The Women in Tech: Learn and Connect event, hosted by Femme Palette at Make Headquarters in Prague, brought together a community of women eager to explore new career strategies, tech insights, and inspiring stories. With the support of partners Pure Storage, Mews, Barclays, Huawei, media partner Vogue, and community partner Czechitas, the night was full of engaging discussions and practical advice for navigating the tech industry.
The event began with a welcome from Lucie Neumanova, CEO and Co-Founder of Femme Palette, who reflected on the organization's impact in supporting women to thrive in tech. Lucie highlighted the importance of mentorship and community-building to empower women and foster innovation. Afterward, Anna Kozuch took the stage to greet attendees on behalf of Make, emphasizing the significance of creating spaces for women to grow in their tech careers.
The warm welcomes laid the foundation for what was to be a night filled with not just learning, but connection, courage, and, above all, passion.
The first speaker, Laura Hlavacek from Pure Storage, embodied this theme perfectly as she took the stage to deliver her talk on navigating the tech scene as a woman. Laura’s reflections on her 20+ years in the industry were a blend of personal and professional insights, and her candidness struck a chord with the audience. As she spoke about balancing the highs of career achievements with the lows of gender bias and burnout, she distilled her approach into a simple yet powerful mantra: “Live with passion and courage.”
Her words echoed throughout the event, serving as a thread that connected the discussions that followed. Laura’s session didn’t just set the tone for her talk but for the entire evening, as the other speakers built on her message of resilience and dedication.
From Laura’s reflections, the conversation transitioned naturally into the next session, a panel on career growth strategies. Bogusia Frese (Pure Storage), Julie Sislerova (HolkyvMetaverse), and Pavlina Gilmore (Barclays) shared their own stories of navigating the tech ladder, further reinforcing the importance of passion, self-advocacy, and mentorship. The lively Q&A that followed made it clear that the audience was eager for actionable advice on how to break through barriers and advance their careers.
Practical Insights on Career Transitions and New Technologies
Following the discussions on career growth, the event shifted to data storytelling with Eliska Valterova, a Data Visualization Consultant. Eliska’s talk on the power of data storytelling emphasized how turning data into compelling narratives can drive career growth and business decisions. Her message went beyond numbers, showing attendees the value of communicating complex ideas effectively—a skill crucial for making an impact.
This focus on practical tools to drive career change flowed seamlessly into the next session on Generative AI, presented by Anna Bohonek. Shifting from data to AI, Anna brought the conversation into the realm of cutting-edge technology, but with a grounded, practical approach. Her session, Generative AI: Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls, emphasized the importance of using AI tools thoughtfully, avoiding the common pitfall of over-reliance. Like Eliska, Anna stressed that technology should serve to enhance our work, not complicate it—a message that landed well with attendees looking to integrate AI into their workflows.
The theme of advocacy took center stage with Tereza Vankova, founder of ReactGirls and Community Manager at Mews. Tereza’s journey from self-study in engineering to becoming a leading advocate for women in tech was an inspiring reflection of the passion and courage that had become the night’s central narrative. Her work in closing the gender gap in IT has had a profound impact, and her talk left the audience feeling empowered to take steps in their own workplaces to foster inclusivity and diversity.
As the night approached its final session, the energy remained high for the panel discussion on breaking barriers in tech. Alex Michalicova (Gen), Blanka Pilatova (IDC), and Mia Bajic (Ataccama) shared their personal stories of transitioning into tech from non-technical backgrounds. The panelists’ openness and enthusiasm created a buzzing atmosphere, with their stories of overcoming self-doubt and finding ways to leverage transferable skills resonating with the room. Their candidness made the session feel approachable, and their optimism left a strong impression on attendees, many of whom were navigating similar transitions.
The energy of the evening had built up to this point, and it was clear that everyone in the room left with a renewed sense of what was possible—both in their personal careers and for women in tech more broadly.
By the end of the event, one clear takeaway emerged: passion and courage are essential for success in tech. From navigating career transitions to advocating for inclusion, the speakers emphasized that resilience, community, and dedication drive growth and change.
In a lighthearted moment, one speaker even likened the passion required for a tech career to the dedication of Taylor Swift’s famous fanbase, the Swifties—a reminder that when passion is the driving force, incredible things can happen.
As attendees moved into the final networking session, the room hummed with new connections, inspired conversations, and a shared sense of purpose. Thanks to Femme Palette and their partners, the Women in Tech: Learn and Connect event became not just a gathering but a powerful catalyst for the future of women in tech.
