Mentorship Programme
The WIIS Austria Mentorship Programme returns in 2026 with a renewed vision: to inspire and empower the next generation of women in international affairs. Building on the spirit and legacy of the programme’s earlier years, we bring together women at different stages of their journeys to share experience, exchange ideas and inspire one another. Because every career begins with a spark - a conversation, a role model, a moment of encouragement - and sometimes, all it takes is someone who believes in your potential to help you see what is possible.
Designed as a yearly, ongoing programme, it will continue to create meaningful opportunities for new generations of mentees - growing a community of women who support, inspire and empower one another to take their place in shaping the future of international affairs.
Because when women support women, ambition becomes opportunity, and opportunity becomes impact.
Through empowering young women, we wish to improve their opportunities to take on leadership roles at all levels of decision-making in political and public life as well as working towards gender equality in international peace and security.
Meet the Mentors
2019/2020 Edition
- WIIS Austria has had the priviledge to be work alongside Ambassadors, Diplomats and OSCE professionals. The Mentors of the ''Encouraging Excellencies'' Edition were:
- French Ambassador to the OSCE H.E. Roger-Lacan
- Canadian Ambassador to the OSCE H.E. Natasha Cayer
- Italian Ambassador to the OSCE Alessandro Azzoni
- Maltese Ambassador to Austria H.E. Natasha Meli Daudey
- Deputy Director of the OSCE PA Vienna Liaison Office Marc Carillet
Meet the Mentors
2026 Edition
- Meet the inspiring women who have lent their expertise, experience and support to the next generation of women in international affairs in the 2026 Edition:
- Moldovan Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Victoria Roșca
- Constance Phlipot, US Career Diplomat
- Sara Pinheiro Stocker, UNODC Crime Prevention&Criminal Justice Officer
- Gorica Atanasova-Gjorevska, OSCE Senior External Co-operation Officer
- Adriana Volenikova, OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre Project Officer
- Jessica Zenti-Gruen, Team Coordinator, Die Grünen Österreich
