Webinar recap: Millennial women in STEM and engineering – experiences from practice
On February 11, 2026, on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research successfully organized the webinar “Millennial women in STEM and engineering – practical insights”, dedicated to highlighting the role and contribution of millennial women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The webinar was designed for millennial women who are working in or planning a career in industry and technical fields, with the aim of providing practical insights, inspiration, and guidance for professional development.
The main goal of the event was to emphasize the importance of STEM education and engineering professions as a foundation for building influential and responsible positions in industry, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities women face in these fields.
Key topics of the webinar included:
- The connection between technical education, career development, and leadership roles in industry
- Experiences in balancing teaching, research, fieldwork, and leadership responsibilities
- Strategies for overcoming subtle challenges in male-dominated technical environments
- Real-life examples of how STEM contributes to industrial innovation and sustainable development
Speakers at the event:
- Radmila Koleva, PhD in Mechanical engineering and teaching and research assistant at the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Automation at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje
- Joana Magdeska, Engineering technologist and MSc in Marketing, licensed engineer in the field of water technologies, standardization, and water treatment.
Participants described the webinar as motivating and informative, highlighting that it provided valuable guidance for career development, confidence building, and navigating professional challenges in technical fields.
The Foundation for Management and Industrial Research remains committed to supporting women in industry and STEM through educational and professional development activities within the framework of the EMPOWERING project.
The EMPOWERING project (EMPOWERING – EmpoweRING M-women in industry) is dedicated to millennial women (born between 1980 and 1995) working in the manufacturing industry, with the mission of supporting their professional education, skill enhancement, and career development opportunities. Our aim is not only to strengthen your position in the industry but also to promote European collaboration and networking, which are key to achieving success in today’s world.
A standout feature of the EMPOWERING project is its commitment to inclusivity and wide reach. All project results and resources are available in seven languages (English, French, Macedonian, Italian, Polish, Norwegian, Ukrainian) to ensure that a diverse range of participants can access and benefit from the project’s offerings. This multilingual approach significantly broadens the project’s impact, catering to the needs of women from various linguistic backgrounds and fostering a more inclusive environment.
EMPOWERING project is an innovative initiative, driven by a consortium of five experienced European organizations, each bringing their unique expertise in adult education, women’s empowerment, and new technologies. This collaborative effort includes:
- IPRA/MEDEF from France.
- Fundacja Digital Creators from Poland.
- Confindustria Toscana Servizi from Italy.
- European Centre For Women And Technology from Norway.
- Foundation for Management and Industrial Research from Macedonia.
