BY VICTORIIA BASYKH
Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
The 3rd Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit 2020, which assembled 8,386 participants from 103 countries, took place on 8-9 December, 2020.
Although the meeting was held online because of the global situation related to COVID-19, its organizers succeeded in bringing together female students, graduates, postgraduates, scientists and IT professionals. This event was actually held at a high level, as the organizers attracted many interesting personalities of extensive experience. Representatives of the companies such as Intel, Google, Natwest Group, Delivery Hero Se, PwC Poland, Procter and Gamble, among others, continued to introduce the participants to their companies.
I enjoyed the topic covering women’s startups, the more so as the leading experts, namely Shaloo Garg, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, Microsoft; Agnieszka Hryniewicz-Bieniek, Global Director, Google for Startups, Google; Eliza Kruczkowska, Chief Innovation Officer, Polish Development Fund; and Dorota Szostek-Rustecka, President of the Board of the Leopold Kronenberg Foundation, Citi; participated in the discussion.
The topic concerning COVID-19 was also in the mainstream of presentations given by all speakers, as this pressing global problem affects all spheres of life, particularly science, education and business.
It is worth noting too that the organizers brought creativity into the wonderful Virtual Women in Tech Dance Party, arranging the big online get-together. The fascinating coach and mentor, Dúnia Pacheco, sparked dancing participants and made a fantastic environment, she helped everyone enjoy freedom of dance movement. Virtually, we converged backstage on the big screen that presented many windows online, each displaying dancing.
My sincere thanks are due to all the organizers, speakers and participants for the opportunity to take part in the major event for three years running, gain new experience, participate in discussions about important issues and have the support of female professionals.