Passion Project: Futures LeadHers Conference 2026
On April 4th, 2026, the Futures LeadHers Conference was held at the International Burch University. The event was organized as a Passion Project by four Junior Scholars: Hana Helać, Hava Dedić, Adna Čičko, and Selma Đozić, under the mentorship of Lamija Imamović, Senior Scholar.
The conference aimed to support and motivate young women to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. The target audience included high school students, alongside university students and Scholars from the Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation.
Opening Ceremony
The conference began with a welcoming opening ceremony, including participant registration and the distribution of small gifts prepared for attendees. This created a positive and engaging atmosphere from the very beginning.
The event was officially opened by keynote speaker Sara Avdagić, a Product Manager with experience in the IT sector. Through her talk, “My Journey Through the IT World,” she shared her career path, focusing on the challenges she encountered and how persistence and continuous learning helped her grow professionally.
Panel Discussion:
The panel discussion brought together four young professionals:
Hamida Dervić
Sumejja Goharian
Nejra Panjeta
Selma Fočo
They shared insights from both their academic journeys and careers, speaking openly about challenges, doubts, and key decisions along the way. Topics included choosing the right field, Erasmus experiences, and how to find internship opportunities. Their discussion highlighted the importance of dedication, curiosity, and staying motivated.
Interactive Workshop
An interactive workshop and discussion session was led by Sajra Mušanović, Senior Scholar, Software Engineering student at FIT Mostar, and mentor of this Passion Project.
Through a dynamic and engaging approach, she encouraged participants to reflect on the question:
“Are there no opportunities, or are you simply not seeing them?”
As a mentor, Sajra played an important role in guiding the organizers and supporting the development of the conference idea. During the session, participants were invited to think about their own paths, recognize opportunities around them, and take initiative in shaping their future.
Networking and Closing
The conference concluded with a networking session where participants had the opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and build new relationships. The atmosphere was open and supportive, allowing for meaningful conversations and shared ideas.
This final segment reflected the core purpose of the event — not only to educate, but also to create a space for connection and mutual encouragement among young women in STEM.
Looking Ahead
The Futures LeadHers Conference 2026 demonstrated the impact of youth-led initiatives supported through mentorship and community. By bringing together motivated individuals and sharing real experiences, the conference contributed to encouraging the next generation of women to explore and pursue careers in STEM.