Dr Cara Antoine Delivers Keynote Address at Apeldoorn Ceremony

On 12 July, the Grote Kerk in Apeldoorn was filled with excitement as 131 students from 25 countries gathered to celebrate their graduation from Wittenborg. This memorable summer graduation ceremony highlighted the international nature of the Wittenborg community, with graduates from the Amsterdam, Apeldoorn and Munich study locations.

Dr Cara Antoine, the keynote speaker and Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer at Capgemini, kicked off the event with an inspiring address. Antoine, also the author of the Amazon-bestseller Make it Personal, encouraged the graduates to embrace the theme of “Be the First" and shared her full speech, providing valuable insights and motivation for the new graduates:

Antoine's 'Be the First' speech encourages graduates

"Today marks a momentous milestone in your lives, a day of celebration, reflection and anticipation for the journey ahead. As you stand on the cusp of new beginnings, I invite you to embrace a theme that has shaped my life and the lives of countless pioneers: "Be the First."

"Picture a pivotal moment in my teenage years, where, at 14, I became the first girl in my school to delve into electrical engineering. It was daunting, yet exhilarating. I found confidence in the unwavering belief of my teacher, who said four important words to me, "I believe in you." Those words transformed my path and instilled in me the conviction that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

"Throughout my career I have faced many firsts, and in fact, more than 40 years after the empowering words of my high school teacher, I became the first female Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at my company. I was hired by our CEO who shares the same courage and conviction as I do to change the representation of leadership. I’m quite sure that if I had not learned to believe in myself all those years ago, I would not be here today, doing what I most love to do in the field of tech and innovation and empowering others to believe in their own abilities. 

"Stories like mine illustrate the power of being the first. They illuminate the courage, innovation, and transformative change that come with stepping into uncharted territory. And today, I want to share with you the narratives of others who dared to be pioneers, making an indelible impact on society, the planet and the collective good.

"Consider Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. In the early 1960s, they shattered racial and gender barriers at NASA. Their pioneering spirit involved dismantling discrimination, shaping space science and paving the way for inclusivity. Their legacy is a testament to the excitement of driving innovation and the profound responsibility of representing the underrepresented.

"Likewise, think of Neil Armstrong, the first human to set foot on the moon in 1969. His iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," symbolise the boundless possibilities that come with exploring the unknown.

"Wittenborg itself has a proud history of firsts. Founded in 1987, it quickly became one of the most international institutions of higher education in the Netherlands. Here, you’ve been part of a community that fosters diversity and inclusivity, preparing you to break barriers in your chosen fields. Many alumni have gone on to be pioneers in business, technology and social impact, demonstrating that the Wittenborg spirit is one of courage and innovation. And this aligns perfectly with the university’s motto: "Better Yourself, Better Our World." This is why the theme of "Be the First" is so important. And you, the graduates of 2024, can carry this forward into the world.

"Take Indra Nooyi, the first woman and person of color to lead PepsiCo as its CEO. Her leadership redefined the corporate world, advocating for sustainability and diversity. Or Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space, a NASA astronaut who continues to inspire countless young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

"Consider the London-born Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web, revolutionising the way we communicate and access information globally. His work laid the foundation for the digital age we live in today. And similarly, think of Dr Fei-Fei Li, the first female director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab, whose pioneering work in AI has set new standards in technology and innovation.

"Why is this theme of ‘being the first’ so critical today? Because it reshapes our narratives, injecting diversity and inclusion into the very DNA of industries. It’s about shattering preconceived notions and carving a path for future generations. Diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a key to unlocking untapped potential.

"Imagine the ripple effect. As actor Victor Webster said, “Everything we do, even the slightest thing we do, can have a ripple effect.” Your actions, like pebbles in a pond, can create waves of change that span the globe. When you break barriers, you not only pave the way for yourself but inspire others to dream bigger, aim higher and embrace opportunities beyond societal expectations.

"Being the first often involves being a catalyst for positive change. It's not merely about reaching a milestone but about creating a path for others to follow. It means recognising a critical need for improvement, taking bold steps to address it, and inspiring those around you to join in the effort. Whether it's advocating for inclusive policies, developing innovative solutions to global challenges, or simply standing up for what is right, your actions can spark a movement that transforms your community and the world at large.

"And remember, being the first doesn't mean being alone. We need people on both sides of the equation: the pioneers who push boundaries and the supporters who uplift and encourage them. Just like my CEO had the vision and courage to push the boundaries of how our leadership representation needed to evolve. Together, through advocacy and action, we can create a stronger, more inclusive society. So, surround yourself with a community that believes in you, champions your efforts and shares your vision for a better future.
Let's reflect on the legacy of Bill Anders, who recently passed away. Anders, who orbited the Moon while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on its surface, snapped the famous “Earthrise” image and profoundly said, "We went to the Moon to discover the Moon, and we ended up discovering the Earth," highlighting the luminary reflections space exploration brings about our own planet. This legacy continues with the incredible journey of Elon Musk, who, through SpaceX, became the first to launch a privately funded spacecraft to the International Space Station, ushering in a new era of space exploration.

"Now, I know being the first can sometimes feel like you're the trailblazer in a grand adventure. Remember that time you decided to try that new "trendy" hairstyle or those "unique" fashion choices? (Don't worry, we've all been there.) Well, an adventure is a crisis you accept, and a crisis is an adventure you reject. Each time you stand back up and step forward, you will forge new pathways for yourself and others around you. The key is to embrace the adventure, laugh at the missteps, and learn from each experience. After all, pioneers are the ones who make history – with a few amusing stories along the way.

Let's also reflect on the importance of education and mentorship in this journey. As you break barriers, mentorship becomes your guiding light, illuminating the path forward. Experienced leaders offer insights and tools necessary to overcome challenges. This creates a positive cycle of empowerment, where every step forward lifts others, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and support.

"Consider Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor who co-invented frequency hopping, the basis for modern wireless communication. Her innovative spirit broke through the confines of what was expected of women in her era, paving the way for future advancements in technology. Or Lynn Conway, whose pioneering contributions to microelectronics and computer science revolutionised chip design methodology. And Nikola Tesla, whose groundbreaking work in alternating current electricity revolutionised the way we use energy, laying the foundation for modern electrical engineering and power systems.

"I urge you to embrace the power of diversity by driving change and equality in the world while preserving your human values. Challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, empower through education and be the change-makers. Your actions can represent a ripple effect that goes beyond individual success to become part of a collective force for change.

"As you navigate your own journey, draw inspiration from these narratives and recognise that you too can be a positive catalyst, influencing the world around you and creating the future you want. The script is yours; step into the limelight and be part of this journey toward a brighter, more inclusive and promising future.

"And remember, I believe in you. Be the first. Thank you, and congratulations, Class of 2024!"

WUP 30/07/2024
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press