The Economic Development Agency of the State Capital Potsdam invites female founders, businesswomen, and all interested residents of Potsdam to the event “Women on the Move – Dare. Do. Lead.” The event is part of the Brandenburg Women’s Weeks 2026, held under the motto “WTF – Wrath Meets Feminism”, and offers a stage for compelling stories of founding and career, inspiring keynotes, and interactive panel discussions.
The aim is to encourage women to realise their ideas despite existing challenges, to explore new paths in a professional context, to learn from one another, and to build valuable connections.
📅 Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📍 Venue: IHK Potsdam, Breite Straße 2a–c, 14467 Potsdam
🎟️ Admission: Free of charge
Programme:
3:00 pm | Arrival
Networking, conversations, and a marketplace of Potsdam’s support services
3:30 pm | Welcome
Opening address by Noosha Aubel, Lord Mayor of the State Capital Potsdam
3:45 pm | Panel Talk: “Business Meets Women – Strong Women. Strong Leadership.”
With Claudia Sprengel (Equality Officer, State Capital Potsdam), Ina Hänsel (President, IHK Potsdam), Dörthe Thie (Vice President, Chamber of Crafts Potsdam), and Kerstin Jöntgen (Board Member, Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg)
4:15 pm | Keynote: “ACT. POWER. COURAGE. – We Draw Our Motivation from Simply Beginning!”
Cesy Leonard, performance artist and founder of Radikale Töchter
4:30 pm | Break
Coffee break and conversations with Potsdam-based founders and partners
5:15 pm | Workshops, Talk & Female Stories (running in parallel)
- Panel Talk “Stories of Courage” – Founding and succession with Lisa Pittelkow (Carree Optik), Nicole Riekeles (Lebendige Naturgärten), Andrea Lange (Hin & Herz), and Annette Weiß (funkenweiss)
- Workshop “Less Conformity, More Impact: Positive Leadership for Women in Management” – Ulrike Spaak, Positive Leadership Academy
- Workshop “Women in Technical Professions – What Future Skills Does a Female Perspective Unlock?” – Dagmar Chrobok-Dohmann, Architect
- Workshop “Stop Hesitating – Start Founding. What Role Does Your Mindset Play, and Why?” – Martina Engel-Fürstberger, next step coaching
- Mini-Workshop: KITE – Training App for Female Founders – Dr Andrea Schirmacher, bga – National Women’s Start-Up Agency
6:00 pm | Closing Reception
Networking, meeting new people, and exchanging ideas over light refreshments, drinks, and live music
Marketplace (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
In the foyer, female founders, businesswomen, and event partners will be on hand throughout the event to introduce themselves and answer your questions.
Event Partners:
Economic Development Agency of the State Capital Potsdam, IHK Potsdam, Chamber of Crafts Potsdam, Social Impact, WFBB, Pilot Service Potsdam and Potsdam-Mittelmark, Autonomous Women’s Centre Potsdam, Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg, and the Business Plan Competition Berlin-Brandenburg
Registration: Admission is free of charge. Further information and registration at: www.gruenden-in-potsdam.de/fadw
