HERHOOD
The Network for Female Founders & Trailblazers
At ruhrSUMMIT 2025, HERHOOD offers an exclusive space for female founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts who actively shape the innovation landscape. Through inspiring sessions, panel discussions, and networking formats, valuable connections, fresh impulses, and concrete growth opportunities emerge. Discover a community that fosters exchange, knowledge, and empowerment—driving greater diversity and success within the startup ecosystem.
HER Stage
11:00
WARM WELCOME
Dr. Britta Dombrowe | Programme Lead Startup Activities | Initiativkreis Ruhr
Götz Erhardt | Co-Host | Initiativkreis Ruhr
11:05
KEYNOTE
Julia Bösch | CEO & Founder | OUTFITTERY
"I am beyond excited to be part of HERHOOD! When we lift each other up, we can achieve anything. Entrepreneurship is a marathon with highs and lows—making it all the more essential to connect, inspire, and grow together!"
11:45
PANEL: HER.STORY
Julia Bösch | CEO & Founder | OUTFITTERY
Dr. Mandana Banedj-Schafii | CEO & Founder | medmehr | mandamehr | green health LAB
tbd | STARTUP
Host | Aylin Hochhäuser
12:30
PANEL: HER.GUIDE – DO’S & DONT’S IN MEETIGNS WITH INVESTORS
Ann-Christin Kortenbrede | Managing Partner | Gründerfonds Ruhr
Dr. Heike Wemhoff | CEO | encourageventures
tbd | STARTUP
Host | Alice Hinzmann
13:00
LUNCH & NETWORKING
14:45
KEYNOTE: FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY – RIDING LIFE'S BIGGEST WAVE
Joana Andrade | Big Wave Surfer & Founder | Progress Surf School
15:25
HER.CHALLENGE: FOUNDING DURING A RECESSION – HOW FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS ARE SHAPING GERMANY'S ECONOMIC FUTURE
Franziska Teubert | Managing Director | Bundesverband Deutsche Startups e.V.
Stefanie Bröring | Professor for Entrepreneurship and innovative Business Models + Academic Director | Worldfactory Start-up Center
Host | Alice Hinzmann
16:10
HERHOOD CROWN | START-UP PITCHES
Jury
Dr. Britta Dombrowe | Programme Lead Startup Activities | Initiativkreis Ruhr
Heike Humpf | Head of Education | RAG-Stiftung
Philippa Köhnk | Member of the Executive Board | BRYCK
Ann-Christin Kortenbrede | Managing Partner | Gründerfonds Ruhr
Host | Aylin Hochhäuser
17:10
HERHOOD CROWN | AWARD CEREMONY
Host | Aylin Hochhäuser
17:20
BYE BYE
Hosts | Dr. Britta Dombrowe & Aylin Hochhäuser
17:30
HER.COCKTAILPARTY
MASTERCLASSES
12:45 – 13:30
STRESS AFFECTS US ALL – TIME TO TAKE ACTION!
Britta Cornelißen | COACHINGLAB745
One in three women suffers from extreme stress (2021), and one in three students is at risk of burnout (2023). The biggest stress factors? Work, high self-expectations, and the illness of loved ones (2021).
But stress is more than just a feeling – it weakens our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness (2025). No surprise that mental health disorders have become the third leading cause of workplace absences in Germany (2024).
In this masterclass – A Guide to Greater Well-Being – you will gain:
- Effective strategies against stress – personalized, practical & impactful
- More self-confidence – learn how your mindset influences your well-being
- Practical hacks – stay calm, even in challenging times
Let’s take a stand against stress – ideally, before it even starts!
14:00 – 14:45
NAVIGATING THE SOCIAL SECURITY MAZE: ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR FOUNDERS
Tobias Kurz | SocialPizza Team | Techniker Krankenkasse
From founding to scaling your startup: Techniker provides you with valuable insights and tailored advice.
What to expect:
- Health Insurance:
- How do you stay insured as a founder?
- What are the differences between public and private health insurance?
- What should self-employed women consider regarding family planning?
- Employees:
- Social security obligations, mini-jobs & working students.
- What is the reimbursement insurance scheme?
- What are common pitfalls to avoid?
- Your Startup:
- GmbH and status determination procedures – what do you need to know?
15:00 – 15:45
EMPOWERING YOU TO CONNECT
Janina Ostendorf | JULES
This interactive masterclass demonstrates how strategic networking can propel careers and business opportunities. It provides a clear roadmap for building meaningful, long-term relationships while dismantling stereotypes that often hinder active networking. Additionally, it introduces digital tools to network efficiently and stay connected over time.
What you can look forward to:
- The power and strategy of networking
- Overcoming limiting beliefs
- Tools & methods for sustainable digital networking
- Bonus: A hands-on workbook with networking hacks for digital success
