Empowering Women in Finance: Unlocking Potential and Building Networks
The finance sector is dominated by men, and although progress has been made, there is still a significant gender gap that needs addressing. Empowering women in finance is crucial to unlocking their potential and building robust networks that will foster innovation, inclusivity, and growth within the industry. This event focuses on supporting and inspiring women in finance, highlighting the introduction of the WomenInvestEU network as a gender-conscious initiative.
Speakers:
Mailys Ferrere, Investment Director - Large Venture, Bpifrance: Mailys Ferrere has extensive experience in investment management, particularly in large ventures. She is known for her strategic insights and her commitment to fostering diversity in finance. At Bpifrance, she has championed initiatives that support female entrepreneurs and investors, helping them navigate the complexities of the finance world.
Ulla Hudina, European Commission: Ulla Hudina Kmetič has been working for the European Commission since 2003. Since 2021 she has been in her current role as Deputy Head of Unit for Access to Finance in Directorate-General for Internal Market, Entrepreneurship and SMEs; working among others on repayable forms of SME finance, notably InvestEU programme and sustainable finance.
Céline Lévy, Investment Manager – European Investment Fund: Céline Lévy is a LP investing in Sustainability and CleanTech VCs. She brings a wealth of experience in managing investments at the EIF. Her work involves supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe, with a particular focus on those led by women. Céline is a strong advocate for gender diversity and works tirelessly to ensure that female entrepreneurs have access to the resources and networks they need to succeed.
Deepali Nangia, Speedinvest: Deepali Nangia is a partner at Speedinvest, a leading venture capital firm. She is passionate about investing in women-led startups and has a proven track record of supporting female founders. Deepali's work at Speedinvest involves not only providing financial backing but also mentoring and connecting women entrepreneurs with key stakeholders in the industry.
Moderator:
Agnieszka Wojdyr, DG Grow, European Commission: Agnieszka Wojdyr is a financing and gender equality expert currently working in the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). She focuses on improving access to finance for women-led businesses and reducing gender gaps in venture capital financing.
The event will conclude with a Q&A session where the audience can engage with the speakers, ask questions, and share their insights. The goal is to create a dynamic and interactive environment that not only informs but also inspires participants to take actionable steps towards empowering women in finance. The introduction of the WomenInvestEU network will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging collaboration and support among female professionals in the finance sector.