HOW YOU SWAN #6 - Soultana Ellinidou

We launched HOW YOU SWAN to tell the stories behind the missions — the bold, human stories of women reshaping the space sector with purpose, resilience, and leadership.

Every edition, we spotlight one of our incredible members to show how they SWAN: how they navigate their careers, advocate for others, and turn barriers into breakthroughs.

Today, we are proud to spotlight Soultana Ellinidou, whose path bridges cybersecurity and space.

🚀 Soultana Ellinidou

Cyber Security Engineer at European Space Agency

🌟 Her elevator pitch

“I want to create a global fellowship program connecting women and underrepresented minorities in cybersecurity to opportunities in the space sector. It would include paid internships, mentorship, and hands-on training — because talent exists, but opportunities don’t.”

💡 Her advice to fellow colleagues

“Do not wait until you feel ready. Say yes to challenges, even if they scare you — that is often where the most growth happens.”

💸 With $1 million to drive inclusion in space

Soultana would fund a fellowship program designed to open doors for women and minorities in cybersecurity, giving them the tools, training, and support to thrive in the space industry.

🚀 Her story as a woman in a male-dominated field

From her early engineering studies, Soultana realized she was stepping into spaces where women were few and far between. That imbalance deepened when she specialized in cybersecurity and space.

In one of her roles, she often found herself the only woman at the table. When several male colleagues left, Soultana was suddenly asked to take on high-responsibility tasks.

It was a moment of pressure — but also of possibility. Drawing on her years of study, research, and hands-on work, she not only delivered results but also earned the trust of her team.

This experience showed her that growth often begins with discomfort, and that proving yourself isn’t about being louder — it’s about showing up with expertise, consistency, and resilience.

At SWAN, we celebrate Soultana’s journey as a reminder that courage often begins where comfort ends — and that every challenge is also an opportunity to lead.

📢 Want to be featured in a future edition? Fill out this short form — and let’s show the world how YOU SWAN.

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The SWAN Team