EWA Masterclass: AgriLeaders-Transformation is Women unites EWA Mentees with Danone Farmers from Poland

The day began with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, full of energy, learning, and meaningful conversation. Anna Reps-Bednarczyk, Quality Manager at C&P Danone, and Alicja Krakowska, Project Manager of the EWA Programme at EIT Food, welcomed participants with encouraging words, creating an inspiring start to the event. The session began with an interactive quiz hosted by Maciej (Maciek) Sadowski and Aleksandra Bara, designed to help participants get to know each other while sharing practical knowledge about agrifood and farming. Following the quiz, Marta Iwanowska-Polkowska, psychologist, accredited coach, TEDx speaker, mentor, and author, delivered an inspiring lecture titled “#nażyćsię – How to boldly enjoy life and never forget about yourself again?” She emphasized that self-care is not a luxury, but a crucial foundation for both personal and professional growth.

The workshops, led by Ania Mościcka and Julia Asperska from KinetiQ Lab, guided participants through a series of engaging exercises designed to help them identify their personal strengths, build confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills. Through a thoughtful mix of coaching and interactive group activities, participants reflected on their experiences, shared ideas, and explored ways to overcome challenges in both their professional and personal lives. By the end of the session, each participant left with practical tools, valuable insights, and meaningful connections.

This EWA Masterclass proved once again that when women come together to share their experiences, real change happens. The energy, openness, and collaboration in the room made the event unforgettable.

The EWA 2025 Poland programme will culminate in a local Demo Day set for 20 November. During this event, mentees of EWA programme will pitch their innovative agrifood projects to a panel of experts, competing for top cash prizes of €10,000 and €5,000.

Danone is a leading producer of dairy and plant-based products in Poland, known for high quality, expertise, and innovation. Since 1991, the company’s main plant in Bieruń has supplied products to both the Polish market and over 20 countries. As part of the DANONE group, which also includes Żywiec Zdrój and Nutricia Polska, Danone promotes the One Planet. One Health. vision - encouraging healthy, sustainable eating and care for future generations.

Learn more about Danone on their webpage.

StartUp Hub Poland (SHP) is a non-profit organization based in Warsaw with 12 years of experience supporting high-tech startups in Central-Eastern Europe. SHP helps early-stage startups (pre-seed to early Series A) develop their technology, build teams, protect IP, and access funding, grants, and relevant programmes in Poland. The organization connects startups with investors, corporations, and a global network, providing equity-free support through various acceleration and incubation formats. SHP's mission is to build a regional innovation hub, create high-tech brands, and promote Poland as an innovative destination for global commerce.

Learn more about StartUp Hub Poland on their webpage.

Marta Iwanowska-Polkowska - life, career and leadership coach, facilitator and trainer. She accompanies individuals and organisations in the process of building self-confidence, courage, and authentic leadership. As a certified Playing BIG facilitator by Tara Mohr, she supports women in discovering their inner strength and expressing their true selves. Marta runs coaching processes, bold workshops, and development programmes for business and private clients, collaborating with companies such as Kompania Piwowarska, Lotos Group, PLL LOT, Bosch, and Pratt & Whitney. Her mission is to help people lead with awareness, resilience and authenticity.

Ania Mościcka - is a certified business coach, mentor, and co-founder of KinetiQ Lab, where she designs and leads innovative development programmes combining coaching, business, and the arts. After years of experience in business and team leadership, she now helps individuals and organisations expand perspectives, strengthen creativity, and navigate change. A graduate of the Advanced Leadership Program at the Center for Leadership and the ESG School at the Polish Chamber of Commerce, she also lectures and speaks at events such as InfoShare, TEDx, and I Love Marketing. As a mentor in the NEXT Programme and EWA by EIT Food, she supports women entrepreneurs in building authentic leadership and scaling their ventures with confidence and purpose.

Julia Asperska is an independent curator, arts manager, and coach with extensive international experience at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and sustainable development. She supports arts professionals in advancing their careers and guides individuals from diverse sectors in unlocking their creative potential and thinking beyond conventional boundaries. Her work bridges disciplines through cross-sectoral projects that integrate artistic thinking into innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.