The People's Choice Awards Finalists | Sasha Gorbatenko

Country: Serbia

Company: Acronis

About Sasha

A leading marketer and IT program manager for 10+ years, currently developing global marketing at Acronis and an EMBA student at the University of York. Sasha is pursuing expertise in D&I by implementing Women in Technology initiatives, helping women advance in their careers. She actively discusses the role of women in IT at industry conferences and TEDx events.

What does it mean to you to be a finalist for this award?

Being selected as a finalist for the People’s Choice Award is an incredibly meaningful experience for me. It is a testament to the impact of the work I do within this initiative for 4 years, by spreading this knowledge among at least 600 people. This recognition affirms my deep commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their unique stories and celebrate their achievements, helping and seeing them grow their career.

To be acknowledged by the people I seek to uplift and inspire is both rewarding and motivating. It reinforces my belief in the importance of fostering environments where everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to recognize their worth and express it with confidence. This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the collective strength of the #IAmRemarkable initiative and its mission to promote inclusion and self-advocacy.

As a finalist, I am even more inspired to continue advocating for this cause, helping more people realize their potential and overcome the barriers to self-promotion. It is an honor to be part of this remarkable journey!

Tell us a bit more about how you’re making an impact through #IAmRemarkable workshops

After one workshop, a participant shared that she felt confident enough to ask her manager for a salary increase, successfully securing a raise. Another participant overcame her impostor syndrome and launched her own copywriting classes, finding immense satisfaction in sharing her knowledge. Additionally, participants have reported feeling inspired by their peers, fostering a supportive atmosphere where compliments and recognition flow freely, contributing to a non-toxic and enjoyable work environment. These transformations highlight the facilitator's role in creating positive change in individuals and their workplaces.

Sasha’s Nominator says:

‘I am honored to nominate Sasha Gorbatenko for the #IAmRemarkable Awards. Sasha has been an extraordinary advocate, empowering underrepresented groups to recognize and celebrate their achievements globally. Through countless workshops, she has encouraged participants to embrace their unique strengths, break societal barriers, and champion their success. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued has profoundly impacted individuals and the larger community, including leading the CyberWomen program.’