MERCATORA

Since 2017, we have been empowering women from the Stiftung Mercator network on their path to leadership positions, providing practical strategies for their professional lives, and building a strong network of committed, inspiring individuals.

Whether in education, culture, media, science, politics, philanthropy, or international exchange – many highly qualified women report similar challenges in their career paths: a lack of visibility, patriarchal structures, and limited access to networks. The consequences are restricted opportunities for advancement, lower levels of social and economic participation, and the feeling of being alone in their experiences. Especially in leadership positions, there is a lack of spaces for mutual support, strategic exchange, and sustainable networking.

This is exactly where Mercatora comes in: The program focuses on empowerment, personal growth, and mutual support. Mercatora connects women from different sectors who want to learn together, develop further, and unleash their leadership potential. Women with initial leadership experience or concrete career goals receive targeted support to further develop their potential, take on responsibility, and forge their own paths – confidently, reflectively, and well-connected.

The program

Over the course of a year, Mercatora offers a structured, practical, and personal learning environment. In trusting small groups, participants develop concrete action strategies for their professional development and exchange ideas with other alumnae as well as experienced experts.

The program includes, among other things:

• Thematic lectures and keynote speeches
• Skills training and group reflections
• Peer consulting and peer coaching
• Conversations with role models and leaders

 All of this on an equal footing – open, honest, and supportive.

The network

Mercatora is much more than a one-year program: it is a growing, vibrant network. Many participants remain involved beyond their Mercatora year as speakers, mentors, contributors, and members of working groups and initiatives. New formats emerge from personal initiative, and new connections are forged through shared learning and exchange. What makes Mercatora special? Motivation, openness, mutual empowerment – and the knowledge that we go further together.