Dare to Thrive in Tech

We have teamed up with the Advisory Council for Foreigners of the City of Zurich again for a unique event about enabling migrants and refugees in tech to thrive. 🎉

Switzerland’s tech sector is facing a talent shortage—yet many skilled professionals with a migration background remain underrepresented. This event explores how international talent can turn their unique experiences into career strengths, while industry leaders learn how to better support and champion migrant professionals.

Join us to hear real stories, gain practical strategies, expand your network, and help shape a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.

This event is for you if...

• You have migrated to Switzerland to work in tech and want to connect with others that have had similar experiences.
• You want to learn about programs that support people with a migration background in tech.
• You would like to discuss and get inspired on how to solve the skills shortage in tech.
• You are looking for ways to better support and empower people from various backgrounds in tech.

This event is open to all genders and we encourage especially men and leaders in tech to attend and learn about the experiences of migrants in tech.

This event is organized by Hello 50:50 World in partnership with the Advisory Council for Foreigners of the City of Zurich (ABR).

Sponsored by Kantonales Integrationsprogramm (KIP), Integrationskredit Stadt Zurich, and Impact Hub Zurich. Thank you for the support!

Program

• 18:00 - Arrival / Doors open
• 18:30 - Welcome & introductions (Hello 50:50 World, ABR, Impact Hub)
• 18:40 - Ice breaker & programs introduction (Capacity, Powercoders)
• 19:00 - Panel discussion
• 19:30 - Q&A with panelists
• 19:40 - Inspirational session
• 20:00 - Networking apero with program islands
• 22:00 - End of the event

Mentoring program

The event is also the kick-off for our 3-month mentoring program Dare Two, designed to connect tech professionals with a migration background to experienced mentors who can help them navigate the Swiss job market and build a stronger network in the tech industry.

Learn more about it and register here.

Panelists

Marianne Temerowski

Unit Lead / Line Manager Data Services @ Data Analytics & AI at Swisscom

Marianne is a People Lead at Data Analytics & AI at Swisscom and leads 150 + colleagues at Data Services.She has worked for about 15 years in the information and communications technology industry for companies such as SAP, Deutsche Telekom, and Swisscom. She has lived in 7 countries and is half Chilean, half German.

Zora Lazarov

Founder / Executive Coach

In 2013, Zora migrated to Switzerland with no job, no German-skills and a name that raised more eyebrows than interest. After 20 years in HR, of which 9 at Apple, she now builds antifragile leaders and cultures - where high-performing talent thrives, difference scales, and nobody has to shrink to belong.

Oleksandra Honchar

Software Engineer at On, Powercoders Alumni (Bootcamp 2023)

After fleeing her home country due to war, Oleksandra had to rebuild her life from the ground up — in a new place, with a new career path, and entirely new connections. Despite the assumptions and labels society placed on her, she chose to grow, adapt, and thrive.

Marc Maurer

Founder XCulture

Marc first advocated for an inclusive company culture at Siemens Switzerland. He then supported better integration of international academics (including those from the tech sector) through a mentoring program at Mitt Liv. Today, he drives inclusive company culture in Swiss companies with XCulture, aiming to reach all employees. His focus lies on improving the inclusion of international professionals.

Stacy von Cranach

Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Expert in Cross-Cultural Tech Talent Integration | Former Program Manager at Powercoders Leading Impact Initiatives & Alumni Engagement

Stacy is a Diversity & Inclusion advocate with extensive experience supporting migrants and refugees in entering the tech industry. Drawing on her cross-cultural background and former leadership at Powercoders, she is passionate about breaking down barriers and fostering diversity in tech.

Hue Tran (Moderation)

Head of Product at Frontiers, Executive Board Member Hello 50:50 World

Hue moved to Switzerland from the U.S. 7 years ago to continue to build his career in technology.

Price

The event ticket is 15 CHF / person for a single ticket. Attend the event with a 2 for 1 ticket (7.50 CHF / person) when you bring a guest with a different perspective (e.g., different gender, background, country of origin, etc.).

If you are accepted to our mentoring program Dare Two as a mentee or mentor, you will receive a free ticket for the event. Learn more about it and register here.

Please be aware that we will take pictures during the event which can be published on our website and social media channels and can be reused for marketing purposes at a later stage.