Under the sun-drenched skies of Long Beach, California, Wonder Tech Fest 2025 welcomed a sea of innovators, allies, and changemakers for a milestone gathering that was as energizing as it was essential. Celebrating ten years of pushing boundaries and elevating underrepresented voices, this year’s festival stood as a testament to what’s possible when vision meets resilience — and when community meets action.
A Powerful Opening: The Five Powers That Fuel Change
Opening the event with unshakable presence and purpose, Anna Radulovski, Founder and CEO of WomenTech Network and author of Chief in Tech, delivered a keynote titled #BetterTogether that did more than set the tone — it sparked a collective awakening. Her address offered a deeply human and hopeful roadmap for driving meaningful change, anchored around what she calls “The Five Powers That Fuel Change.” These aren’t abstract ideals, but lived principles that emerged from a decade of building one of the world’s most impactful communities for women in tech.
She spoke of the power of clarity, where purpose becomes a compass for every action; of how small acts by individuals can ripple outward into movements; of the vital strength that emerges when community forms not just around shared interests but around shared values; of the irreplaceable role allies play in advancing equity; and finally, of how sustainable change is never the work of one — it’s a collective endeavor, a shared responsibility.
"Shared values beat shared titles. When people align around mission, not ego, momentum builds faster." - Anna Radulovski, Founder & CEO of WomenTech Network
Breaking the Rules: Founders Who Rewrite the Playbook
The heart of Wonder Tech Fest has always been the stories of those bold enough to challenge convention, and nowhere was this more evident than in the panel session Anna hosted: “Breaking the Rules: How Disruptive Founders Rewrite the Playbook.” with Victoria Prince and Miriam Jacobscon. In a landscape where innovation is celebrated yet change is resisted, the discussion offered a raw, honest look at what it means to lead with courage.
Founders shared the moments they realized traditional paths weren’t made for them — and how choosing their own way wasn’t just brave, but necessary. From first-hand reflections on being underestimated, to lessons learned in trusting their own instincts amidst uncertainty, the panel wasn’t about success as a destination. It was about process, growth, and staying grounded in one’s mission even when the stakes rise. The dialogue moved fluidly from leadership to creativity, resilience to AI disruption, without ever losing its emotional core.
The Energy of Innovation: Startup World Cup USA, Long Beach
On the second day, the excitement reached a new high as the Startup World Cup USA competition took center stage. Ivo Radulovski, Co-Founder of WomenTech Network, joined as a judge alongside a stellar lineup of tech leaders from Meta, PayPal, Wonder Women Tech, and the City of Long Beach. The competition brought forward an impressive group of startup founders, each pitching for a chance to win a $1 million investment. Kamola Mir, founder of Lidavex Inc., stood out for her compelling vision and business acumen, securing her place in the global finals.
Yet every pitch — from AI-driven platforms to biotech innovations — reflected a spirit of bold experimentation, reminding everyone in the room that real disruption happens at the intersection of mission and momentum.
A Community that Shows Up
Beyond the conferences, this year's fest created countless moments of personal connections — especially for the WomenTech Network community. Meeting Global Ambassadors in person was a special highlight. As Anna noted, “Thank you for showing up and for your continued dedication to our mission.”
Anna reflected on the joy of reconnecting with so many inspiring leaders — including Elaine Zhou, Manju Abraham, Assel Seitova, Sabiha Shaik — and building new connections with trailblazers like Dr. Leann Pereira, Tanal B., Gaytri K., and venture lead Silvia L. Their presence added richness to the dialogue, underscoring how much strength comes from community when it gathers with intention and mutual respect.
From Inspiration to Action
Dive deeper into the stories, strategies, and leadership lessons that are reshaping the tech world by picking up your copy of Chief in Tech — a must-read for anyone ready to lead with impact. Want to bring this vision to your own stage or community? Book Anna Radulovski for your next event and let her inspire your audience to lead with courage and collaboration.
Follow Anna Radulovski and WomenTech Network on LinkedIn. Join the global movement that’s not just talking about change — but creating it, every day.
Stay tuned for future events on the WomenTech Network events page that continue to celebrate and empower women in technology.