– I am really looking forward to building on the fantastic work that has already been done. My goal is to create concrete results that can be seen and felt, both internally and externally,” says Filippa Ahlcrona, the new national head of Q by Consid.
Since 2013, Q by Consid has worked towards a more equal and inclusive IT industry. Over the past two years, the initiative has grown at record speed. The number of meeting places has increased, lectures and training sessions have expanded, and the mentorship program Q Mentoria has been launched, attracting over 200 participants in recent years. Now, Filippa Ahlcrona takes over the responsibility of driving the initiative forward.
– Q by Consid has been the most rewarding and enjoyable thing I have ever worked on. It’s been fantastic to contribute to a more equal tech industry and society at large. But now it’s time for Q by Consid to broaden its horizons, deepen and evolve, and there’s no one better suited to do this than Filippa, says Anna Edstedt, former national head of Q by Consid.
Filippa currently works in HR and recruitment at Consid in Malmö. She has previously studied social psychology with a focus on gender issues at Lund University and has been involved in various initiatives such as mentoring school students through Drivkraft and working at Malmö Women’s Shelter for women and non-binary individuals in vulnerable situations.
– I’ve long been deeply engaged in issues related to equality and inclusion, both professionally and personally. It’s a cause close to my heart because both I and many others are affected by the injustices that still exist in various areas of intersectionality, says Filippa.
Today, Q by Consid operates in over 40 locations across the Nordics and is managed by a national head along with local ambassadors in each location. In addition to the Q Mentoria mentorship program, the initiative also organizes training and lectures on topics related to inclusion and social sustainability. These can take various forms as the concept of gender equality encompasses much.
– An equal and inclusive society benefits everyone. In my view, equality is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, background, sexual orientation, or other factors, has the same rights, duties, and opportunities. It’s a fundamental question of justice and sustainability, and when we work for this at all levels, we also see economic and social gains, says Filippa.
What are your expectations as you take over the leadership of Q?
– We have an amazing opportunity to set the bar for how we work with gender equality and inclusion in the IT industry, and I want to contribute to Consid becoming a leader in this. Especially now with Gen Z entering the industry, and research shows that these issues are important to them when choosing a company.
How do you hope Q by Consid can contribute?
– In addition to making a direct impact on individuals through our mentorship program or Q Meets, I hope that by highlighting specific initiatives, we can inspire other companies to follow our lead. It’s important not just to talk about equality in theory but also to show concrete actions and results. It’s also incredibly important to always focus on the purpose of these initiatives.”
She continues:
– I also see great potential in destigmatizing conversations about equality and inclusion. Through education and open discussions, I want to create an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes, ask questions, and learn more – because that’s how we grow together. We must remember to interpret each other kindly and consider everyone’s varying levels of knowledge on the subject.
Do you want to know more? Reach out to Filippa