photographer: julia powalacz© | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors agency
christina bürgler(she/her)
coordinator talentontwikkeling at technolab
about
i have always had two strong passions in life: technology and working with young people. i started my career in germany as a trained early childhood educator. later, against all opinions and expectations, i followed my heart and pursued an engineering degree and succeeded with hard work, determination, and passion. after becoming a mother, i spent ten beautiful years at home with my children. but the desire to combine my two passions grew stronger. that’s when i found technolab. i joined their 10-week “meesterchallenge” to explore if teaching math was right for me. through this experience, i discovered that what truly makes me happy is guiding small groups and supporting their growth. now, for the past 2.5 years, i have been mentoring software and it students during their internships at technolab, helping them overcome challenges, stay curious and believe in themselves. for me, this is the perfect mix of tech and youth work and i love it.
why do you think it is important that role models need to be visible?
visible role models are essential because they make the possible visible.
in my own journey, i didn’t follow the traditional path into engineering. if i had seen more stories like mine earlier on, it might have given me more confidence to pursue that path sooner.
visibility isn’t about being perfect. it’s about being real. role models show that success comes in many forms and that it’s okay to take a different route.
by being visible, we open doors for others. we send a clear message: “if i can do it, so can you.”
technolab
at technolab, we are dedicated to education and helping people grow into their full potential in a unique and hands-on way. whether it’s through design-based learning in primary schools, exploring if teaching is right for you, or discovering a future in a technical career. we create space for exploration, growth, and connection. everyone has a place here. and everyone gets the chance to grow.
powered by leiden nationale onderwijsstad 2025
leiden is in 2025 nationale onderwijsstad. leiden is een aantrekkelijke kennis- en onderwijsstad waar je als kind, jongere of onderwijsprofessional je talenten en mogelijkheden kan ontdekken. zonder docenten geen onderwijs. daarom zet leiden in 2025 docenten extra in het zonnetje.