MERCATORA
Since 2017, Mercatora has been the qualification program for female (junior) executives from Stiftung Mercator's network. It empowers women on their way to leadership positions, provides practical strategies for everyday work, and creates a strong network of committed, inspiring personalities.
The focus is on empowerment, personal growth, and mutual support. Mercatora connects women from different sectors who want to learn, develop, and unfold their leadership strength together.
Why Mercatora?
Whether in education, culture, media, science, politics, philanthropy, or international exchange – many highly qualified women in the Mercator network report similar challenges in their career paths: lack of visibility, patriarchal structures, and limited access to crucial networks.
Mercatora addresses these issues directly. The program supports women with initial leadership experience or specific career goals in further developing their potential, taking on responsibility, and finding their own paths – confidently, reflectively, and well-connected.
The Program
Over the course of a year, Mercatora offers a structured, practical, and personal learning environment. In trusted small groups, participants develop concrete strategies for their professional development and exchange ideas with other alumnae and experienced experts.
The program includes:
- Thematic and impulse lectures
- Competence training and group reflections
- Collegial advice and peer coaching
- Conversations with role models and leaders
All of this is done at eye level – openly, honestly, and supportively.
The Network
"We are thrilled by the amazing women who have come together in this network and support each other. It is always inspiring to share experiences, learn together, and celebrate successes."
Kathrin Neunteufel-Steyer, Sulamith Frerich, Christina Hübers (Former Mercatora participants from the network)
Mercatora is much more than a program – it is a growing, vibrant network. Many participants remain engaged beyond the year: as speakers, mentors, contributors, or in working groups and initiatives. New formats emerge from individual initiatives, new connections from shared learning and exchange. What makes Mercatora special? Motivation, openness, mutual empowerment – and the knowledge that you can go further together.
COMMUNITY-UPDATE
We always announce the call for applications for the next Mercatora cohort in good time. Please make sure that email notifications for events and calls for applications are activated in the platform settings.
