Get to Know the Jury for the Meet and Code Awards 2024

With entries for the Meet and Code Awards 2024 closed, our esteemed jury will soon decide which events will each win a €3,000 prize.

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29.11.2024

This year’s judging panel consists of six experts from various sectors, ranging from philanthropy and education to policymaking and entrepreneurship, with each bringing their own unique lens to the awards, ensuring objectivity in the selection process. We asked them some questions around what they are looking forward to this year and their insights into the digital landscape:

Michael Vollmann, Europe Lead Education at Amazon, believes that initiatives like the Meet and Code Awards play a vital role in fostering equity in computer science education. “By supporting these non-profit organizations (NPOs), Meet and Code helps create opportunities for all, particularly underserved youth, ensuring they have access to the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. Through collaboration, we can build a more inclusive future where everyone has the chance to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.”

Martina Pometlova, Global Programs Lead for Code.org, says, “The future begins with raising awareness of the importance of digital skills through initiatives like Meet and Code events. These programs demonstrate that computer science can be engaging, accessible, and fun, helping to break down barriers and foster enthusiasm among both students and educators.”

For Ioannis Gaviotis, Policy Officer at the European Commission, people spending large parts of the day in front of some kind of screen, does not necessarily or sufficiently improve their digital literacy, for young people in particular. “The European Union pushes policies for basic digital skills; moreover, we promote advanced digital skills, with formal education being the mainstream channel to reach groups with disparate learning needs. Still, alternative channels and methods reach groups under-performing in digital skills, such as females, residents of rural areas, or people with lower education levels. Initiatives, like Meet and Code or CodeWeek, are well placed to improve algorithmic thinking, nurture talent, and boost career prospects via networking and cooperation.”

Clemens Frede, Managing Director at Haus des Stiftens draws on his extensive experience in the non-profit sector to highlight the importance of foundational training in digital literacy for NPOs. “Successful digital education projects for non-profits focus on making technology accessible, personalized, and community-driven. They offer inclusive learning platforms that cater to different needs and skill levels. Effective initiatives address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and diversity and equality, while considering local contexts to make their impact meaningful. Foundational training in digital literacy is key, providing non-profits with practical skills such as online content creation, digital marketing, and cybersecurity for lasting benefits. Additionally, interest in AI is growing, as seen in Meet and Code events and workshops exploring its potential for NPOs, including initiatives by Haus des Stiftens.

Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer at JA Europe, brings extensive expertise in entrepreneurship and policy. She advocates for fostering a culture of entrepreneurship through digital education by introducing entrepreneurial and digital skills early in a child’s education. She emphasizes the importance of a clear progression model to develop these skills as students advance and supports linking classroom learning to real-world business scenarios through partnerships with local businesses, mentors, and hands-on projects.

Anna Sienicka, Senior Vice President at TechSoup, shares that a rich history of working in social entrepreneurship, advancing social inclusion, leveraging civic technology, and shaping legal frameworks to foster a civil society-friendly environment. She supports the idea that technology can be a powerful tool for good. “We can achieve digital literacy, youth can aspire to fulfil careers, and we can create a stable socio-economic climate of equal opportunity. By working with NGOs across Europe, all youth, from all walks of life will feel equally important and know that no matter where they come from, whether it be a small village or large metro, they can have a bright future in the technological sector.”

The jury will evaluate submissions based on their relevance to their chosen category: Girls do IT!, Code for the Planet and Diversity demonstrate how digital skills and coding education met the category’s objectives and improved participants' tech knowledge and confidence.

The Meet and Code Awards aim to spotlight events that not only teach digital skills but also inspire communities, promote inclusivity, and leave a lasting, positive impact.

Finalists who meet the mark will be invited to the Meet and Code Awards ceremony on 11 February 2025 in Berlin.

To learn more, follow the link: https://www.meet-and-code.org/gb/en/award For updates, follow our social pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter.