A recap on the inspiring evening spent recognizing and celebrating the women making waves in the world of AI.
The annual Women in AI Benelux Gala was proudly hosted on 7 February 2025 here in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and it was nothing short of extraordinary. A night dedicated to celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and setting new ambitions, it brought together some of the most inspiring women in AI from across the Benelux region and beyond.
Author: Bianca Dybala
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
The evening began with a powerful introduction from Oliviana Bailey, WAI Benelux Ambassador, who set the tone by reflecting on the organization’s remarkable achievements over the past year. Surpassing expectations, WAI expanded its reach, uplifted more women in tech, and championed AI inclusivity like never before. The team has officially expanded from 16 volunteer members to 66 in total, setting the bar for future trajectories to be achieved.
With heartfelt gratitude, Bailey acknowledged the unwavering support of volunteers, advisory members, and attendees who fuel WAI’s mission. Looking ahead, she outlined the ambitious goals for 2025, setting the stage for another year of impact and growth.
Dénelise l’Ecluse, the head of the advisory board, followed with an insightful address, sharing her personal career journey and the vision that led her to WAI. Through touching anecdotes and reflections, she highlighted the importance of overcoming fear and societal labels to truly innovate and shape an inclusive AI future. Her message resonated deeply, reinforcing the spirit of AI4All.
Keynote Speaker: Marloes Pomp on The Future of AI in Europe
Marloes Pomp, Vice President of the European AI Forum, captivated the audience with a deeply personal and thought-provoking keynote. Weaving together her experiences—from her university years and personal struggles to her rise in the AI industry—Marloes emphasized the need for a stronger European AI narrative. As a bridge between tech experts and government officials, she shed light on the importance of decentralization and the power of diverse ecosystems in shaping AI’s future.
Her four key lessons left a lasting impression:
- The Art of Curious People – True innovation comes from curiosity, and understanding people’s unique stories builds trust and connection.
- The Power of Women Helping Women – Collective support creates pathways for more women to thrive in AI, with a special acknowledgment to allies working toward a more inclusive tech landscape.
- Always Make a Better Story – Storytelling isn’t just about anecdotes; it’s about crafting narratives that resonate and inspire.
The European Narrative is Decentralized – Unlike the US and China, Europe’s strength lies in its diverse and collaborative AI ecosystem, empowering professionals rather than a select few corporations.
Celebrating Excellence
The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated WAI Awards, recognizing outstanding women driving AI forward. Sponsored by esteemed industry leaders, the awards honored those making a tangible difference in AI research, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and diversity.
- Responsible AI Leader Award – Winner: Ajuna Soerjadi, for her work on AI bias and its impact on marginalized communities.
- AI Entrepreneur Award – Winner: Sara Okhuisjen, for pioneering privacy-first, safe, and reliable AI solutions.
- AI Young Professional Award – Winner: Maryna Chepeleva, for her outstanding early-career contributions in Luxembourg.
- AI Sustainability Leader Award – Winner: Anitha, for her work integrating AI with sustainable practices.
- AI Researcher Award – Winner: Judith Dijk, for merging motherhood and scientific excellence in AI.
- AI Diversity Leader Award – Winner: Payal Arora, for championing fairness and inclusivity in AI.
Each awardee’s journey reflected resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making AI more ethical, accessible, and impactful.
Community, Mentorship, and Looking Ahead
Beyond the awards, WAI’s initiatives took center stage. Programs like Educate and Activate, AI Circles, and the Mentorship Program underscored the importance of continuous learning and support. These initiatives provide aspiring AI professionals with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, strengthening the foundation for a diverse and thriving AI community.
The evening concluded with a special recognition of Karen Harris, Head of Commercial, for her instrumental role in making the gala a reality. A lively raffle and auction wrapped up the night, leaving attendees excited about the promising future of WAI and the upcoming events lined up for 2025.
A Night to Remember
The Women in AI Benelux Gala 2025 was more than an event—it was the further sparking of an even bigger movement of women within the sphere of AI. A celebration of progress, a call to action, and a reminder that the future of AI is shaped by those who dare to dream and disrupt. With a powerful network of trailblazers leading the way, WAI continues to pave the path for a more inclusive and equitable AI landscape.
As we look forward to the year ahead, one thing is certain: the impact of Women in AI will only continue to grow, inspiring more women to step boldly into the world of AI and technology.