Through CIVICA’s Student Engagement Fund, students across the alliance are bringing bold ideas to life. One standout project is "Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in the Workplace", a student-led conference uniting participants from IE University, CEU and Sciences Po. Hosted at IE University, the event is diving into the challenges and opportunities women face in professional settings, sparking discussions that matter.
Igniting Change: The Inspiration Behind This Conference
The inspiration for "Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in the Workplace" comes from the countless stories of women who have had to carve their own paths in male-dominated industries. Too often, women face barriers that limit their growth, from systemic biases to the lack of representation at leadership levels. This conference was born out of the need to not only highlight these challenges but also to showcase the women who have defied the odds and paved the way for future generations. By sharing their experiences and insights, we hope to inspire more women to take control of their careers and advocate for themselves with confidence.
A Defining Moment: Why Now Is the Time for Action
Despite ongoing efforts toward gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and investment sectors. The global workforce is at a pivotal moment, with industries rapidly evolving and the push for inclusivity gaining momentum. Now is the time to have meaningful conversations about breaking barriers and ensuring women are given equal opportunities to thrive. This conference provides a timely platform to address these issues, equip attendees with essential leadership tools, and foster a network of empowered professionals committed to driving change.
Breaking Boundaries: Key Conference Highlights
The conference will feature a flagship panel titled Trailblazers: Paving the Way for Women in the Workplace, where accomplished women will discuss their career journeys, leadership lessons, and strategies for overcoming workplace barriers. This session aims to provide attendees with practical tools for professional growth, including self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and decision-making in challenging environments.
Additionally, our Empowerment and Negotiation Workshop will focus on enhancing personal branding, effective self-introduction, and mastering the fundamentals of persuasive negotiation. Participants will leave with concrete techniques to establish their position and confidently navigate power dynamics in professional settings.
Another highlight is the Financial Empowerment Toolkit, a panel designed to demystify investing for women. Experts will share accessible resources for staying informed, explain various investment types, and debunk common myths that often deter women from financial independence. The session will close with actionable steps to help attendees start their investment journey, no matter how small.
The conference will also spotlight women in venture capital, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for female investors in this traditionally male-dominated space. This discussion will provide critical insights into breaking into the field, securing funding, and supporting the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
With the support of CIVICA grant funding, we have been able to foster connections beyond Madrid, bringing together inspiring women from Women in Business Clubs at Sciences Po and CEU, enriching the conversations and perspectives shared at the conference.
Furthermore, two dedicated networking events will provide attendees with the opportunity to forge meaningful connections. These sessions will allow participants to engage with speakers, mentors, and fellow professionals, fostering long-term relationships that can support their career advancement.
Shaping the Future: Our Vision for Impact
Through this conference, we aim to foster a sense of empowerment, build a strong community, and equip attendees with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their careers. Our goal is to ensure that women leave feeling inspired, better prepared to advocate for themselves, and committed to supporting others on their professional journeys. By breaking down barriers and sharing strategies for success, we are paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive workplace for future generations.
