On a perfect autumn evening, the Fe+male Tech Heroes community came together for an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast: “Let’s Give Thanks.” The night was filled with inspiration and gratitude, which blended perfectly with thought-provoking discussions, comfort food and connections with old friends and new.
We kicked off the evening with a lively fireside chat with Evangelia Demerouti, a trailblazing full professor at TU Eindhoven, and Ingelou Stol, Fe+male Tech Heroes co-founder.
Evangelia shared her groundbreaking decision five years ago to focus on hiring only women for the Irene Curie Fellowship Program, reshaping academia’s gender dynamics. Her courage and determination set the tone for a candid discussion. It also opened the door for guests to think about bold steps they can take to create meaningful change in their own fields.
Betsabeh Madani-Hermann, Head of Global Research at Philips, spoke about the need to be bold and creative to blaze new trails in tech organizations. It was very interactive, with Madani-Hermann asking the audience to share personal stories of courage. Some of these stories had poignant beginnings with triumphant endings, inspiring all of us to step out, take a chance, be courageous. Many shared stories of role models and mentors who helped them in their careers … which was the point of the whole event: give thanks to those in your life who have helped you get where you are. Pause.
The Eurest team absolutely transformed The Lounge into a festive space that felt like home, despite 130+ guests in the room. Two long tables were decorated with greenery, candelabra and pumpkins. It created a cozy – yet elegant – atmosphere. It felt special, thanks to Jeanine Konings’ special touch. Family-style dining was also a big hit, and everyone enjoyed passing food around the tables.
And the food! Jasper Kortsmit and the entire Eurest catering crew outdid themselves, despite this being their first Thanksgiving dinner. The menu included mac and cheese bitterballen, pumpkin soup and a main course of roasted turkey breast with whiskey glaze and side dishes of Kentucky garlic cheese grits, cranberry orange relish, a roasted veggie trio and cranberry goat cheese salad. Dessert was also decadent: pecan pie and raisin bread pudding, paired with coffee and after-dinner Café Marrakech.
Fe+male Tech Heroes team members Cheryl and Lale Boyd worked with Jasper and his team to create a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, sharing their recipes and testing them before the event. Jasper and the team nailed the food, wowing the crowd.
The food was different – accessible – without being exotic. “I learned that American food can be delicious,” said Edith Snelders, Team Leader Office for Alumni Relations at TU Eindhoven. Jesper Beerens, Manager Business Development at HTCE, texted during the main course, “I’m really really really really enjoying your cooking!”
Adding a personal touch to the evening, Cheryl Boyd and Lale Boyd, mother and daughter FTH team members, talked about the history and significance of Thanksgiving. (Fun fact: Thanksgiving became a national American holiday because of the efforts of a woman, Sarah Hale, in 1863.)
Cheryl remembered Thanksgivings throughout her life as a time to be grateful for the people around her … including international friends and the entire Fe+male Tech Heroes community. Lale highlighted its modern-day meaning of gratitude, saying that even though Thanksgiving is celebrated the last Thursday of November in America, we should pause and be grateful every day.
The balance of inspiring speakers and time to chat with tablemates made the evening unforgettable. A sense of gratitude filled the room.
The Fe+male Tech Heroes Thanksgiving Dinner was more than just an event; it was a celebration of gratitude, inspiration, courage and community. Some guests said this was their favorite Fe+male Tech Heroes event. Some said they will start their own Thanksgiving traditions. We didn’t know Thanksgiving was a bucket list item! But we hope everyone will pause now and show gratitude to those who helped shape their lives.
See all the photos from the event here.
See all the recipes here.