RISING PINEAPPLES 2024 - #InspireInclusion

what to expect ?

Get ready to embark on a transformative journey at the Rising Pineapples Conference 2024!

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Fabulous speakers

Get inspired by the unique stories of our speakers
Pr. Diana Derval, Sora Mustafa, Tischa Thomas and Sophie Vo will share their personal testimonies.

Get equipped on the theme of the year #Inspire Inclusion
Rosina Budhani and Delphine Mousseau will give you some tools to explore your privileges, your prejudices and biases.

Reflect on how to become a change maker
Participate to the live podcast recording from "women authors of achievement" moderated by Daria Surorova featuring Donna Darthuizen, Samantha Merlivat, Evolena de Wilde d'Estmael and Tamara Rose Morales

And Gemma Comabella will lighten the atmosphere with some humor of hers.

Be inspired : Your power talks

Discover the lived experience which our speakers will share : 

THE HORMONAL MAKE UP BEHIND DIVERSE TALENTS AND CAREER PREFERENCES
Pr. Diana Derval, PhD, EMBA, Chair of DervalResearch, is a pioneer in decoding human behavior and preferences with biosciences.  READ MORE

Member of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, and Jury for the CES Asia Innovation Awards, Diana is the patented inventor of the Hormonal Quotient® (HQ) nominated for the Edison Awards, and the creator of the Derval Color Test® taken by 30+ million people around the world. Harvard Business Review contributor, finalist of the Berry-AMA Prize for most innovative marketing book with “The Right Sensory Mix,” recommended by Philip Kotler, Diana turns fascinating neuroscientific breakthroughs into powerful business frameworks and helped Fortune 500 firms including Sephora, Michelin, Sofitel, Philips, and L’Oréal accelerate their development with a focus on planet and people-friendly products and experiences. 

Multiplying discoveries, along the way, on the variations in sensory perception among individuals and populations, Diana continuously uses the findings to advance research for a better immune system, hormonal balance, and microbiome. The clinical research Diana initiated together with NIH and OLVG Hospital on the link between taste buds and diabetes opened the way to new prevention roads to combat chronic diseases. Clinical Professor at Donghua University in Shanghai, Diana Derval is regularly featured in the media, conferences (TEDx Talks, IFA, CES), and corporate seminars, and is known for delivering memorable MasterClasses even virtually—partly because of the cool purple hat and great sense of humor. Diana’s favorite topics are Senses and Sensors, Hormones and Preferences, Microbiome and Behavior, and anything that touches on Innovation.

NETWORKING : BUILDING ON YOUR DIFFERENCE
Sophie Vo, Founder at Rise&PlaySophie is  a Game Executive, Investor and Leadership Coach with over 15 years of experience working at renowned companies like Voodoo, and PlayStation READ MORE

—building studio and people's departments, guiding teams through change. I created in 2021 Rise and Play: a network and knowledge-sharing platform for the conscious leaders of the gaming industry who advocate for a human-centric approach to building companies and teams.

USING TECH TO EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNI
Sora Mustafa is the Co-Founder and CTO at vollefarben.de, where she's dedicated to making society a better place by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and connectivity through technology. READ MORE

With experience at Accenture, Adidas, ProSieben and ApplicAid, she's deeply committed to using tech to empower individuals and communities. Sora isn't just about the tech; she's all about fostering connections and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

EMBRACING YOUR STRENGTH : A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Tischa Thomas, also known as Tischa the Tigress, is an inspiring figure in the world of personal training and body transformation. Originating from New York City and now operating in Berlin since 2019, Tischa has transitioned from a decade of professional competitive female bodybuilding, where she ranked 3rd in the world with the IFBB organization, into a dedicated fitness trainer. 

 READ MORE

Her journey of self-transformation is nothing short of remarkable, having lost half her body weight, a total of 68 Kg, over 18 months through sheer determination and hard work​​.


Her compelling story is captured in the documentary "I Am the Tigress," which follows her through various bodybuilding competitions in the USA and Romania. The film not only highlights her physical strength and dedication to her sport but also delves into her resilience against the societal norms and stereotypes placed on women's bodies and their femininity. This documentary stands as a testament to her struggle and success in redefining beauty and strength on her own terms​​.


Beyond the screen, Tischa has founded "Bodies By Tischa," a fitness studio in Berlin that provides a wide array of services, from personal and group fitness training to health and fitness workshops. This endeavor is more than a fitness studio; it's a platform where Tischa extends her philosophy of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience to others, encouraging them to embark on their own journeys of transformation. Through her work and her story, Tischa Thomas inspires and motivates individuals to challenge their limits and achieve their personal best, embodying the true essence of strength and empowerment

BEING THE BIG ONE IN THE ROOM
Friederike Galland, born in Berlin, has carved a remarkable path as a German politician and public speaking champion. 

 READ MORE

Her educational journey took her from Northrhine-Westfalia to Hartland, Wisconsin, and back, culminating in her professional development at Siemens AG and her studies in law and political science in Berlin. Galland's political career began with her entry into the CDU, leading to significant roles within the party and her election to the Berlin House of Representatives in 1999.


Her transition from politics to becoming a celebrated orator was marked by her victory as the European champion in extemporaneous speaking in 2016. This accolade underscores her exceptional skill in spontaneous speech, highlighting her dedication to propagate the art of rhetoric.


Today, Galland's expertise enriches her work as a speech writer, communication trainer, and personal consultant, where she leverages her political and rhetorical experiences to inspire and educate others in the realms of effective communication, executive presence, and leadership.

LAUGHTER AND LEADERSHIP : THE FEMALE FORCE
Originally from Barcelona (Spain), Gemma moved to Germany more than 12 years ago to join Zalando´s team that launched the brand in the Spanish market. 

 READ MORE

Focusing later on the German-speaking and central Europe markets, Gemma has been working as Country Manager for DACH (Germany, Austria & Switzerland) and Netherlands for luxury pre-loved fashion marketplace Vestiaire Collective and Managing Director DACH at design furniture brand MADE.COM.

Together with 3 other co-founders, Gemma launched in January 2022 cocoli.com, a curated marketplace for secondhand design furniture and home decor. Currently Gemma leads the COCOLI team strategy to assure the overall goals and milestones are reached, keeping a unified mission & vision across team and stakeholders and is the main contact for all investor relation.

Gemma started the COCOLI project from an own personal need when noticing there was a market gap for pre-loved contemporary items and the complexity of reselling home furniture. Since then, the main goal has been to build a functional and inspirational platform to give furniture a second life and work therefore together for a better future.


Learn and reflect : Workshop

Get equipped on the theme of the year #Inspire Inclusion

WORKSHOP  #INSPIRE INCLUSION
Rosina Budhani (she/her), originally from the UK, has had a diverse career spanning various sectors, including lifestyle, hospitality, and charity. 

 READ MORE

With over 20 years of experience, she's made impactful contributions to organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Comic Relief, and Save the Children, leveraging her strong communication skills to advance their missions. In 2012, Rosina relocated from London to Berlin and joined the boutique hotel membership group, Design Hotels, where she worked for nearly 9 years, assuming the role of Head of PR. In 2022, Rosina took the step towards a more profound, meaningful and ultimately necessary purpose - advocating and training in intercultural awareness and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate and hospitality sectors.


Learn and reflect : Panel discussion

Reflect on how to become a change maker

PANEL : HOW TO BE A CHANGE MAKER
Daria Suvorova is the Founder and Host of the Berlin-based Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast, where she features stories of successful women from all walks of life. 

 READ MORE

She works for markets and media at Klarna, where she is responsible for building brand awareness in the new and established markets. She is also a Visiting Lecturer at Popakademie, an academic institution for musicians and music industry professionals. Her lecture on the “Power of Podcasting” covers the latest trends in the industry and explains why podcasting represents a massive opportunity for creators.


PANEL : HOW TO BE A CHANGE MAKER
Samantha Merlivat's journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by a deeply personal mission: to address the lack of support available for dyslexic children, inspired by her brother's struggles as a child. 

 READ MORE

In 2019, she left her job as a Media Analyst in London and moved to Berlin, where she would found GoLexic. The Startup is dedicated to making reading intervention immediately accessible for all children struggling with reading.


PANEL : HOW TO BE A CHANGE MAKER
In an era defined by digital transformation and evolving market

landscapes, Donna Darthuizen has spent the past two decades championing businesses, specializing in Strategic Digital Commerce Development, and fostering Brand & Marketing development mostly in the Fashion Industry.  READ MORE

"My journey through the digital landscape has given me a profound

understanding of organizational dynamics, strategy formulation, market

nuances, and, most importantly, the essence of Customer Dynamics. It's

from this vantage point that I've developed strategies, ensuring that

every decision resonates with purpose and places the customer firmly

at the heart of our business development.


Fueled by a passion for driving change and innovation, I am not merely

a candidate for leadership; I am the embodiment of possibility. My

path has been forged with resilience, guided by principles rooted in

equality and inclusion. I bring a legacy of growth and triumph, a

testament to the transformative power of diversity and creativity.


In this ever-changing economy, ripe with opportunities, I invite you

to journey with me as we redefine success, rewrite narratives, and

pave the way for a future where every voice is heard, every

perspective valued, and every dream realized. Together, let's chart a

course toward a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. "


PANEL : HOW TO BE A CHANGE MAKER
Evolena de Wilde d'Estmael embodies the spirit of innovation and activism, merging her passion for sustainability with technological prowess as the co-founder and managing director of Faircado. 

 READ MORE

Born in Belgium and now based in Berlin, she dedicates her life to fostering a greener future. Through Faircado, she pioneers the transition towards a circular economy by making second-hand shopping an accessible and preferable choice for consumers. Her venture reflects her belief in a world where making environmentally conscious decisions is the norm, and she tirelessly works to make this vision a reality.


Her activism extends beyond entrepreneurship, as Evoléna is also deeply involved in climate advocacy with Generation Climate Europe, pushing for robust climate policies at the EU level. She is a member of the Greentech Alliance and Leader for Climate Action, roles through which she amplifies her impact on environmental sustainability. Evoléna's multifaceted contributions showcase her commitment to not just talking about change but actively being part of it.


Faircado stands as a testament to her innovative approach to sustainability, leveraging AI to simplify the process of buying second-hand. Launched in 2021, the platform is designed to save consumers time, money, and CO2 emissions, aligning perfectly with Evoléna's vision of a fairer, greener future. Her work with Faircado and her involvement in various environmental initiatives underscore her belief in collective action to create a more sustainable world, making her a true changemaker in the green tech industry.


PANEL : HOW TO BE A CHANGE MAKER
Tamara Rose Morales is a beacon of entrepreneurship and leadership, particularly celebrated for her advocacy and initiatives aimed at advancing women's careers. As the founder of Berlin Boss Babes, she has created a vibrant ecosystem that not only unites women across Berlin but also emboldens them to forge careers and businesses that align with their authentic aspirations and values. 

 READ MORE

Her rich background as a political scientist, combined with her pioneering work in venture building, and her track record in recruiting, assessing, and developing talent within multinational corporations and startups informs her unique approach to guiding and coaching women towards professional and financial prosperity. 


Launched as a Facebook group in July 2020 to bring together career-oriented women, Berlin Boss Babes has evolved into a comprehensive and +7,000 women strong platform that provides continuous education, motivation, and networking opportunities through a variety of coaching formats and community events. Tamara's mission is to illuminate the unique genius in every woman, encouraging them to showcase their strengths and achieve their dreams. She champions the concept of sisterhood as a transformative force, fostering a sense of connection and mutual support among women through shared experiences. As a coach, Tamara's approach is holistic, focusing not just on career advancement but also on cultivating happiness and purpose, demonstrating her commitment to creating a more equitable and fulfilling professional landscape for women.


Tamara is a respected lecturer at Technische Universität Berlin, where she shares her insights on business and leadership. She is also a sought-after organizational consultant, partnering with companies to uplift their female team members and leaders and cultivate more diverse and inclusive work environments. Recently, Tamara has gained notable recognition for her contributions, including being named a LinkedIn Top Voice and receiving an invitation to join the advisory board of Malt, a leading platform for freelancers.

FAQs

For who ?

For all persons who identify as women, whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just starting out on your career path.


Our thanks go to our supporters

OUR PAST CONFERENCE

RISING PINEAPPLES 2020 - #MEBEYOND

The second edition of Rising Pineapples took place on March 8th 2020 and gathered about 120 participants. Our Theme for this year was #MEBEYOND.  An inspiring line up of female leaders and experience workshop facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, industries and fields of work led the group to explore the importance of knowing oneself and expressing one's beliefs or aspirations despite of social pressure and also offered some keys to use one's unique talents to change beyond: beyond nay-sayers, beyond your own fear, beyond your dreams!

WATCH THE REPLAY

Subscribe our Youtube channel, watch, watch again the talks, comment and share !

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE CONFERENCE

“Such a good vibe! Gratitude for the excellent program, energy and quality of networking!! Wahoo!“   -  Sophie G. 

“This was my second participation, and I was a bit worried it wouldn't live up to the first event. But I was positively surprised: great speakers, great content. I left feeling inspired. Next year, I hope to be on stage!”  -  Katarina S.

“I feel empowered, I feel inspired and I feel ready for next year!”   -  Denitsa  Z.

“Rising Pineapples was a fabulous event! I appreciated the variety of topics as well as connecting with so many amazing women! Everything was organised so well. “  -  Dawn H.

“It was amazing. The theme this year was #Mebeyond and I just thought it went beyond everything that I expected, I loved it!“  -  Lisa P.

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OUR TEAM

Delphine Mousseau

Digital  Expert

I'm a working mum of 4 kids, decidedly European : born French, lived long in Amsterdam and now in Berlin. I believe that the world has been created with men and women for a reason : we are different and our differences contribute to make the world a better place.

I have been working for the last 20 years in the Digital industry and I'm happy we are getting more tools to connect people. 

But nothing gets better than connecting and exchanging live ! My true hope is that this conference will be a starting point for you into a sisterhood that will lift you up beyond what you can ever imagine.

Marie Demont

VP of Marketing at Aware

People say I am a bundle of energy, and energy is indeed what I need to take care of my 3 young children while working full time. I am French, born in Benin and grew up within a large family nurtured by strong and inspiring women from both sides.

I started my career in the field of Marketing 15 years ago and have since helped build multiple successful lifestyle, cosmetic, and tech brands. In my role as a leader, I have always encouraged in particular female colleagues to reach for greater visibility and impact in the organisations I worked at, and believe the value of women’s support networks is limitless. Having been a participant in the first edition of Rising Pineapples conference, I am thrilled to join the orga team this year!

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“Rising Pineapples” is driving a local community of women to share, discover and learn through short powerful talks, workshops and networking. 

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