Give to Gain: Celebrating the Women of DaCapo on International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women who give, innovate, and inspire. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, has a simple but powerful message: when we give, we all gain.
When individuals, organizations, and communities share knowledge, visibility, advocacy, mentoring, time, or resources, opportunities for women grow. And when women thrive, society benefits as a whole.
The DaCapo project puts this philosophy into action. Around 15 remarkable women scientists and experts are shaping the future of Industrial AI and advanced manufacturing. They drive innovation, mentor colleagues, and demonstrate what’s possible when expertise, collaboration, and passion come together.
Watch last year’s inspiring video featuring the women of DaCapo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23ZoIcZDxj4 (kindly include the video as embedded – inside the article not just showing the link)
Why Diversity Matters in Industrial AI & Manufacturing
Designing AI for factories, supply chains, and industrial operations has long-term consequences for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Who participates in these decisions makes a real difference.
Across the EU, progress is visible, yet gaps remain:
- 7.9 million women scientists and engineers in 2024 – more than double the number in 2008.
- Women make up 40.5% of all scientists and engineers.
- In manufacturing and engineering, only 22.4% are women, highlighting the ongoing need for balance.1
The message is clear: we are moving forward, but there is still work to do. Initiatives like DaCapo are helping lead the way.
Meet the Women of DaCapo: Giving Expertise, Gaining Impact
The women of DaCapo are engineers, researchers, experts, and leaders. By contributing their expertise, leadership, and time, they create stronger outcomes, smarter solutions, and a more inclusive industrial AI community.
Highlighted team members:
- Arianna Terenzi, Research Fellow in Interaction Design, UNIMORE
- Thea Kleinmagd, Circular Economy Manager, Fairphone
- Veronica Antonello, Innovation Project Manager, TXT Group
- Jennifer Nika, Scientific Collaborator, SUPSI
- Eleni Natsi, Communication & Dissemination Project Coordinator, CORE Innovation Group
- Zoe Levesanou, Back-end Engineer, CORE Innovation Group
- Vicky Panagiotopoulou, Research Engineer / Project Manager, Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS)
- Roula Mourmouri, Project Manager, CORE Innovation Group
- Christina Nektaria Vlasi, Senior Data Scientist, CORE Innovation Group
- Sara Carracelas Santos, Researcher, AIMEN
- Valeria Acevedo García, Researcher, AIMEN
- Filipa Lourenço, Project Manager, AIMEN
- Lucía Alonso Ferreira, Researcher, AIMEN
- Ilse Hellemans, Consultant Digital Innovation, TNO
- Rocio Pena Rois, Senior Researcher, AIMEN
Through their work, these women exemplify Give to Gain: they advance gender equality, inspire peers, and expand opportunities for women across Europe’s AI and manufacturing sectors.
Supporting EU Goals for Gender Balance in Research
Gender equality is a key priority in European research and innovation. The European Commission, through initiatives such as Horizon Europe, promotes Gender Equality Plans and encourages balanced representation in research teams, leadership, and decision-making.
DaCapo’s commitment to engaging and showcasing women scientists supports these goals, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive, and innovative European research ecosystem.
Give to Gain: What Will You Give?
This International Women’s Day, the question is simple: What will you give to advance gender equality?
Whether through mentoring, advocacy, training, visibility, or simply your time, every contribution matters. The women of DaCapo remind us that when we give, we all gain – stronger research, smarter AI, more inclusive innovation, and a more connected world.