Simplon Romania kicks off the Femme Forward program in Romania

 

 

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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.