LinkedIn has been buzzing with stories and celebrations from the Nordic Women in Tech Awards (NWITA) 2025, and I am truly grateful to have been part of this powerful evening.
A heartfelt thank-you to the organizers Plamena Cherneva and Jekaterina Buraja for bringing together a community that celebrates not only women in technology, but also the values of inclusion, allyship, and shared progress that make the Nordic region thrive.
What It Takes to Host a Gala That Inspires
Hosting an event like this requires more than a good script or smooth delivery. It takes genuine allyship — the willingness to recognize, elevate, and celebrate other people’s greatness.
For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of cheering for trailblazers and role models who lead by example. This gala was another reminder of how vital these communities are for shaping the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
Even though there were 12 award winners (see full list below), the night was a celebration of everyone — finalists, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who believe in the impact that strong role models create.
As a former nominee, judge, and winner myself, I felt deeply supported. That sense of belonging fuels my drive to continue passing forward this spirit of empowerment within the wider Nordic community.
A Night of Connection and Inspiration
It was a joy to co-host the evening with Cristian Martinez-Vuorivirta (he/him). Together, we aimed to create an atmosphere filled with hospitality, enthusiasm, and a true “can-do” spirit that reflects the energy of our tech community.
Among the many moments that touched me, one stands out vividly: meeting Olivia Gander, the Teen of the Year winner from Sweden, along with her mother and daughter. Olivia is pursuing a career in medicine while serving as a student leader on the boards of the Swedish Surgical Society for Medical Students (SKFL) and the Student Society for Surgery and Anesthesia (KirA).
Watching her mother beam with pride reminded me of the importance of generational support — and as a mother myself, I was moved by their bond and the inspiration it offers to all of us raising the next wave of female leaders.
Vision, Courage, and Collective Progress
The evening also featured a standing-ovation speech by Dr. Anne Stenros, whose message encouraged us to stay visionary and believe in the letters we would write to our future selves in 2050.
Her words captured the essence of the night: progress is both individual and structural. Gender equality doesn’t happen by accident — it is nurtured through awareness, action, and collective will.
And to all men who joined us in the room — thank you. True progress happens when we all move forward together: mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and allies beyond the binary.
Congratulations to All Winners and Finalists
Each winner, finalist, and supporter embodies the spirit of the Nordic Women in Tech Awards. Your courage, creativity, and persistence continue to redefine what the future of tech looks like.
Let’s keep reimagining, celebrating, and building a more inclusive world — together.
