The IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group of the Student Branch of the Democritus University of Thrace in Xanthi celebrates International Women’s Day by organizing a lecture entitled “Enhancing gender balance in STEM fields in Greece”. The speakers are Mrs. Rafaela Mavridaki from “Women on Top” and Mrs. Danae Bezantakou representing “iforU” and “YES Forum”. The event will take place on Saturday, 12/03 at 17:00.

Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/ydf-ceur-pib

 

Speech 1

Title: “Women in Work”

Abstract: The topic of the presentation is gender inequality in the workplace. There will be a presentation about “Women on Top” and the actions of the organization. Then, we will talk about how the new generation has changed work conditions and helped in progress and equality. We will also discuss if Greek society is ready to accept that progress and how much work is still needed compared to developed countries. Maybe we can comment on the conditions that delayed us. Rafaela is also willing to answer any questions that will come up about the current work environment.

Short Bio: Rafaela Mavridaki is a proud member of the Women On Top an NGO that contributes to the professional empowerment of women and equality in the public sphere. Grew up in Chania and studied Economics at the University of Crete. Now she is a graduate of  MSc in HR management. Currently, she is working as an IT  recruiter in a software company. Alongside she participates in training regarding women’s leadership and equal recruitment. During her free time, she trains and helps a group of 17.000 professionals on topics related to job postings, job discrimination, recruitment,  attraction, and selection. As a hobby, she loves traveling, hiking, yoga, and personal development days.

 

Speech 2:

Title: “Εmpowered women, Εmpowering women”

Abstract: The presentation is about «iforU» and «YES Forum» and the actions of the organization. Danae Bezantakou will talk about the position of women in the business area and the progress that has been achieved in recent years in Greece. Also, she would make a comparison with the conditions that prevail in Europe. The audience will have the opportunity to ask about the risks and difficulties that exist in the business area.

Short Bio: Danae Bezantakou, CEO – Navigator Shipping Consultants & Secretary-General of International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus) & Concept Founder YES FORUM. Danae Bezantakou holds the positions of CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants and shareholder of KEFI S.A.  & MATILDA HOTEL  in Zakynthos Island. One of her biggest accomplishments is the organization of NAVIGATOR – THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM  https://navigatorltd.gr/forums/ which is the oldest Greek Shipping Forum, enhancing the open dialogue among the stakeholders of the Greek and International Maritime Clusters annually since 2001. She is the Concept Founder of Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM – the platform of open dialogue among principals, executives and university students, recent graduates, and young executives in the Shipping and Sea Tourism Sectors. She also serves as Secretary-General of International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus) and President of iforU-Greek Mentoring Network, which empowers small and medium women entrepreneurs through mentoring & networking.  Danae was appointed as European Young Leader in 2013 and as Young Global Leader at World Economic Forum in 2015. Danae represented Greece twice in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of State Dpt.   in 2011 and in 2017. She is a founding member and President of the Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association of State Department Programs. Her dedication to the growth of Entrepreneurship made her be named as a Role Model in the campaign  #Makingithappen organized by the U.S. Embassy in Greece. Recently she was chosen among 225,000 alumni of State Dept. as one of the 80 #FacesofExchange initiatives highlighting 80 years of the IVLP and the impact of her work on the global community. She regularly participates as a speaker, judge, or mentor in startup competitions, Shipping fora, school and university lectures, and events related to entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey. She has a 13-year-old daughter.