June 10, 2020 - An independent jury consisting of members of the WomenPower Congress Advisory Board nominated three women for the Engineer Powerwoman career award, which is endowed with 5,000 euros and encourages companies to recognize the performance and special commitment of their female employees in STEM professions. The winner will be announced at the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days on 14 July, 2020. The nominees are as follows (listed in alphabetical order):
Sophie Borgne
is a senior vice president at Schneider Electric, where she heads the Digital Facilities division and develops high-tech solutions for factory automation. Her team works on current topics such as IIoT, augmented reality and cyber security. She is an ambassador in the Schneider Women in Tech network, which aims to break through gender stereotypes and to inspire young girls for a career in technology. Her motto is, "Do not set limits and do what you want to do".
Dr. Katharina Helten
holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering. As an expert in the field of mechatronic product development with a focus on electromobility, she sets the course for new product generations at Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH. Helten is the head of pre-development of all mechanical components with a focus on electric motors for electric vehicles. In this position, she leads a worldwide team of engineers and technical experts. She has volunteered as a mentor for women in STEM areas for more than 15 years.
Claudia Kessler
earned a degree in mechanical engineering as well as a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. Until 2018, she was CEO of an aerospace service provider, where she started campaigning for equal rights for women. She started the company Astronautin GmbH (female astronaut) and the foundation "Erste deutsche Astronautin GmbH" (first German female astronaut) to eliminate anxieties that women might have concerning STEM areas. Special workshops were developed for this. Astronautin GmbH offers commercial space missions, from astronaut selection, space events and individual astronaut training to parabolic flights.
Microsoft is the main sponsor of WomenPower at the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days .
HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days
HANNOVER MESSE is a trade show for industrial technology. With the lead theme Industrial Transformation, it spotlights all of the latest topics in industry, including Industrie 4.0, artificial intelligence, 5G, and smart logistics. HANNOVER MESSE is expanding its portfolio this year with a digital event, HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days , which premieres from 14 to 15 July.
