Fontys Future by Diversity: Diverse and inclusive leadership starts with education

Fontys has joined Future by Diversity — a platform that supports inclusive leadership through mentoring, community and inspiration, with a particular focus on women’s leadership. This is not just a statement, but a call to action. Because inclusive leadership does not happen by itself: it is shaped by learning from one another, observing one another and reflecting.

Women in leadership and diverse perspectives are still under-represented in tech — yet they are crucial to our sector and our region. We need women who not only participate, but who set the direction, inspire teams and ensure that innovation is socially relevant.

That is why Fontys is launching the Leadership in IT programme in February 2027. Students will learn how to lead inclusively: how to ensure all voices are heard, how to create psychological safety and how to harness diverse perspectives. These are essential skills for a more inclusive tech ecosystem.

Through Future by Diversity, our (female) Fontys ICT students gain access to a network of female mentors and role models from tech and other sectors. Fontys also receives a wildcard for the mentoring programme — so that one additional student gains access to the full Future by Diversity mentorship.

Would you like to find out more about the programme or the networking events? Visit futurebydiversity.nl or contact Suzanne via s.vankuijk@fontys.nl. For more information about the Leadership in IT programme, please contact Maike Simon-de Vocht (m.devocht@fontys.nl)