Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures: A Glimpse into the Reykjavik Global Forum 2023
In the heart of Iceland, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, a different kind of illumination took place on November 13-14, 2023.
The Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders, launched in 2018, is more than just an annual conference. Convened under the theme of “Power Together,” it’s a dynamic community and platform for women leaders from diverse sectors.
Co-hosted with the Government of Iceland and the Parliament of Iceland, in partnership with Women Political Leaders (WPL), the forum marked its sixth edition as a melting pot of political, business, and social thought leaders. They gathered with a shared vision: to advance gender equality and amplify the voices of women in leadership roles.
From the insightful talks to the powerful narratives of global influencers, every conversation was a step towards tangible solutions for gender parity. Mia’s co-founder Janna Salokangas, had the pleasure of discussing the future of work, AI’s evolving landscape, and the critical need for investment in women-led businesses.
Read on for a quick recap and join us on this journey of empowerment and innovation!
A Convergence of Visionaries: The Heartbeat of the Reykjavík Global Forum
The Reykjavík Global Forum aims to advance gender equality and increase female leadership across fields like politics, business, academia, and the arts.
The sixth edition of the forum, held on November 13-14, 2023, was co-hosted with the Icelandic Government and Parliament, in collaboration with Women Political Leaders (WPL).
Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s stunning landscapes, the forum was a celebration of female leadership and highlighted the power of collective action.
Each session was a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders today. Topics spanned the spectrum from equal representation, equal pay, the future of work, and AI’s role in it to the pressing need for increased investment in women-founded businesses.
Featured Conversationists
The forum featured a diverse group of influential leaders, including:
- Adela Raz: Director of Afghanistan Policy Lab at Princeton School of Public & International Affairs
- Tarja Halonen: Former President of Finland
- Ashley Judd: Actress, Social Justice Humanitarian, and Co-chair of RGF 2023
- Katrín Jakobsdóttir: Prime Minister of Iceland and Co-chair of RGF 2023
- Janna Salokangas: Co-Founder, Mia, Mission Impact Academy
- Donna Leinwand Leger: Founder and President, DC Media Strategies
- Dr. Anino Emuwa: Founder, 100 Women at Davos
- Christy Tanner: Former Executive VP, CBS News Digital
What set the Reykjavík Global Forum apart was its commitment to action. This was about more than discussing problems; it was about forging solutions. The forum’s unique format encouraged open, honest dialogue, fostering an environment where every voice was heard and valued.
Key Action Items Discussed
- Equal Pay
- Equal Parental Leave
- Equal Representation
- Ending Gender-Based Violence
The forum’s emphasis on action and its inclusive approach made it a landmark event, setting the stage for continued progress in the pursuit of gender equality.
Mia Reflects on the Reykjavík Global Forum
As Co-Founder of Mia, Janna Salokangas was elated to participate in the Reykjavík Global Forum which was a journey of empowerment and action.
Our discussions at the forum centered on the transformative power of AI in the future of work and the crucial role of women in this technological revolution. The stark reality that a mere fraction of VC funding reaches women-led AI companies only fueled our determination to drive change.
The forum’s focus on tangible solutions for gender parity and empowering women in leadership was particularly impactful. As part of the Action Advisor Board, Janna was honored to contribute to these crucial conversations, presenting actionable strategies to elevate women in various sectors.
Thank you Hanna Birna, Silvana Koch-Merin, and Christy Tanner for your partnership and leadership!
In conclusion, the Reykjavík Global Forum was a powerful reminder of our collective strength.
The conversations and insights shared have reinforced our belief in our ability to shape a more equitable world. As we continue to break barriers and champion gender equality, the forum’s spirit of collaboration and action will empower us to #PowerTogether.
Together, we have the power to create lasting change, and indeed, our time is now.
Mia Wins "Most Impactful Initiative" at Women in Tech North America Awards
There are moments that define our journey as a community, and this is undoubtedly one of them.
We are thrilled to announce a phenomenal accomplishment for Mia – Mission Impact Academy. Our unyielding efforts to bridge the gender gap in the world of AI have earned us the title of ‘Most Impactful Initiative’ at the WOMEN IN TECH®- Global Movement North America Awards in Washington, D.C.
This recognition from an esteemed institution is a powerful spotlight on our team’s relentless dedication and the vision we’re working towards.
Dedicated to addressing the gender disparity in the tech realm, the Women in Tech® Global Movement rolled out its second edition of the WIT Global Awards. Spearheaded by the visionary Ayumi Moore Aoki, the event’s core message is clear: Celebrate, honor, and uplift the groundbreaking women reshaping the tech industry’s landscape.
The WIT Americas Awards ceremony was held on September 27, 2023, in Washington DC, and was a clarion call for unity, innovation, and transformation.
Furthermore, the laureates of these awards have a further chance to shine on the global stage, with Janna Salokangas & Tarja Stephens now being finalists for the grand WOMEN IN TECH- Global Movement Awards set to dazzle Dubai on November 16, 2023.
Reflecting on Mia’s Impact in the Tech Realm
“Your tenacity, inventive approach, and pioneering leadership in tech serve as an inspiration. We applaud the monumental strides you’re taking to champion diversity and champion gender parity in STEM.”
–WOMEN IN TECH®- Global Movement on Mia
Thank you to WOMEN IN TECH®- Global Movement and Ayumi Moore Aoki for your incredibly important work empowering women in tech!
This accolade isn’t merely for us; it resonates with the heartbeat of every Changemaker who has partnered with us on our quest to sculpt AI’s future.
We want to thank each and every one of you who has been part of the Mia community, our amazing team, advisors, supporters, and champions. Your support, dedication, and commitment to our mission are a driving force behind our impact.
While this accolade serves as a significant milestone in our journey, we firmly believe that our work is far from done.
The road ahead is full of opportunities to further our mission, challenge the status quo, and continue our endeavor of making AI education universally accessible.
This award is not a finish line but a milestone, a gentle reminder that our time is now, and there’s a world out there waiting to be transformed by the power of AI.
Together, hand in hand with our vibrant community, we are moving forward with renewed vigor and determination.
Let’s learn the skills of the future together. We’re just getting started!
Mia is a pioneering Global AI school dedicated to empowering forward-thinking companies and non-technical women through education in AI and emerging technologies.
Our aim is to upskill 1 million women worldwide, driving inclusive innovation in the AI space.
Cannes Lions 2023: Mia's Dive into Creative Excellence
In a creative rendezvous like no other, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2023 brought together diverse minds from around the globe. And Team Mia was immensely honored to be amidst this incredible gathering!
Guided by our steadfast mission and an enduring passion for inclusive innovation, we immersed ourselves in this enriching journey, sparking meaningful dialogues that left us inspired and invigorated.
Join us as we pull back the curtain and share our experiences, from leading captivating discussions to connecting with inspiring individuals, each moment adding a unique dimension to our Cannes visit. The festival was more than an event we attended, but was an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a narrative of innovation and inclusivity.
Let’s delve into Mia’s fascinating adventure at Cannes Lions 2023!
⚫ Celebrating Creativity with a Purpose: Cannes Lions 2023
Synonymous with the global benchmark for creative brilliance, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2023 took center stage from June 19-23.
It was an awe-inspiring spectacle, where the diverse tapestry of human creativity unraveled itself in enlightening discussions, thought-provoking debates, and impactful partnerships. Yet, beyond the surface glitz and glamour, there lay a deeper intent: to champion the creativity that propels progress in every corner of the globe.
➼ Day 1: Amplifying Voices
Day 1 saw Team Mia’s Janna Salokangas, Natalie Black, and Katherine “Kat” Randel in full swing, taking the conversation to the heart of an issue close to us – the role of tech and underrepresented populations.
Mia co-hosted a robust event at Inkwell Beach, our CMO Natalie Black led an insightful discussion alongside Patricia Pomies (COO, Globant), Seth Schachner (Managing Director, Strat Americas LLC), Vijay A. Raju (Co-Founder, The Propel Labs), and Christy Tanner (Senior Advisor, Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders).
The dialogue that ensued was as varied as it was enlightening, shedding light on the skills gap and the importance of inclusive innovation in the tech sector.
➼ Day 2: Women at the Forefront of AI Revolution
As the sun rose on Day 2, the stage was set for yet another powerful dialogue.
This time, the spotlight was on ‘Women Revolutionizing Marketing With AI’. Co-hosted with Globant, the panel boasted some of the brightest minds in the industry, including Wanda Weigert (Global Chief Brand Officer, Globant), Natalie Lacey (Executive VP, Ipsos Media & Entertainment), Kristen Maynes (Partner – AI and Cybersecurity Consulting, PwC), Natalie Black (CMO, Mia), and Ana Maria Montero (Moderator). The discussions revolved around the pressing need for open and candid conversations at the intersection of AI, business, and society.
These two days showcased the power of engaging dialogue and the role of creativity in driving inclusivity and progress in our society. Here’s to many more such engaging days at Cannes Lions!
⚫Driving Innovation Together: Team Mia Reflects on Cannes Lions 2023
As a united front at Cannes Lions, we experienced a thrilling voyage of knowledge, collaboration, and discovery. Embodying our shared mantra of ‘Inclusive Innovation’, we enjoyed the festival as active participants in shaping the narrative of AI, business, and the future of impactful creativity.
It was heartening to witness the collective dedication to addressing the skills gap and the eager exploration of AI and emerging technologies’ transformative potential. The vibrant labyrinth of Cannes offered us an exhilarating journey, providing fertile ground for ideas to flourish and evolve.
We connected with trailblazers, challenged assumptions, and emerged with renewed commitment and enthusiasm to drive impactful change through our work at Mia.
The festival left us buzzing with ideas, inspiration, and a collective aspiration to create a future where every individual, irrespective of their background, can shine and thrive. As we move forward, let’s use these experiences to guide our journey toward inclusive innovation and positive change!