Place of residence: Athens, Greece

Position: R&D Engineering Lead @PublicNext | WTM Ambassador | Community Builder

Please describe a day in your life

Most of my days start remotely, with a good cappuccino and (if I am lucky) a light dessert for a little energy boost. I am grateful that my schedule it is not packed with endless meetings; instead, I get to spend my time researching and experimenting with new technologies, brainstorming solutions, and diving into both coding and code reviews. I find those creative, hands-on moments the most fulfilling.

Lunch is usually accompanied by a true crime podcast (I love a good mystery while I unwind). After work, I try to find a healthy balance between my different passions: working on side projects, organizing or supporting tech communities, designing and crafting bags, and, of course, spending time with my family. No two days are exactly the same, but I love the mix of deep focus, creativity, and connection that makes up my daily routine.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them

Right now, I am juggling quite a few things, both at work and in my free time.

During the day, I work as an R&D Engineering Lead, where I get to play with AI-driven solutions that help make our product content better, simplify everyday operations, and give the business valuable insights about the market. My role is really about helping the company stay ahead of the game, working smarter through automation and data-driven decisions, and making sure our tech culture is both collaborative and innovative.

On the personal side, I am working on something that grew out of a very real, very relatable problem: every time I wanted to watch something, I would spend over half an hour just scrolling and trying to find the right show or movie to match my mood. So, I decided to do something about it! I’m building a mood-based movie and TV show recommendation agent using Generative AI. The idea is to have an intelligent assistant that gets your vibe (thrilling, nostalgic, feel-good, whatever you’re in the mood for), filters options based on the streaming services you actually use, lets you choose between movies and TV shows, and even asks follow-up questions to really nail down what you want. And to make it more than just a list, it explains why each suggestion is a good fit for you, using real-world info to keep things personal and engaging.

Community is also a huge part of my life. I am one of the organisers of PyCon Greece, a local conference that brings together Python enthusiasts from all backgrounds to share ideas and learn from each other. I am active as a Women Techmakers Ambassador, advocating for diversity and inclusion in tech, mentoring women, and supporting all sorts of empowering events and resources. I also co-founded Boundless Minds with Eleni Antonopoulou, a community for working people and underrepresented groups, a safe, welcoming space for honest conversations, support, and growth. And with Mataroa, I get to pitch in on educational and tech projects with a positive social impact.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person or company in technology today, and if you could choose one app, product, or project to have been involved in, which would it be and why?

Honestly, I think the most influential people in technology today are the ones who keep the artificial intelligence field open and accessible. It is not just about the big companies but also the researchers, open-source contributors, and community members who make sure that AI knowledge and tools are available to everyone, not just a select few. This openness is what really drives innovation and progress for the entire field.

If I could choose any project to be involved in, I think it would be amazing to work on cleaning up space. There is so much debris and “space junk” orbiting Earth now, and it’s only going to become a bigger problem as we rely more on satellites and dream bigger about space exploration. I would love to be part of a team using technology to help clear out all that garbage, making space safer for everyone and protecting the tools we depend on back here on Earth. It feels like a cause that’s important not just for us today but for future generations, too. That is the kind of real-world impact that would be incredibly meaningful for me.

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

In the next ten years, I see technology moving toward solutions that truly improve people’s lives in tangible ways. I imagine smarter, more connected cities where transportation is seamless; think public transit that’s intuitive and reliable or personalised travel experiences that save time and reduce stress for everyone. I believe we will see major leaps in space exploration, with technology not only expanding our knowledge of the universe but also helping us monitor and protect our own planet, maybe even leading to new breakthroughs in climate science or disaster prevention.

At the same time, I think everyday life will be transformed by technologies that make things simpler, safer, and more accessible, whether that is through AI assistants that anticipate our needs, health innovations that improve well-being, or digital platforms that make it easier to find a home or access essential services. My hope is that technology will become even more of an equaliser, breaking down barriers and making a meaningful difference for as many people as possible.

I know some of these ideas are ambitious, but I believe many aspects are within reach in the next decade. We are already seeing progress in these fields. Of course, some breakthroughs might take longer to reach everyone, but with the current pace of innovation, I am optimistic we’ll see significant steps toward this kind of future, and I am excited to be part of it.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

Honestly, the biggest challenge has been battling imposter syndrome, especially as a woman in tech who has changed domains several times. There were moments when I felt I had nothing unique to contribute, especially in rooms where I was often the only woman. But over time, I learned to see my polymath background as a strength and to embrace the value of diverse experiences. I now use those lessons to support and mentor others facing the same challenges.

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to combine my technical experience with my passion for building communities and supporting others. Professionally, I want to lead projects that have a positive impact on society, especially those that use AI or technology in general to solve real-world problems, whether in sustainability, well-being, or accessibility. At the same time, I am focused on growing the communities I am involved with, like PyGreece, Boundless Minds and Women Techmakers, so that even more people feel welcomed and empowered in tech. And, on a personal level, I’d love to bring my side projects (like the mood-based movie recommender) to a wider audience, just to see how technology can bring a bit more ease and joy into everyday life.

If you could speak to your younger self, what advice would you give, and how does it relate to the dreams you had as a child about creating, inventing, or doing something special?

I would tell my younger self to experiment more, worry less about being perfect, and trust that every experience, especially the failures, will help me build something meaningful. Growing up on the small island of Skopelos, where opportunities were limited, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor or a pharmacist so I could help people be well and make a real difference in my community. Even though my path took a different direction, that same motivation to help others has guided me throughout my career in technology. The journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but I’ve learned that curiosity and resilience matter far more than having everything figured out from the start.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

If I had a time machine, I would use it to have dinner with Josephine Cochrane, the inventor of the dishwasher. I think it would be fascinating to meet someone who created something so practical and transformative, especially at a time when women inventors weren’t exactly celebrated. I would love to hear about her creative process, the obstacles she faced, and what gave her the determination to bring her idea to life. And, of course, I’d thank her for all the hours she’s saved people around the world, maybe over a meal where neither of us has to worry about doing the dishes afterwards!

Where would you like to travel next?

I love travelling! Japan is at the top of my list. I would love to explore its culture, places, technology, and craftsmanship. I am really fascinated by the way Japan blends tradition with innovation, old art, and cutting-edge technology. As someone who loves both tech and creative design, I think it would be incredibly inspiring to see how those worlds intersect there. Plus, as a bag designer in my free time, I would definitely be on the lookout for unique materials, techniques, and ideas that could influence my own work. Japan just seems like the perfect place to experience something new, learn, and come home with a fresh perspective.

What advice do you give to young girls who want to follow similar careers?

Be bold, be curious, and do not wait for permission to start. Network a lot, whether through communities, mentors, or friends, because you do not have to do it alone. Remember, tech is not just about coding; it’s about creativity, collaboration, and making an impact. Do not be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes; that is how you learn. And finally, believe in your unique journey. You bring something special just by being yourself!