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 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.
The air buzzed with excitement as attendees filled the room for the Femme Palette Leadership & Career Conference 2024. From the moment the first speaker took the stage, it was clear this event was about more than career tips and professional advice—it was about truth-telling. As one attendee later reflected, “It is so refreshing to meet women leaders brave enough to share on stage not only their successes but also their struggles. This was probably the most authentic leadership event I have ever been to.”
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.
The Women in Tech: Learn and Connect event, hosted by Femme Palette at Make Headquarters in Prague, brought together a community of women eager to explore new career strategies, tech insights, and inspiring stories. With the support of partners Pure Storage, Mews, Barclays, Huawei, media partner Vogue, and community partner Czechitas, the night was full of engaging discussions and practical advice for navigating the tech industry.
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.
The Women in Tech program, an initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship, has been empowering women across Czechia for several years. Launched by Huawei in collaboration with the Research Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the program offers mentorship, training, and resources to women entrepreneurs, helping them leverage technology to scale their businesses and drive innovation. With a focus on areas such as education, environment, and health, Women in Tech is creating a vibrant community of female leaders who are not only embracing technology but also shaping the future of their industries. In this interview, we speak with Linda Štucbartová, a key figure behind the program's success.
We are incredibly proud to announce the winners of our 2024 Mentor Awards! This is the second edition of our awards, and once again, we are in awe of the remarkable contributions from our mentors. We want to take this opportunity to extend a huge thanks to all of them! Given that it would be impossible to individually acknowledge each of our 1000+ mentors around the world, we have selected 80 mentors across 6 categories to recognize for their exceptional efforts and results. Meet the winners of the Femme Palette Mentor Awards 2024 below!
Mentoring is a vital resource for professional development, providing guidance, support, and valuable insights from experienced individuals. Amsterdam, known for its thriving business ecosystem, offers a variety of mentoring platforms that cater to different needs, from startups and entrepreneurs to women in tech and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top mentoring platforms in Amsterdam.
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