The Academy on women’s leadership held in Greece was particularly inspiring, given that the concept of academia itself originates from this region. Greece is home to the first formal institution of higher learning, the Academy founded by Plato, a place where learning and growth have such deep roots.
Organised by the Greek Union, the Leadership Academy was themed “Women Leaders in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – New Challenges and Opportunities”. This event, which took place in Kavala from August 18th to 24th, brought together 24 young women from across Europe, offering them a transformative experience for participants, helping them gain valuable leadership insights.
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The programme kicked off with a welcome dinner, featuring motivating speeches from local government representatives and community leaders. Participants engaged in a week of seminars on essential leadership topics, including adaptability quotient, personal branding, gender equality, emotional intelligence, the role of neuroscience in cultivating resilience, and AI’s impact on leadership. Led by experts, these sessions encouraged participants to explore the evolving intersections of AI and leadership. Interactive activities like project presentations, Greek dance lessons, and tours of historical sites enriched the learning experience.
On the final day, a feedback session was followed by a closing ceremony held in the picturesque historical city of Xanthi, where participants reflected on their personal growth and the meaningful connections they had built.
Listening to participants describe their experience reveals the profound impact such leadership academies have fostering the next generation of women leaders, encouraging growth, innovation and empowerment.
Here’s some participants’ feedback:
- “Unlike other international projects I’ve been a part of, this foundation was remarkably participant-focused, with meticulous attention to even the smallest details.”
- “The programme was rich and diverse, covering topics from soft skills and AI’s future to changing gender roles and career tips, and it was balanced with guided city tours that allowed us to explore the cultural heritage and history of the city.”
- “Sharing a room with participants from different countries made our experience even more special, as we exchanged cultural and social insights.”
- “From my perspective the skills that we learned to be a leader from alive real- women leaders were a true inspiration.”
- “The sense of solidarity among the Soroptimists supporting us was an indescribable experience.”
As the participants’ feedback shows, the Leadership Academy in Kavala offered a range of programme benefits designed to enhance leadership journeys. Participants gained foundational knowledge of leadership competencies and, through interactions with other women leaders, exchanged ideas, broadened perspectives and expanded their networks. Additionally, they received valuable input for their personal development, helping them navigate their future paths.
The Soroptimist Leadership Academy introduces participants to self-discovery and growth through its goals: Educate, Enable, and Empower. To ensure lasting impact, the follow-up “Mentoring Programme” will reinforce what the participants gained, applying it to real-world situations, projects and initiatives. The mentoring programme provides the environment for mentees to discuss personal and professional development, opportunities and challenges together with a more experienced person “Soroptimist mentor”.
We are committed to advancing women’s leadership through initiatives such as scholarships, leadership trainings and mentoring programmes. By providing these resources, we continue to empower women to take on leadership roles and make a meaningful impact.
As we promised over a century ago when we set off on our journey, we remain dedicated to building a world where women and girls can achieve their individual and collective potential, realise their aspirations, and have an equal voice in shaping strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
