Meet the Team Behind WIIT

Leen Segers

Co-FOUNDER

Leen, a Brussels-based entrepreneur turned investor, brings over a decade of tech experience to the game. Previously working with startups across Europe, she founded LucidWeb, a WebVR company, securing $1M in funding. The platform gained international acclaim, used by major film festivals and institutions like MIT's Docubase.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Leen co-authored XR-focused research initiatives and served on advisory boards. Since 2022, she shifted to investing, working with The VR Fund, contributing to the setup of Miles Ahead (an AI-focused venture studio), and supporting Meta-backed DVRSTY program (by Field of View Ventures).
As of November 2023, Leen is the Managing Director at ForsVC, an €18M fund dedicated to game studios and gametech investments.

Ioana Matei

Co-FOUNDER

Ioana Matei is the Chief Innovation Officer at Louis Dreyfus Company and former Emerging/Immersive Technologies Leader for Procter & Gamble. She has more than 15 years’ experience working in Innovation and new technologies in big multinationals. In the past 8 years, Ioana has been focusing on building immersive technologies (VR & AR) services for enterprise from shopper packaging research, retailers virtual store visits to the latest brand engagement on new storytelling. She has been the architect of P&G LifeLab (best 10 experiences at CES), BeautySphere and other company initiatives. Ioana is also a professional film maker and VR experience creator. She has written, directed two short films, produced one feature film and she is involved in the production of several VR experiences. She has co-founded Women In Immersive Technologies Europe with the mission to support women in this new emerging industry and she is running the Virtual Reality section of the Fine Arts Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Isabel De Peuter-Rutten

wiit Community manager

Introducing Isabel, a dedicated virtual explorer and entrepreneur in emerging technologies through Exploring Life. As President of Euromersive and GatherVerse EU Director, she advocates for a human-centric approach and accessibility, education, immersive literacy,... within the emerging tech industry. Following the GatherVerse standards, Isabel fosters ethical development & connecting people. Her role as Community Manager at WIIT Europe, XR4Heritage representative in Flanders and co-founder of the Community of Change and Immersive Experts highlights her commitment to a positive impact, shaping an inclusive future.

Alexandra Hussenot

wiit ambassador MIDDLE EAST

Opening Doors to Virtual Travel and Discovery

As the Founder of Immersionn, Alexandra Hussenot is changing the way people explore virtual reality content. Her groundbreaking discovery engine allows users to embark on immersive journeys, discovering VR experiences they would otherwise never find. With a wealth of experience managing global businesses and a solid background in customer experience design, Alexandra’s expertise has reshaped the immersive browsing landscape. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric design sets her apart as a true visionary. Through her leadership, Alexandra drives continuous improvement and innovation, bringing immersive tech to the fingertips of curious virtual travelers.

Gabriella Chihan Stanley

wiit ambassador Austria

Championing Immersive Entertainment

Meet Gabriella (Gabs) Chihan Stanley, the Co-founder and CCO of Vrisch, a true visionary driving applied immersive entertainment. Gabs’ award-winning work focuses on improving lives through immersive experiences, leaving an indelible impact on the XR industry. Through XRVienna, she fosters dialogue between XR creators and cross-industry professionals, promoting knowledge exchange and an egalitarian, safe space. Gabs’ dedication to meaningful and responsible XR usage has garnered accolades, including the XR Marketing Campaign of the Year at Laval Virtual 2023. Through initiatives like XRVienna, Euromersive, TEDxVienna and XR LATAM, she advocates for the responsible use of XR technologies. Gabs’ passion and dedication inspire others to explore the possibilities of XR, fostering meaningful connections across industries.

Sorcha Mulligan

WIIT Ambassador Ireland

Empowering Innovators and Fostering Growth

Sorcha Mulligan, the WIIT Ambassador for Ireland, is a driving force behind FinTech, Blockchain, Metaverse, and Web3 innovation. She is an esteemed member of the Blockchain Ireland Skills & Innovation Sub-Committee. As the founder of The SMEChain StartUp Advisor, Sorcha supports and connects forward-thinking entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. Her ability to match like-minded individuals and facilitate collaborations propels innovation within the XR industry. With her winning formula of combining EQ with IQ, Sorcha exemplifies how strategic partnerships can unlock remarkable achievements. 

Julie Šislerová

wiit Ambassador czech republic

Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and XR Innovation

In the heart of the Czech Republic, Julie Šislerová, a business consultant and visionary, is revolutionizing the metaverse, NFTs, and Web3. With over a decade of experience in connecting marketing with emerging technologies, Julie is a catalyst for collaboration and networking among XR professionals. Co-founder of one of the country’s first VR arcades, she has a proven track record in producing remarkable AR and VR experiences. Through her passionate work at Holky v Metaverse (Women in the Metaverse), Julie actively mentors women in the marketing and technology sectors, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and fueling the growth of immersive tech in the Czech Republic.

Elena Bascone

wiit Ambassador italy

Empowering XR Professionals Across Europe

Elena Bascone, an Italian public policy professional with a fervent passion for XR, is a true force to be reckoned with. As an executive officer at XR4Europe, she spearheads efforts to unite professionals working in the XR field, fostering collaboration and innovation. Elena’s extensive background at the European Commission and Council of Europe equips her with a unique perspective on the intersection of policy and technology. Her personal projects, “República” and “The Future Blog,” serve as platforms for inspiring dialogue and advocating for responsible XR adoption.

Vanessa Julia Carpenter

wiit Ambassador iceland

Lighting the Way for Climate Change Education

Meet the trailblazing Chief Innovation Officer of Gagarín, Dr. Vanessa Julia Carpenter. With an illustrious background in experience design and a PhD in Designing for Meaningfulness, Vanessa is co-creating Astrid.is, an awe-inspiring VR suite dedicated to climate change education. Her audacious vision challenges the status quo and explores the untapped potential of immersive technology in facilitating personal and interpersonal self-development. Vanessa’s dynamic leadership extends beyond her role at Gagarín as she founded the Nordic network, “Women in Hardware,” amplifying the voices of women in the industry.

Lemke Meijer

wiit co-Ambassador iceland

Unleashing the Power of Immersive Experiences

In the land of ice and fire, Lemke Meijer harnesses her expertise as an Interaction and Concept designer at Gagarín. With a passion for creating tangible and immersive experiences interactive experiences, Lemke employs design qualities such as immersion, and anticipation to evoke profound emotional responses. Her work within the Astrid VR climate change education suite exemplifies her commitment to disseminating complex information through enjoyable narratives. Whether designing multiplayer role-playing games or exploring the Arctic ocean, Lemke educates and empowers the youth, all while overcoming extreme Icelandic conditions showcasing her ability to push boundaries and create truly unforgettable XR experiences.

Daria Fedko

wiit Ambassador ukraine

Innovating Through AR/VR Technologies

In the heart of Ukraine, Daria Fedko stands as a beacon of innovation in the immersive tech landscape. As the founder of WE/AR Studio, Daria has been building AR/VR solutions since 2016, driven by her passion for these transformative technologies. With a strong background in XR consultancy, keynote speaking, and startup mentoring, she is a pivotal figure in XR Ukraine.

"My story began in 2016 when I realized that I couldn't imagine myself without AR/VR technologies," Daria reflects. This realization led to the founding of WE/AR Studio, where she envisions XR technologies as unique mediators between the physical, digital, and emotional worlds, empowering businesses and opening new opportunities.

Under Daria's leadership, WE/AR Studio has become an AR/VR partner of Intel and Qualcomm, boasting a portfolio of successful projects with renowned brands such as Pepsi, Atlassian, Skoda, Bud, and Unicef. Her commitment to innovation and excellence is unwavering.

Lorena Gonzalez

wiit Ambassador spain

Exploring New Realities

Lorena Gonzalez, the co-founder of INMERSIVAˣᴿ & Amplitune, is a true explorer of other realities. With a deep passion for Extended Reality (XR) and its convergence with other technologies, Lorena is at the forefront of immersive tech in Spain.

"I enjoy opening new paths and serving as a bridge between people and technology," Lorena says. Her expertise in communication, project management, and event organization, coupled with her interest in strategic planning and speculative and futures design, positions her as a dynamic force in the XR industry.

Lorena's decisive, flexible, and positive nature, combined with her love for nature and art, fuels her innovative spirit. She is dedicated to exploring the limitless possibilities of XR, striving to integrate it seamlessly into various aspects of life and work.

Lorena's work reflects her belief in the transformative power of immersive technologies, and she is committed to driving progress and fostering connections within the industry.

Maria Vilar

wiit Ambassador Portugal

Driving positive change through technology.

Maria Vilar is an Electrical and Computer Engineer, specializing in Robotics and AI, and the Founder & CEO of Immersiv Studios, a company focused on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and gamification to tackle industry challenges. Under her leadership, Immersiv Studios creates innovative brand activations, improves retail experiences with virtual try-ons, and develops cutting-edge virtual training solutions.

Maria also serves on the board of Euromersive, where she represents Portugal. She is a frequent speaker at major tech events and is passionate about sharing her insights on emerging technologies.

In addition to her work, Maria is dedicated to mentoring startups and professionals, inspiring the next generation of tech innovators and staying true to her mission of driving positive change through technology.