Participants of the fourth edition of the EIT Food WE Lead Food Poland workshops came together to discuss transformations in the food sector and the growing impact of women in shaping these changes. The event gathered female leaders who are driving scientific research, launching startups, running businesses, implementing educational projects, and shaping new policy strategies in the agri-food industry.
The workshops took place on May 28 in the welcoming spaces of the French Embassy in Warsaw. The goal is to build a nationwide community of female experts who support each other and work together towards a healthy, safe, and sustainable food sector.
It was a day full of inspiring meetings, keynote speeches, and insightful conversations about the key challenges facing the food system — not only in Poland but globally. This year’s edition brought together over 40 women leaders.
The event was officially opened by the French Ambassador to Poland, Etienne de Poncins, who welcomed participants and emphasized the alignment of the event with French policy promoting women’s empowerment.
– We strongly believe that women’s empowerment is a transformative force for more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agriculture. That is what we aim to support here – by bringing together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers from the agri-food sector.”
The WE Lead Food workshops are held in several European countries. In Poland, the event is organized by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.
– As an Institute, we are proud to once again host this outstanding initiative, designed to empower women on their path to success – to serve as a springboard for achieving their goals in science and business – said Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute. „I myself participated in the very first edition of these workshops and I’m convinced they will bring tremendous value to all the women gathered here.
A key part of the program was the Inspiration Session, featuring female leaders managing with a focus on responsibility and development: Tatiana Frémond (restaurateur and entrepreneur), Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Pala (CEO of startup Future4Food Technologies), and Renata Krysiak (CEO of startup VegeLIO). The panel inspired fellow participants by sharing their journeys, challenges, and paths to success.
The session was moderated by Iwona Kieda from the Institute in Olsztyn, WE Lead Food Project Coordinator in Poland, – We’ve looked at your work and see you as true leaders in your fields. You think forward, influence others, motivate them, and are focused on future generations. These are exactly the kinds of open and creative minds the modern food sector needs,” she noted.
Another key element was the Leadership Development Session, led by coaches Marzena Radzka-Wiśniewska and Lidia Willan. Participants learned how to set and achieve professional goals.
In an online appearance, Shima Barakat – founder and European coordinator of WE Lead Food emphasized – We know our food system is not as good as it could be. It can be healthier, more sustainable. And women are not the problem – women are creating the solutions. WE Lead Food backs female leaders to shake the system and build a more sustainable food model.”
The day concluded with a networking session and presentations of startups founded by women. Kamila Knap and Agnieszka Lepka, founders of Shroom, showcased their functional wellness beverages made from mushroom and plant extracts. Daria Latała, founder of Kombucha Baddi, also presented her health-focused drink brand.
What did the participants – leaders, organizers, and experts, have to say?
Agnieszka Jankowska, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
– The Ministry supports initiatives that network women, develop female farmers, and help them acquire knowledge and introduce innovation in their farms. That’s why such workshops are incredibly valuable – they offer knowledge, skill-building, and the chance to expand your network.
Bożena Bochenek, Agricultural Attaché, French Embassy
– The Embassy strongly supports empowering women in cultural, social, and economic life. What’s fantastic about WE Lead Food is how it brings together women across the agri-food spectrum – scientists, startup founders, restaurateurs, farmers. And it includes diplomacy too. We, as female diplomats, strive to connect and support.
Aleksandra Okońska-Jaruga, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute
– An incredibly inspiring event that shows there are no limits to what women can achieve – not only in science but also in the kinds of mutually beneficial relationships they can create with business.
Kamila Knap, startup Shroom
– Such initiatives are vital to developing the food startup ecosystem in Poland, which is still growing. There are still too few women in agri-food business. Let’s connect, let’s meet -who knows what great projects may come out of it!.
Agnieszka Tokarz, Nice to Fit You
– I came here for motivation and the support we women often lack. I want to surround myself with the strength of women. I loved the expert panel – I heard about struggles we all face as women. Together, we can support each other.
Marta Kaczmarek, EIT
– For the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, gender mainstreaming is crucial – not just in food. We strive to ensure women leaders have the skills and visibility to showcase their achievements and thrive in the job market. That’s why the initiatives run by the Institute in Olsztyn are so vital.
Event Partners
Embassy of France in Poland, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Agro Women Foundation.
The training is part of the #WELeadFood project, funded by EIT Food – the European Knowledge and Innovation Community in the field of food. Join the expert network and register now for the 8-week main program starting this autumn: SIGN UP
