ITCS Frankfurt

When we open computer science books or follow tech conferences, we mainly encounter men. Men who have invented things, who explain technology or who act as experts. At the same time, we keep hearing: "We need female role models in the tech sector! Women need to be more daring, take centre stage, be louder!" But is that really what needs to happen?

In her talk, Lea Schönberger shows why the way we talk about tech and the history of technology is problematic. She talks about women who have made important contributions but are largely unknown and explains how she wants to create space for the stories of female computer scientists of yesterday and today with her podcast "Computer Science for the Modern Housewife".

AI brings many opportunities for innovation to many industries but banks in particular. However, it also comes with new risks which we need to tackle. Hence building models is crucial but also a well-functioning model validation is key to long-term success and trustworthy AI implementation. Meet two #WomeninTech to hear more about how we take up the challenge in #teamyellow at Commerzbank.

This presentation fundamentally questions the conventional wisdom of project management (agile and waterfall). Ines Kaps reveals why the most established best practices often become the biggest obstacle to the success of strategically important initiatives.
The core thesis: In a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty, the most successful project managers are not characterised by blind adherence to methodology, but by the courage to consciously and strategically break with convention.
Using an exciting case study, Ines Kaps shows how innovative managers can achieve sustainable success by selectively "breaking the rules". She identifies the critical moments in which the courage to break the rules in a controlled manner makes the difference between success and failure.

From language assistants that do not understand accents to application algorithms that discriminate - such system errors are no coincidence. They arise when homogeneous teams build products for a diverse world. This talk shows how cultural intelligence breaks through this "single story". Using concrete examples from IT projects, we will look at how diverse perspectives not only reduce bias, but also produce new, fairer solutions. The talk will conclude with empowering strategies for women in tech - from the power of specific networks such as SWANS for women with a migration history to the strategic use of one's own voice for all.

Diving deep beyond the Erratic with this keynote Teophanu is inviting you to contemplating on her recent insights as artist in research residence at SOCIOPLEASURE. "Insights on bowing out of growth, taking leave of making sense, of activism, of creating confidence, embracing the post-purpose era, the erratic, silence, hush, stillness, contemplation, deepening ..then I thought, well, pour something over it to cover the traces of your mind and of your thought. so I poured sour milk over these objects. this is the way I found out that sour milk could give me satisfaction.

emanating from post-modern philosophy, post-war art history, post-purpose cultural theory my language-based, vernacular, essayistic and confectionery art is what I refer to as fierce luxury. the conceptual framework of fierce luxury is sociopleasure, is the struggle to depict and contain the passing of time and the personal voice and place in space and time"

Two perspectives, one topic: CURIA uses its own career paths to show how decisions, challenges and opportunities are influenced and strengthened by networks. An honest insight into how role models, mutual support and strong connections can make all the difference - especially at the beginning of the professional journey.

What actually happens when women no longer leave, but stay - and change the rules of the game? net4tec shows the reality of women who have not only survived in STEM, engineering and IT, but have also conquered leadership positions. Anastasia Leutloff and Andrea Griesinger throw down the gauntlet here: no theory, no whitewashing - just real experiences, best practices and pragmatic strategies from women who have not only found their way to the top, but have paved it.

Moving to Germany taught me that leadership isn't just about skills - it's about identity.

As an expat, you're constantly navigating differences: in culture, in systems, in how people define success. At first, I thought I needed to adapt, to fit in, to prove myself.

But Germany taught me something else: true leadership isn't about blending in, it's about bringing clarity and vision strong enough to inspire across those differences.

I learnt that when you lead with vision:
✨ People don't just follow you - they align with you.
✨ You don't need to have all the answers - you need to hold the direction.
✨ Leadership is less about authority - and more about the courage to stand in who you are.

Germany as a home to my growth and development for 13 long eventful years, has taught me that leadership is built in the tension between science and soul.

Science gave me the tools: clarity, systems, the ability to measure and analyse.

Soul gave me the compass: vision, resilience, and the courage to act even when the evidence wasn't there yet.

And the magic happens when you don't choose between them.
You integrate both - and lead from the wholeness of who you are.

As a scientist and a human, I discovered that visionary leadership is what transforms uncertainty into opportunity. And it's not just for international life - it's for anyone navigating complexity, change, or environments where the rules aren't written for you.

Vision isn't a luxury. It's your compass! During this talk, I'll inspire you to see that for yourself too.