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      Simplon Romania kicks off the Femme Forward program in Romania     Femme Forward is changing the game for women in Romania who are curious about tech careers, especially in cloud computing. Launched on January 15, the local Femme Forward program, managed by Simplon Romania, is set to run until the end of April. It is currently empowering 34 women from diverse backgrounds to delve into the tech world.     The Simplon Romania team was met with a big surprise when they opened registrations at the end of 2023 and received over 2600 applications in just a week. This demonstrates a huge interest and need for reskilling programs in Romania, offering free career change opportunities for women.   The main goal of Femme Forward is to empower women to transition into the tech field, providing them not only with the necessary knowledge but also the confidence to pursue a future tech career. So it’s not just about learning; it’s about growing together. Participants get to engage in group mentoring and one-on-one sessions with their mentors, creating a supportive space for everyone involved.   The Romania team includes two AWS re/Start certified trainers and four mentors with expertise in tech, soft skills, and HR. They’re all about preparing the participants for tech careers, offering support for future job interviews, opportunities to meet tech professionals, and help with mapping local job opportunities.   Through Femme Forward, women in Romania are not just learning about technology; they are becoming part of an European movement that promotes diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. It’s a vivid example of how education, mentorship, and community can come together to open new opportunities and build confidence for women in tech.   Participants and trainers meet every day to work and learn together, focusing on tech skills and how to work well with others. This creates a supportive and growing environment. Their stories reflect how this approach fosters a sense of belonging and supports their progress:   „Honestly, I didn’t anticipate such an open community. Initially, as I was signing up for the course, I braced myself for a purely theoretical experience, akin to other courses or tutorials I’ve encountered. But… no. It transcends a mere course. These wonderful mentors not only ensure our well-being but also devise various ways to assist us on our journey. Despite its challenges, they make us feel valued, encouraging us to share our thoughts and feelings at every turn, ensuring our comfort and comprehension. In essence, they’re guiding us towards a promising future, at a pace that aligns with our expectations. I’m profoundly grateful to be part of this experience.“ (Rafaela B., participant in the Femme Forward program)   “I started this journey without knowing much, but slowly, slowly I entered the world of cloud computing. All the notions were new for me, but I entered into a beautiful, united community eager for knowing more, which pushed me to learn more, to invest time in learning and practicing what I learned, to practice my English, from whom I always receive extra help and extra resources to understand better. I am now familiar with the AWS console and look forward to our daily meeting and the new challenges that come.” (Catalina P., participant in the Femme Forward program).   „I am very pleased to be part of this program. The enthusiasm and determination of the participants truly inspire me, and the community that has formed is a very pleasant surprise. Congratulations to the girls, and I can’t wait to see where each one is heading.“ (Roxana M., trainer in the Femme Forward program).   The Femme Forward program in Romania is just getting started. Its first edition is already making significant strides, and Simplon Romania is excited about the opportunity to extend this empowering initiative to more women in future editions.   „“The response and progress we’ve seen so far have been beyond inspiring. We’re excited about the potential of Femme Forward not just as a program but as a growing community for women in tech“ says Ioana Rusu, the Executive Director of Simplon Romania.   In conclusion, starting the Femme Forward program in Romania is more than just the beginning of a learning project. As the women participants learn new skills and tackle challenges, they’re not just planning their own futures. They’re also proving that anyone can be part of creating new things and making progress.  

      🚀Exciting News: Female Future Startup Founders Program Launched in Cyprus! 🚀   To our participants: seize this opportunity, embrace the journey, and dare to dream big.   Let’s turn dreams into reality!   Together, let’s pave the way for a future of innovation and empowerment where women thrive as leaders and founders in the tech world!   To our participants: seize this opportunity, embrace the journey, and dare to dream big.   Let’s turn dreams into reality!     Together, let’s pave the way for a future of innovation and empowerment where women thrive as leaders and founders in the tech world!   To our participants: seize this opportunity, embrace the journey, and dare to dream big.   Let’s turn dreams into reality!     Led by a team of over 20 experienced trainers, we’re covering essential business concepts, tech innovations, and leadership skills.   And there’s more! Further to the online networking events every Wednesday, we’re hosting two exciting in-person events on May 14th in Limassol and the closing event on June 5th at the Bank of Cyprus Headquarters in Nicosia. Here, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors and incubators, forging invaluable connections along the way.   Together, let’s pave the way for a future of innovation and empowerment where women thrive as leaders and founders in the tech world!   To our participants: seize this opportunity, embrace the journey, and dare to dream big.   Let’s turn dreams into reality!   Cyprus Computer Society is thrilled to share that the Future Startup Founders Program took off on April 3rd, 2024. Over 90 ambitious women entrepreneurs hailing from Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Malta, Poland, Ukraine, and the UK have embarked on this empowering journey.   With the backing of the Commissioner of Gender Equality Cyprus and supported by the Bank of Cyprus and SupportCY network, this program is tailored to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to kickstart their ventures.   Led by a team of over 20 experienced trainers, we’re covering essential business concepts, tech innovations, and leadership skills.   And there’s more! Further to the online networking events every Wednesday, we’re hosting two exciting in-person events on May 14th in Limassol and the closing event on June 5th at the Bank of Cyprus Headquarters in Nicosia. Here, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors and incubators, forging invaluable connections along the way.   Together, let’s pave the way for a future of innovation and empowerment where women thrive as leaders and founders in the tech world!   To our participants: seize this opportunity, embrace the journey, and dare to dream big.   Let’s turn dreams into reality!  

      Factoría F5 launches Femme Forward program in Spain   Femme Forward was kicked off in Spain as the beginning of a transformative journey for women to become specialists in AWS cloud computing, and empowered to find their path within the tech sector. Factoría F5’s program started on March 4th for 31 women passionate about pursuing a tech career.. Diverse and committed cohort   The Femme Forward cohort of Factoría F5 boasts over 15 nationalities, representing a rich diversity of backgrounds and cultures from across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Most of the women already counted on some knowledge about technology or programming. However, for most of them, finding a job after the program would open the door to their first working experience in Spain’s tech industry.   Despite challenges, such as balancing family responsibilities and overcoming language barriers, the cohort has demonstrated remarkable engagement and a collective spirit of support and unity. Their collaborative spirit shines, with members readily offering support in both technical and linguistic aspects, underscoring a shared determination to succeed together. Dynamic training approach   The program employs a blend of online classes, laboratory exercises, quizzes, masterclasses, and group learning dynamics. This holistic approach not only imparts technical knowledge but also fosters soft skills, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. The training’s real-world applicability can be seen in activities like team presentations on cloud topics, which require thorough research, teamwork, and practical explanations. DTowards a more inclusive tech sector and future   As the program progresses, it is clear that Femme Forward is more than just a training initiative; it’s a community in which women can feel empowered, supported, and acquiring the skills to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse technological future in Spain. By providing women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to embark on tech careers, Femme Forward is opening doors to new opportunities and challenging the status quo. In summary, Femme Forward in Spain showcases the power of education and community building in transforming lives and paving the way for more women to enter in the tech industry

      Empowering Greek Women: Big Blue Data Academy kicks off the Femme Forward program in Greece   Last week, Femme Forward started its mission to transform Greek women into tech professionals, specifically in Cloud Computing. The program started on March 19 and will continue for 12 weeks. During this time, 35 women will learn skills to work in the tech industry.   The Big Blue Data Academy’s goal is to give these women the tools and skills they need for a career change into technology, empowering them and boosting their confidence. We aim to help the participants find job opportunities in the tech field within our network.   This free educational and career change opportunity inspired women in Greece, not just to learn something new but to actually pursue it. These women are eager learn new skills and ready to take on challenges, aiming for roles in Cloud Computing. A future in the tech industry is attractive and realistic! Besides, they don’t just learn – they are growing big.   Moreover, they are not going through this journey alone. They are part of a team, supporting each other and working together to fight discrimination in the tech sector. The tech industry in Greece needs professionals, and Femme Forward is just the beginning. Thanks to our experienced and industry-experts instructors, participants get to practice real-world challenges, receive valuable feedback, and have mentors guiding them. This combination reflects our vision for the project, and we’re grateful to our team for their hard work in making the program a success.

      Great success for the Future Startup Founders training program @ TOP-IX Consortium!   Last week marked the successful conclusion of TOP-IX’s Femme Forward Startup Founders training program – a transformative 9-week journey filled with valuable exchanges and insights.   TOP-IX’s mission within Femme Forward has been to equip participants with the tools and skills necessary for a career in technology, establishing digital startups, or a role within the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.   Throughout the course, crucial topics related to women’s empowerment in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship were deeply explored. Specifically, the program addressed the world of startups, drawing valuable lessons from success stories. Modules covered key aspects such as lean start-ups, business model canvas, circular economy, design thinking, marketing, legal fundamentals, artificial intelligence, and more.   A distinctive feature of the program was that it provided participants with the opportunity to apply these learnings through self-proposed projects, receiving valuable feedback from industry experts and mentors. TOP-IX expresses special thanks to all the teachers who shared their passion and vision during this journey. Their expertise significantly improved the lessons, contributing to the overall success of the program..

      Femme Forward Tech Careers Path @ Codingschule   Data about the course: Delivery mode: online, 5 days a week over 12 weeks Number of Students: Our cohort initially consisted of 32 students, but we are currently working with a dedicated group of 28. Two individuals were unable to commence the course due to personal reasons. One student is currently facing the challenge of juggling the course while working full-time, and another has been mandated to attend a compulsory integration German language course by the German Job Center.   Their origin (country): Turkish, India, Ukraine,Germany, Russia, Malaysia, Croatia, Ireland, Republic of Moldova   Their average age: From 27 to 39 years of age. In one case the Lady is 52 years of age (she is one of our best students)   Their previous education (degree and field):Bachelor in Chemistry PhD Physics Chemical engineer, PhD specialty – economist / specialist degree Bachelor Computer Engineering Bachelor in sociology Computer Science Engineer Bachelor’s Double Degree in Advertising & Marketing Communications + International Studies Master in Ethnology Ausbildung PKA Bachelor Degree in Fine Art (Printmaking) Master in human resources management Master in Law Key Results So Far: In the Femme Forward Tech Career Path, our primary goal is to excel in the AWS re/Start program. This program is tailored for career changers and provides newcomers to the IT field with a gradual and comprehensive introduction to essential knowledge before venturing into specialized areas. We’ve made significant progress in the AWS re/Start program, successfully completing the following major segments: AWS Introduction Linux Basic Course Basic Networking The Basic Python Programming Course is nearing completion and will be finalized in just a few days. Course Feedback: The Femme Forward program has garnered immense interest within the broader developer community. We’ve been fortunate to welcome voluntary contributors who have shared their expertise on various extracurricular topics, including GIT and Scrum. Notable Updates: The Femme Forward Tech Careers program has brought together a remarkably diverse and highly motivated group of women. Many of them possess a solid educational background and valuable skills that they are contributing to the course. We have strong expectations that the majority of our 28 participants will successfully complete the course and achieve certification in the AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam by the end of the program.        

      The first Future Tech Careers course of the Femme Forward Project in Italy is underway!   With great satisfaction, we can finally say we’re halfway through the first Future Tech Careers course of the Femme Forward Project in Italy. It has been three months since we welcomed our 29 women coming from the most diverse countries of the world: Italy, Perù, Albania, Moldova, Morocco, Ucraina, Suda, Ecuador. With the collaboration of Recube, an IT consultancy company of AWS Cloud experts, ENGIM Rome is delivering a blended learning course, that is it is partly in person and partly online to allow our participants to successfully combine their domestic commitments and teaching activities. In the 420 hours of the course, participants are learning from the basic of IT notions (fundamentals of Linux networking, introduction to Python programming, database management) up to the advantages of Cloud Technologies and they will be ready to take the Cloud Practitioner certification exam by the end of March 2024. Looking forward to witnessing their brilliant career in the Cloud!

      Halfway through the Femme Forward Startup Founders Program We can hardly believe it – our Femme Forward Startup Founders Pilot Training in Germany is in full swing, and time is flying by! Originally, we had planned to publish an article at the beginning of this exciting journey, but the demand was so high that our course with nearly 50 participants filled up in no time. Now that we’ve reached the halfway point of the curriculum, let’s take a look at what has happened so far and the exciting experiences we’ve already gathered. But let’s start from the beginning of our programme: In September 2023, we, the team from tech and teach gGmbH, invited everyone to the physical kick-off event in Düsseldorf, and we were overwhelmed by the response – over 70 guests accepted our invitation! After warm words of welcome, including those from Theresa Winkels, the head of the Düsseldorf Economic Development Office, we dived deep into the „Women in Tech“ theme with keynotes, including Güncem Campagna (CEO tech and teach gGmbH) followed by a panel discussion. During the subsequent get-together, we had the opportunity to further explore these important topics, and the feedback was simply overwhelming. Our guests couldn’t have been more diverse and inspiring. On October 9th, the moment finally arrived, and the 8-week online curriculum of the Femme Forward Startup Program began. Over a dozen experts and lecturers from various fields are conducting online live workshops, Q&A sessions, and providing inspiring insights into their individual career paths. In total, the program encompasses over 60 hours of training content, where our participants are learning the fundamentals to either start their own tech startup or fill knowledge gaps in various areas. You can find more information about this here: https://www.techandteach.de/ In parallel, we encourage networking and support within our exclusive Femme Forward Slack community. The diversity of our participants‘ backgrounds is truly remarkable, encompassing various subjects, industries, age groups, and origins. We, at tech and teach, are excited about the individual and enthusiastic feedback we’ve received, which hints at the impact Femme Forward is having on the careers and founding stories of our participants. For those who couldn’t join us this time, we recommend signing up for our newsletter to ensure that you’re part of the next cohort of aspiring female startup founders. We look forward to shaping the future of the tech industry together and creating many more inspiring stories. For more information about Femme Forward in Germany, please follow this link: https://www.techandteach.de/ or send an email to Silke Roggermann: silke@techandteach.de (by Silke Roggermann – Programme Manager Femme Forward Startup Founders)    

  Future Tech Careers at Cyprus Computer Society     Nicosia 14 Dec 2023 The free training program offered to women in Cyprus through the Femme Forward project which is co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by Cyprus Computer Society is ending next week. 15 women, who are new to technology or who wanted to upskill have been supported since Oct 2nd by following the AWS re/Start curriculum to gain knowledge, learn skills and ultimately launch a career in tech. Week 11-15 December and 18-22 December are devoted to preparing the participants to take the exam and become AWS certified Cloud Practitioners.    

      Ready for the Italian Chapter of the Future Startup Founders – November 2023 Over 50 ambitious women have applied for the Italian Chapter of Femme Forward – Future Startup Founders, and in less than a week (November 8th is the kick-off), the chosen candidates will embark on a new journey to achieve their career goals in the tech sector! With Femme Forward’s Future Startup Founders, funded by Erasmus+, participants will have the opportunity to dive behind the scenes of one of the most thriving industries right now – the tech startup world. They will acquire new skills and invest in their personal growth. In just 9 weeks, each of them will have a clear understanding of the challenges, opportunities, tools, and best methods to launch their own tech startup, with the support of TOP-IX Consortium, the project’s delivery partner, and a stellar faculty composed of experts and entrepreneurs.