Female Founder Festival; local workshop series

Part of Empowerment Women through Entrepreneurship 2023-1-DE04-KA210-YOU-000165233Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme
Our aim is to promote gender equality, enhance the quality and innovation in youth work, and inspire entrepreneurial learning through non-formal education. Supported by FAU, EELISA, and DTA
In Germany, we kicked off this incredible initiative with the Female Founder Festival—a three-day event bursting with energy, inspiration, and connection! The festival featured activities, insightful talks, panel discussions, intimate table-top conversations, and so much more.
It was an opportunity to connect with inspiring female founders, hear their stories, and learn how to transform your own ideas into reality. Participants had the chance to network with like-minded individuals, gain wisdom from industry leaders, and take part in interactive workshops tailored to build confidence and entrepreneurial skills. Whether you’re just starting out or already on your entrepreneurial journey, this festival had something for everyone!
A Gathering of Visionaries
More than 35 young female founders and aspiring entrepreneurs came together to share their experiences, overcome challenges, and build a strong network of support. They openly talked about the highs and lows of starting a business, creating a space where vulnerability and resilience met.
We were honored to have Catherine Schreiber, a Resilience Advocate for founders, as one of our keynote speakers. Her heartfelt session was followed by an engaging team-building activity led by the incredible Heike Nowak-Schwerdtfeger, leaving us all feeling more connected than ever.

Wisdom from the Panel
The panel discussion was another highlight of the event! With Pauline Nöldemann (Start-up Founder, BesserEsser), Angelique Thummerer (Start-up Founder, TURNS), and Lorena Soto Casanova (Smart City System Parking Solutions GmbH) as panelists, and Lisa Drescher moderating, we explored everything from turning ideas into business plans to managing finances, embracing risks, and driving innovation.
The conversation was lively, insightful, and packed with practical advice—giving all of us a refreshing boost of inspiration to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Learning from Experts
We understand that starting a business can be daunting and, at times, isolating. That’s why we also hosted table discussions with brilliant women who shared their expertise:
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Diana Galeeva spoke about mental health and its role in entrepreneurial success.
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Dr. Natascha Eckert, with 30 years of leadership experience, shared valuable lessons on effective team management.
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Harriet Zieger discussed how to embrace and navigate diversity in business.
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Prof. Silvia Budday shared her journey as both a mother and a successful academic, showing how career and family can coexist.
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Melissa Kern offered insights into financial management and the evolving world of finance.
Personal Branding and Beyond
Every entrepreneur knows the importance of standing out, and Prof. Caroline Durst showed us how to master personal branding with confidence and authenticity.
We wrapped up with a focus group discussion—both online and onsite—where we delved into the Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship toolkit. This collaborative session was a treasure trove of ideas, inspiration, and most importantly, optimism.
A Positive Force for Change
The festival left us feeling hopeful and energized. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when women come together to support and uplift one another. By making ourselves available and accessible to each other, we pave the way for meaningful, positive change in our communities.
Let’s continue to empower, inspire, and create a world where every woman and girl can achieve her dreams through entrepreneurship.