Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change: Meet Our WIIT Europe Ambassadors Shaping the Future of Immersive Tech in Europe
At Women in Immersive Tech Europe (WIIT), our mission is to cultivate an inclusive network of talented women driving the advancement of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies across Europe. We are dedicated to breaking barriers, inspiring innovation, and fostering connections within the immersive tech industry.
In the realm of immersive technology, where innovation and creativity intersect, a group of exceptional women is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future, driving change and breaking barriers across Europe. These inspiring ambassadors from Women in Immersive Tech Europe (WIIT Europe) are empowering their respective communities, harnessing the transformative power of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.
In a world where technology continues to reshape our reality, it’s crucial to highlight the voices and achievements of exceptional women who are making significant contributions in the immersive tech industry.. In this exclusive feature, we shine a spotlight on these remarkable ladies who are spearheading the immersive tech revolution and leaving an unforgettable impact on the XR industry.
Join us on this captivating journey as we unveil the incredible stories of these trailblazing women, united by a common vision of inclusivity and innovation.
Iceland — Dr. Vanessa Julia Carpenter: Lighting the Way for Climate Change Education
Meet the trailblazing Chief Innovation Officer of Gagarín, Dr. Vanessa Julia Carpenter. With an illustrious background in experience design and a PhD in Designing for Meaningfulness, Vanessa is co-creating Astrid.is, an awe-inspiring VR suite dedicated to climate change education. Her audacious vision challenges the status quo and explores the untapped potential of immersive technology in facilitating personal and interpersonal self-development. Vanessa’s dynamic leadership extends beyond her role at Gagarín as she founded the Nordic network, “Women in Hardware,” amplifying the voices of women in the industry.
Iceland co-ambassador — Lemke Meijer: Unleashing the Power of Immersive Experiences
In the land of ice and fire, Lemke Meijer harnesses her expertise as an Interaction and Concept designer at Gagarín. With a passion for creating tangible and immersive experiences interactive experiences, Lemke employs design qualities such as immersion, and anticipation to evoke profound emotional responses. Her work within the Astrid VR climate change education suite exemplifies her commitment to disseminating complex information through enjoyable narratives. Whether designing multiplayer role-playing games or exploring the Arctic ocean, Lemke educates and empowers the youth, all while overcoming extreme Icelandic conditions showcasing her ability to push boundaries and create truly unforgettable XR experiences.
Czech Republic — Julie Šislerová: Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and XR Innovation
In the heart of the Czech Republic, Julie Šislerová, a business consultant and visionary, is revolutionizing the metaverse, NFTs, and Web3. With over a decade of experience in connecting marketing with emerging technologies, Julie is a catalyst for collaboration and networking among XR professionals. Co-founder of one of the country’s first VR arcades, she has a proven track record in producing remarkable AR and VR experiences. Through her passionate work at Holky v Metaverse (Women in the Metaverse), Julie actively mentors women in the marketing and technology sectors, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and fueling the growth of immersive tech in the Czech Republic.
Italy — Elena Bascone: Empowering XR Professionals Across Europe
Elena Bascone, an Italian public policy professional with a fervent passion for XR, is a true force to be reckoned with. As an executive officer at XR4Europe, she spearheads efforts to unite professionals working in the XR field, fostering collaboration and innovation. Elena’s extensive background at the European Commission and Council of Europe equips her with a unique perspective on the intersection of policy and technology. Her personal projects, “República” and “The Future Blog,” serve as platforms for inspiring dialogue and advocating for responsible XR adoption.
Ireland — Sorcha Mulligan: Empowering Innovators and Fostering Growth
Sorcha Mulligan, the WIIT Ambassador for Ireland, is a driving force behind FinTech, Blockchain, Metaverse, and Web3 innovation. She is an esteemed member of the Blockchain Ireland Skills & Innovation Sub-Committee. As the founder of The SMEChain StartUp Advisor, Sorcha supports and connects forward-thinking entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. Her ability to match like-minded individuals and facilitate collaborations propels innovation within the XR industry. With her winning formula of combining EQ with IQ, Sorcha exemplifies how strategic partnerships can unlock remarkable achievements.
UK — Alexandra Hussenot: Opening Doors to Virtual Travel and Discovery
As the Founder of Immersionn, Alexandra Hussenot is changing the way people explore virtual reality content. Her groundbreaking discovery engine allows users to embark on immersive journeys, discovering VR experiences they would otherwise never find. With a wealth of experience managing global businesses and a solid background in customer experience design, Alexandra’s expertise has reshaped the immersive browsing landscape. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric design sets her apart as a true visionary. Through her leadership, Alexandra drives continuous improvement and innovation, bringing immersive tech to the fingertips of curious virtual travelers.
Austria — Gabriella (Gabs) Chihan Stanley: Championing Immersive Entertainment
Meet Gabriella Chihan Stanley, the Co-founder and CCO of Vrisch, a true visionary driving applied immersive entertainment. Gabs’ award-winning work focuses on improving lives through immersive experiences, leaving an indelible impact on the XR industry. Through XRVienna, she fosters dialogue between XR creators and cross-industry professionals, promoting knowledge exchange and an egalitarian, safe space. Gabs’ dedication to meaningful and responsible XR usage has garnered accolades, including the XR Marketing Campaign of the Year at Laval Virtual 2023. Through initiatives like XRVienna, Euromersive, TEDxVienna and XR LATAM, she advocates for the responsible use of XR technologies. Gabs’ passion and dedication inspire others to explore the possibilities of XR, fostering meaningful connections across industries.
Denmark — Katrine Konyher: Unleashing Creativity in Immersive Experiences
Katrine Konyher, a Senior VR/AR Marketing Specialist at Khora Virtual Reality, brings a creative and visual mindset to the world of immersive tech. With expertise in developing XR projects and marketing strategies across diverse industries, Katrine empowers businesses to harness the potential of immersive technologies. Her workshops and talks inspire others to push the boundaries of innovation and empower businesses to embrace immersive tech’s potential, ultimately shaping the way we interact with XR experiences. Katrine’s background in the film and entertainment industry enables her to guide companies in leveraging these technologies for innovation with a unique perspective to her work, creating awe-inspiring XR experiences.
Norway — Ekaterina Prasolova-Forland: Pioneering Immersive Learning and Collaboration
Professor Ekaterina Prasolova-Forland, an esteemed educator at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is a trailblazer in educational virtual worlds and immersive technologies. With a strong focus on leveraging immersive tech for learning and training, Ekaterina has spearheaded numerous projects in fields such as medicine, sports, therapy, and career guidance. Her passion for empowering young job seekers has led her to develop innovative VR/AR solutions for the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. With numerous publications and projects, she has shaped the landscape of immersive learning and training. Ekaterina’s commitment to connecting campuses through VR labs and her leadership in VR/AR solutions for various industries showcase her dedication to driving innovation.
Switzerland — Laetitia Bochud: Forging Paths to Swiss XR Excellence
Laetitia Bochud, an XR ecosystem builder and facilitator, has emerged as a key figure in Switzerland’s immersive tech landscape. As the director of Virtual Switzerland, she drives tech transfer, fosters collaborations, and promotes the integration of XR across industries. Laetitia’s expertise in marketing and communication, coupled with her passion for immersive technologies, has positioned her as a trusted advisor to companies and startups. Her unwavering dedication to shaping Switzerland’s XR future led to her appointment as the president of XR4Europe.
WIIT’s ambassadors represent the essence of our mission: breaking barriers and inspiring women in immersive tech across Europe. Their contributions, expertise, and passion are driving the industry forward, creating a more inclusive and innovative future
These extraordinary ambassadors from Women in Immersive Tech Europe represent a diverse range of talents, experiences, and expertise within the immersive tech industry. They are not merely pioneers; they are champions of empowerment, innovation, and progress. Through their relentless dedication to their respective fields and communities, they inspire countless women to shatter glass ceilings and thrive in the XR industry. WIIT Europe celebrates their accomplishments, recognizing their transformative impact on Europe’s immersive tech landscape. Together, we are forging a future where diversity, inclusion, and creativity reign supreme.
WIIT provides a platform for connection, growth, and resource sharing, fostering a supportive community for women in immersive tech. Together, we are breaking barriers and shaping the future of immersive technologies.
Join us and let your voice be heard in the exciting world of immersive tech. Together, we can unlock new possibilities and drive Europe’s immersive tech landscape forward.
*Footnote: The Use of “Women” at WIIT Europe**
At Women in Immersive Tech Europe (WIIT Europe), we use the term “women” to encompass female-identifying individuals as well as non-binary individuals. We believe in creating an inclusive and diverse community that celebrates and empowers all individuals in the immersive tech industry. By using “women” in our communications, we aim to be inclusive of all gender identities while acknowledging the underrepresentation of women and non-binary individuals in the immersive tech field. Our commitment is to foster an environment that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for everyone to thrive.
