EWMD 40 Years Anniversary in Madrid: insights from Roll-Royce
Beyond borders: A global perspective on Women's Empowerment
On 26th October the annual European Women’s Management Development (EWMD) Conference took place in Spain. Six Rolls-Royce members of the Global Inclusion Network attended the conference in Madrid, an event that was both enlightening and deeply inspiring for them.
At the end of October, six colleagues from Dahlewitz, Oberursel and Bristol met in Madrid to attend the international EWMD conference. Attendance was made possible by our RR Germany WoMen's Network and the UK Gender Diversity Network (UK GDN). RRD is a corporate member of EWMD. The regional chapters of EWMD offer a wide range of activities and development opportunities which are well used by our local network members.
Bringing together leading women from around the world, the conference provided a rich landscape for exploring crucial topics on Women’s Empowerment, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Development, and the evolving needs of the next generation in the workplace as well as networking.
Robert Baker, Founder and CEO, of Potentia Talent Consulting, moderated the conference. He has been a passionate supporter of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion throughout his 40 plus year consulting career, is a Board member of European Women on Boards, responsible for D&I Strategy, and is a Trustee of UN Women, UK.
The event coincided with the 40th anniversary of the EWMD network and it was very special that the EWMD founding mothers – Valerie Hammond and Elisabeth Michel-Alder – were at the event. Happy birthday EWMD!
Insights, Inspiration and Innovation!
Here are some key insights and reflections from this transformative experience:
- Gen Z | One of the sessions that was particularly inspiring was a keynote from Michelle Müller (Head of Consulting at ZEAM) with a view on connectivity and gender equality for the younger generation. She shared fresh perspectives on how younger professionals are reshaping workplace expectations around equality and connectivity. It highlighted the unique ways in which this generation values inclusivity and innovation. We left with a deeper understanding of their values and aspirations, which is vital for all leaders striving to foster a culture that resonates with the emerging workforce.
- A I | Tulia Lopes, Communication Architect, held a keynote on “Conscious communication in the era of artificial intelligence” and that was an eye-opener. In today’s fast-paced world, where AI tools are increasingly embedded in our communication strategies, the importance of maintaining authenticity and transparency cannot be overstated. This talk underscored the need to use AI responsibly to enhance — but not replace — human connection, which is particularly relevant as organisations continue to navigate digital transformation. She described AI as a dragon: “If you don’t do anything, it’s going to eat you. If you run away, it will burn you.” She emphasised that we need to be the captain of our own destination.
- Networking, networking, networking! | Beyond the sessions and workshops, the conference was an invaluable networking opportunity. We connected with inspiring women from diverse fields from around the world, each bringing unique insights and experiences. Expanding our international network through these interactions has been a rewarding experience, opening doors to potential collaborations and continued learning.
We would like to thank all inspiring speakers and the organisation team for organising this amazing event, especially Paola Ligabue, Mayte Valverde Elices (Santander), Robert Baker, Tulia Lopes, Saskia Listle, Jara Pascual and the many others involved for making this an unforgettable experience for us!
Impressions from our participants
Sara Gaglione, Sales Manager – Defence in Bristol, UK GDN said: “This was my first experience with EWMD initiatives, and I was genuinely impressed by the incredible support from each person I met. The true strength of this event was in connecting women from diverse backgrounds, both personally and professionally, at different stages of life and career and from various parts of the world. This diversity had a profound impact, broadening perspectives and inspiring new ways of thinking. The insights we exchanged sparked ideas that I’m excited to bring into my own life and work, fostering creativity and fresh solutions.”
Mieke Dichter-van Hamburg, Internal Communications Manager Civil Aerospace, ET&S and RRD at the Dahlewitz site, said: “The EWMD Conference in Madrid served as a powerful reminder of the value of continuous learning and connecting across industries. Whether through embracing AI or fostering gender equality, the insights I gained will not only shape my approach to leadership and communication but will also help in supporting and understanding the aspirations of the next generation. I look forward to bringing these lessons into my work and to further cultivating a mindset of innovation, empathy, and inclusion.”
Theodora Tzortzoglou, Capability Manager – Life Cycle Analysis in Dahlewitz, attended the “Lifehacker” workshop with Nohelis Ruiz Arvelo (Consultant, Strategist, Trainer and Keynote Speaker) and said: The workshop was about professional development and Nohelis gave us keys and guidelines. We reflected on our supportive network and personal legacy, i.e. sharing our achievements and lessons learned to benefit others. There was interesting info about people's 'network preferences'. The enthusiasts have a global network they use constantly, the moderates have an internal network they use moderately, and some only use their network when they need it. Leaders are typically enthusiasts! We connected with other Spanish-speaking women as the workshop was in Spanish, and we shared our experiences. I look forward to finishing Noheli's exercises.”
Elke Weiss, Repair Engineer in Oberursel, said: "I have been a member of EWMD for years and have attended many conferences. The event in Madrid showed me once again that a strong network is crucial for personal and professional development. Over the last 10 years, I have experienced the power of the network. It connects people from different countries, life and career phases. The diversity is both enriching and inspiring. In Madrid, the role of artificial intelligence in our professions was debated. The discussion about the impact of this technology gave me new insights into professional developments in the coming years. The needs of the new generation in the workplace were also highlighted. As a network we must continue to work on these issues and support our members. The conference in Madrid was a real inspiration and encouraged me to stay active and explore new avenues."
Saskia Hischemöller, Service Engineer in Dahlewitz, said: "The event was truly inspiring. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was so easy to chat to everyone as if we were friends just by going through the room. There were great presentations, discussions and workshops. It was so interesting to see things from a different point of view, share experiences and to feel that wonderful spirit of growth. We can all learn so much from each other and it's so helpful to share experiences.”
Raquel Barrera Souto, Capability Manager – Modifications Flowline in Dahlewitz, said: "It is difficult for me to put into words the significance of this event. It was an incredible experience to meet such inspiring women from diverse backgrounds - company directors, entrepreneurs, a wide range of ages and nationalities, and even the founders of EWMD were there to celebrate the 40th anniversary. The power of bringing 140 women together face-to-face with the common purpose of sharing experiences, learning from each other, supporting common goals and building this amazing network. If I could share just one quote from all the panel discussions and presentations, it would be from Jara Pascual - CEO of Collabwith: "The future is shaped by the choices we make every day. Be active, honest and conscious.”
Thanks Rolls-Royce for being such engaged and committed Corporate Member, together we can make a difference!
