🌟 What an Inspirational Day at SHELEADS+! 🌟

Yesterday, I had the honor of participating in the incredible @SHELEADS+ event, organized by none other than the visionary @Katty Hsu, a true global changemaker on a mission to make entrepreneurship more inclusive. Katty, your dedication to bringing powerhouse women together on one platform is nothing short of remarkable. 👏✨

The energy was electrifying, with a building full of inspiring individuals and impactful conversations. I was in awe of the incredible women who graced this event, sharing their stories, insights, and wisdom. Here are just a few highlights that still resonate with me:

💡 Esther Smit, Oxious Talent Factory - B Corp & Rotterdam’s Businesswoman of the Year 2024! Esther captivated us with her heartfelt journey from a divorced mom to a successful entrepreneur. You’re an inspiration and a role model! 🙌

🎤 The panel discussion I was part of was led by the amazing Nicolette Lazarus, a skilled moderator who made everyone feel welcomed and valued. Thank you, Nicolette, for steering such meaningful conversations.

I had the privilege of sharing the stage with an incredible panel of thought leaders and changemakers during our conversation:

• Nicola Ebmeyer: Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Gain.pro, a rapidly scaling business with around 300 employees. Gain.pro has earned recognition as one of Europe’s top 50 fastest-growing companies, operating globally with offices in Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Warsaw, and Bangalore.
• Laura Rosendahl Huber: Assistant Professor at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, bringing deep insights into leadership and innovation.
• Leonardo Fuligni: Deputy Director at the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, whose expertise and data-driven insights were truly thought-provoking.

And of course, myself: Dana-Maria Faneker, Founder of CaptainVR & Immersive Experts, Immersive & Emerging Tech Consultant & Trainer, as well as a Leadership and Wellness Coach.

It was a dynamic and inspiring discussion, and I’m so grateful to have been part of such a remarkable group of professionals

🎯 After the panel, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop showcasing how immersive technology can empower individuals. Connecting with so many amazing women who participated—or approached me afterward to explore collaborations or seek advice—was incredibly rewarding.

I also had the chance to connect with phenomenal women like:

• Pauline Bieringa (Director, Triodos Bank Nederland)
• Farshida Zafar (Director, ECE Erasmus Center for Entrepreneurship)
• Nuthan Manohar, Yvonne Braakman-Oudshoorn, Annique de Greef, Ana Paula Perez, Kika Nederpel, Tatiana van de Griessen-Bodrova, Marina de Yrazuzta. Mahesvari Autar, Vidya Krishnamoorthy, Krithika Rao Baru, Nidhi Pathak, Nermin Öztürk, Hanna Antoniuk, and many more!

🚗 A special shoutout to Andreea Moga (AI Expert and founder, Netherlands Digital Worldwide Leadership) and Selma Lemsaadi (Founder, Heal Magazine) for a fantastic Tesla ride through Rotterdam and sharing your success stories during our journey.

🍷 The day ended with a beautiful dinner organized by SHELEADS+ in collaboration with the Erasmus Center for Entrepreneurship. The evening was a true celebration of connection and inspiration, featuring an all-vegetarian menu, excellent wine, and deeply enriching conversations that left a lasting impression.

The dinner provided the perfect setting to exchange ideas and share stories with remarkable individuals, including:

• Ellen Loots: Associate Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
• Adda van Zanden: Diversity & Inclusion Expert, Senior Leadership Consultant
• Prachee (Kulkarni) Van Brandenburg: Vice-Chairman of the Foundation India-Dutch Financial Corridor, D66 Leiderdorp Party Leader
• Nicolette Lazarus: Founder of Womanship, Chief Connection Officer (CCO), Public Speaker, and Moderator

The conversations, the connections, and the laughter made it unforgettable.

To all the incredible women who made this day unforgettable—including those I didn’t have the chance to name here—you are amazing, and I see you! 💜

And let’s not forget the brilliant men who joined, like Leonardo Fuligni, whose insights in our panel reminded us how far we still have to go to achieve true equality. 🌍

To everyone who made this day what it was: THANK YOU! 💜 Katty, it was an absolute honor to be part of this. Count me in for next year!

Together, let’s keep building, connecting, and empowering. 💪✨

#SHELEADS+ #WomenEntrepreneurs #Inclusion #Empowerment #Leadership