»I’ve learned that growth begins
with questions,
not answers«
The athlete’s perspective
Fifteen years on the volleyball court taught Eleni something that traditional IT education often misses: the power of the assist. »In volleyball, the most celebrated moment is the spike – the final, powerful strike that scores the point,« she explains. »But all good players know this: without the right chemistry in the team, that winning strike would never happen. And that chemistry comes from a diverse mix of skills among the players.«
Eleni’s time on the court taught her the importance of being part of a diverse team with a wide range of skills. It instilled resilience, leadership, and a collaborative spirit—qualities she now brings to her role managing European innovation projects.
»With my background in Economics and MBA in Informatics and Management, I could have taken a more traditional corporate path. But what drives me isn’t just following technology – it is ensuring technology serves everyone, especially those who haven’t traditionally had a seat at the table. Growing up, I didn’t have many opportunities to actively engage with technology because of where I lived — so in many ways, this journey is something I owe to my 15-year-old self.«
»In my experience, the future of tech belongs to those who can bridge worlds — blending diverse skills, perspectives, and problem-solving styles has helped me see the bigger picture and create something greater«
Impact through female-oriented organisations
Long before joining Netcompany, Eleni had already established herself as a driving force for inclusivity in Greece’s tech landscape. In 2015, she co-founded “Code it Like a Girl,” the first Greek initiative dedicated to teaching women and girls how to code – a social cooperative that would impact hundreds of females across Athens and Thessaloniki. »During my time with Code It Like a Girl, we delivered workshops to more than 300 women and girls. It wasn’t just about teaching coding skills – it was about challenging the narrative around who belongs in tech.«
»People often ask why I transitioned from social entrepreneurship to the corporate sector. But I don’t see it as a transition away from impact – rather, it’s about bringing that same commitment to inclusion into spaces with even greater reach and resources.«
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»It wasn’t just about teaching coding skills – it was about challenging the narrative around who belongs in tech«
Where shared vision meets
collective action
For Eleni, joining Netcompany meant something more profound: connecting with colleagues who shared the same enthusiasm and vision for making technology more accessible to everyone. »What struck me immediately wasn’t just the technical expertise,« she reflects. »It was the genuine warmth with which the team welcomed questions, and celebrated different perspectives.«
Ripple effects of representation
Eleni carries her experiences into her mentorship work across rural Greece. »Growing up in Thessaloniki showed me that talent is universal, but opportunity isn’t. That’s why initiatives that connect professionals with students across rural communities are so vital.« Among the company’s various ESG initiatives in Greece, she participates in the “Exploring the IT sector”, an initiative organised by Netcompany in collaboration with “The Tipping Point” NGO, a collaboration that allows her to amplify this impact beyond the company walls. »When young people from rural villages interact with an IT professional they can relate to, something powerful happens. Suddenly, possibilities that seemed distant become tangible. That’s not just good for individuals – it’s essential for the future of our industry.«
»This industry doesn’t belong to any single discipline or demographic,« Eleni says. »The future of tech will be shaped by people who can bridge worlds – bringing together different skillsets, perspectives, and approaches to problem-solving.«
Her approach to mentorship draws directly from what she values in her own team environment: curiosity, authenticity, and a commitment to continuous learning. »I don’t claim to have all the answers. I focus on asking the kind of questions that help young people figure out what matters most to them.«
Eleni remains actively involved with several organisations dedicated to gender equality in technology and the workplace. »Throughout my academic years, sports career, and roles across the corporate world, I’ve encountered the challenges that come with gender inequality,« she says »These experiences shaped my determination to dismantle those barriers for others.«
»Suddenly, possibilities that seemed distant become tangible. That's not just good for that individual – it's essential for the future of our industry«
A multidisciplinary future
As someone who describes herself as driven by »continuous learning in tech and innovation,« she fully embodies this multidisciplinary approach. »My background spans economics, business, technology, and social entrepreneurship. Each of these perspectives informs how I approach challenges and imagine solutions.«
For those considering a career in tech, especially those who may not see themselves represented in the industry today, Eleni offers this perspective: »A non-traditional IT background isn’t a limitation; it’s a superpower. The intersection between disciplines is where the most innovative problems and solutions emerge.«
