WTM Berlin x SPICED Academy: AI and Building a Tech career in Berlin

Women Techmakers Berlin and SPICED Academy are joining forces to host an evening focused on both building efficient AI systems and navigating the real challenges of building a career in tech—beyond just learning technical skills.

## Talks

Talk 1: Efficient Agentic Systems - by Jane Waithira
Let Classical ML Do the Heavy Lifting, Let Agents Do the Thinking
There’s a temptation to throw an LLM at every problem—but the most effective systems take a different approach.
This talk explores how to combine deterministic, classical machine learning for predictable tasks with LLM-powered agents for reasoning and decision-making—so you can build systems that are fast, cost-effective, and reliable.

Talk 2: Confidence Beyond Skills - What Really Holds Women Back in Tech Careers - by Marina Matveevskaia

Many women in tech keep investing in new courses, skills, and certifications, yet still feel stuck or “not ready enough” to take the next career step.

In this talk, we will look beyond technical competence and explore the less visible factors that often shape career growth much more strongly — such as self-trust, fear of visibility, internalized expectations, and the emotional impact of burnout or layoffs.
I will share common patterns I see in highly capable women and why “just improving skills” is often not the real barrier.

Participants will leave with new perspectives and simple reflection tools to better understand what is holding them back and how to move forward in a more sustainable and aligned way.

## Speakers

Jane Waithira:
Jane Waithira is an innovative, solution-oriented developer working in AI/ML, currently at SAP in Germany, where she integrates applied AI and GenAI for SAP's own cloud infrastructure. With over five years of experience building production AI systems, Jane has established her skillset in practical applications of ML and GenAI.

Her talk will provide attendees with a practical framework for building efficient agentic systems that combine deterministic classical ML with the flexibility of LLM-powered agents.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/waithira-macharia/

Marina Matveevskaia:
Marina Matveevskaia is a Professional Identity and Transition Coach working primarily with women in tech and international professionals in Germany. With over 14 years of experience in the IT industry, including leadership roles, she understands the unique pressures and challenges women face in fast-paced, male-dominated environments.

In her coaching practice, Marina focuses on burnout prevention, impostor syndrome, and career transitions, helping highly capable women build sustainable and fulfilling career paths. She also collaborates with the German Employment Agency (Arbeitsagentur) as an AVGS coach, supporting women in their return to the labour market.
www.linkedin.com/in/marina-matveevskaia

## Why Attend?

• Learn from women working in Tech
• Get inspired by real stories and practical advice
• Connect with like-minded people in a supportive space
• Discover career paths across Tech & AI
• Network with the WTM & SPICED community

Join us for an evening of inspiring talks, practical insights, and meaningful connections in the heart of Berlin’s tech community.

## About SPICED Academy

SPICED Academy is a Berlin-based tech bootcamp that helps people transition into tech through intensive, hands-on training. They offer both in-person and online programs across data analytics, data science, web development, and AI, with a strong focus on real-world projects and career support.
https://www.spiced-academy.com/en

## Inclusivity Statement

Women Techmakers Berlin is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space.
This event is open to people of all genders who support diversity in tech.