme Palette community, and her advice for those looking to guide the next generation of ambitious professionals.
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