Behind every AI system is a series of data decisions.
In this 4th edition of Women in Data 2026, we bring together experienced analysts, data scientists, and tech leaders to explore how those decisions shape performance, reliability, security, and impact.
From Computervision vs LLM’s and career stories, to data strategy, this edition focuses on the intersection of data, AI & leadership.
Beyond trends, we create space for real conversations: what it means to lead in data today, how to navigate trade-offs, and how women in the field are influencing the future of intelligent systems.
We’re women talking data. Not a gender diversity talk, not your standard tech deep-dive, not a networking mixer; but a warm way to connect with the community and learn something new! :)
Speakers:
Roshnee Devi Naveen, AI/Computer Vision Engineer
Dorien Bauwens, Lead Ecosystem Building Services at Athumi
Maja D’Hondt, Software & Data Strategy Manager at DataMinded
Karen Mariën, Team Leader Engineering Smart Compressors at Atlas Copco Group
Location is a 3 min walk from the train station ‘Sint-Katelijne Waver’, near Mechelen.
Registrations are open: secure your spot, today!
More details
Roshnee Devi Naveen, AI/Computer Vision Engineer
Keynote: “Beyond the model: The Infamous Data Problem in Computer Vision”
In her talk Roshnee explores how data remains the primary bottleneck in scaling vision systems, why language models appear to be advancing faster than computer vision today, and highlights current trends and future approaches to handle these challenges.
About Roshnee Devi Naveen is Senior Data scientist specialized in applied computer vision and deep learning, with over 6 years of experience. Led and contributed to a range of projects primarily in the industrial sector, leveraging advanced AI techniques to optimize processes and improve efficiency. Also experienced in applying AI for smart city solutions to enhance urban infrastructure and logistics.
Dorien Bauwens, Lead Ecosystems Building Services at Athumi
Keynote: “From data to impact: How Dorien built game-changing ecosystems”
Ever wondered how to turn bold ideas into real-world change? Dorien’s journey is one of a kind. From shaping digital innovation at Digitaal Vlaanderen to co-creating Athumi’s groundbreaking platforms. Dorien will reveal the secrets behind building ecosystems that deliver public value. Curious how she did it?
About Dorien Bauwens leads data ecosystem development at Athumi, bridging strategy and execution with a focus on stakeholder collaboration. She co-built Athumi from its start, contributing to initiatives like the eLys digital platform. Previously, she led smart services and subsidies projects at Digital Flanders. Her work centers on driving societal impact through responsible innovation and partnership.
Maja D’Hondt, Data strategy and transformation at Dataminded
Keynote: ”Life as a Head of Data”
What does it mean to be a Head of Data, beyond managing strategy, stakeholders, teams and platforms? Many of today’s data and AI challenges are not caused by technology, but by the way organizations work with data. Drawing on real experiences, this talk explores how data leadership can turn data from a technical asset into an organizational capability—and help organizations become truly data-centric.
About Maja D’Hondt does data strategy and transformation at Dataminded, helping organizations become more data-centric. She works with leadership teams to connect data strategy, technology, and organizational change, with a focus on adoption. She brings more than 25 years of experience in software, combining technical understanding with strategy and transformation.
Karen Mariën, Team Leader Engineering Smart Compressors at Atlas Copco Group
Keynote: “Decisions Inside Industrial Systems”
A look at real‑world constraints, field data and system behavior inside industrial machines. Karen also reflects on her path across R&D, product development and digitalization, and what she learned leading a diverse engineering team of experts.
AboutKaren Mariën is Team Leader Engineering Smart compressors bij Atlas Copco Airpower, waar ze een multidisciplinair team van ingenieurs aanstuurt. Ze focust op strategische software‑ en controllerontwikkeling, innovatie, en kwaliteitsverbetering binnen industriële toepassingen. Karen bouwt graag bruggen tussen techniek, mensen en processen, en gelooft sterk in een inclusieve en future‑proof manier van werken.
Discover more details about our partners Atlas Copco Group, Dataminded & Athumi as well as their open vacancies below the picture! 🙌
This event is proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco, Dataminded & Athumi! 🙌
Discover more about our partners!
Athumi
Athumi builds data ecosystems to help businesses (across sectors) innovate and thereby boost the Flemish data economy. An inclusive approach is crucial here, as added value is only created when everyone participates. The more data sources there are, from the wider range of organisations and sectors, the richer, deeper and more innovative the insights become. Within our own teams and operations, too, we are convinced that diversity is inextricably linked to innovation and intelligence, with everyone’s contribution counting. For us, this is not mere window dressing, but a matter of strategic necessity. That is why Athumi is committed to taking a pioneering role in this area and setting the bar high.
Atlas Copco Group
Serving the industries of today while developing technology for the future is ambitious. Especially since industries and their needs are evolving as fast as ever. To ground us and guide our decisions, we have a clear vision, mission and purpose.
We live by the belief that there is always a better way. Here, innovation is a core value. We develop new technologies and processes to create value for our customers and the communities we live in.
Jobs at Atlas Copco Group Belgium
Dataminded
Dataminded advises its customers in data strategy & architecture, helps implementing data platforms and analytics use cases and offers training. We have delivered successful projects in the areas of energy, telecom, biotech and others. To achieve these results, we keep an open mind, we adapt fast and we always tell the truth as we see it.
Dataminded is passionate about data and engineering and has rapidly grown from an idea to a leader in data & analytics. We coach and mentor each other. We learn from our mistakes and share our learnings. We put our people ahead of our products and profits.
How to get there
Our event is in the “AUDITORIUMGEBOUW”. Check in the middel of this on the picture.
It’s only a 3 minutes walk from the station!
