On May 12, Berlin’s tech community gathered for an evening that challenged traditional ideas about software engineering, creativity, and the future of AI-driven development. Hosted by Personio as part of the Women in Tech Global Conference 2026, Women in Tech Connect Berlin created a refreshing space for engineers and technology professionals to step away from conventional tech conversations and explore how craftsmanship, curiosity, and engineering fundamentals remain essential in a rapidly evolving industry.
The event brought together experienced developers, builders, and innovators for two thought-provoking talks that connected seemingly distant worlds — knitting and programming, AI and verification, creativity and engineering rigor. The result was an evening filled with practical insights, engaging discussions, and the kind of “nerdy joy” that emerges when passionate people come together to learn and connect.
Patterns Everywhere: The Overlap Between Knitting and Programming
The evening opened with a fascinating talk by Katy Ereira, Software Engineer at Personio. Her session explored the surprising relationship between knitting patterns and software programs, revealing how both disciplines rely on instructions, structure, algorithms, abstraction, and alternative representations of complex systems. What initially felt playful quickly evolved into a thoughtful reflection on the hidden parallels between traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering.
The session resonated strongly with the audience, offering a refreshing reminder that innovation frequently emerges at the intersection of disciplines.
Trust Becomes the Bottleneck in the AI Era
The second session shifted the focus from creativity to one of today’s most urgent engineering challenges: verification in AI-assisted software development. Hanna Shniukava, Software Engineer at Personio, explored a critical shift happening across the industry: generating code is becoming easier, but building confidence in that code is becoming significantly harder.
Her session examined why classic engineering practices remain more relevant than ever in the age of AI. Topics such as semantic types, test-driven development, mutation testing, and tight feedback loops were reframed not as outdated methodologies, but as powerful tools for improving speed, correctness, reliability, and developer confidence in modern workflows.
Building Community Through Curiosity and Conversation
What made the evening especially impactful was the atmosphere created throughout the event. The meetup succeeded in blending technical depth with openness, creativity, and community.
Conversations extended naturally into the networking session, where attendees continued discussing engineering challenges, emerging technologies, software craftsmanship, and career experiences. The informal setting encouraged genuine connection and created opportunities for professionals across Berlin’s tech ecosystem to exchange ideas and perspectives in a welcoming environment.
Women in Tech Connect Berlin became a reminder that the strongest engineering communities are built not only on innovation, but on curiosity, collaboration, and shared learning.
The Impact Beyond the Talks
"A heartfelt thank you to Hanna and Kate, our speakers, for such an insightful and thoughtful session. I loved how they explored the parallels between knitting and programming. As the Berlin Chapter Leader, it is an honour every year to help create a space where we can learn, discuss, and truly connect. These moments remind me why community, learning, and shared reflection matter so much." - Paula Andrea Castro, WomenTech Network Berlin Chapter Leader
"Thank you for organizing such a lovely and thoughtful evening. 😊 I really enjoyed both talks and the discussions afterwards." - Alena Kurmyza, Software Engineer at 42 Berlin
"I had the amazing opportunity to attend the WomenTech Network event in Berlin, hosted by Personio. It was such an inspiring evening, not only because of the two amazing talks by Katy Ereira and Hanna Shniukava, but also because of the feeling of connection and belonging that comes from being surrounded by so many women in tech, all with different experiences, perspectives, and journeys.
I left with a fresh perspective and lots of new ideas, which is always such a nice part of events like these. A big thank you to Personio and WomenTech Network, and everyone involved in organising such a thoughtful evening." - Lea Ebert, Machine Learning Engineer
"Had the chance to attend the WomenTech Network Berlin chapter this week, hosted by Personio. Great sessions and some good interactions with amazing women technologists, truly a well spent evening. A huge thanks to Paula Andrea Castro and Sharin Sörgel for organizing the Berlin chapter and to the WomenTech Network for putting together a community worth being part of." - Pradnya Shelar, Software Engineering Manager at Delivery Hero
"I joined the WomenTech Network in Berlin, hosted by Personio, and it reminded me why I love being part of the tech community. I’m feeling grateful for the opportunity to be a part WomenTech Network alongside such talented women: the energy in that room is something I’ll carry with me.
Huge thanks to Paula Andrea Castro and Sharin Sörgel for building the Berlin chapter, and to WomenTech Network for creating a community that truly connects people." - Yulia Filatova, Data & Operations Analyst
Special thanks to Personio for hosting such a thoughtful and inspiring evening and for supporting spaces where engineering, creativity, and meaningful conversations can intersect.
Thank you to our amazing WomenTech Network Berlin Chapter Leader, Paula Andrea Castro, for helping bring this event to life and creating a welcoming environment where the local tech community could come together, learn, and connect in meaningful ways.
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in Berlin and helped create such an engaging and energizing atmosphere. From technical discussions to networking conversations, the evening demonstrated the power of community-driven learning and authentic connection within the local tech ecosystem.
Connect with the local WomenTech Berlin community on LinkedIn and stay tuned for future events that continue to bring together women and allies shaping the future of technology.
Explore career opportunities at Personio here.