The winner of the 2025 SDCN International Talent of the Year Award
Dec 4, 2025
Every year, the Welcome Reception for International Scholars, hosted by Stockholms Akademiska Forum in collaboration with the City of Stockholm, provides an opportunity to announce the SDCN International Talent of the Year Award.
This award celebrates an outstanding SDCN member who has demonstrated remarkable professional accomplishments in Stockholm, actively contributed to the network, shown strong drive in pursuing new opportunities, and successfully integrated into Sweden’s social and professional landscape.
We are delighted to announce that the 2025 recipient is Alicja Bettman!
For her remarkable perseverance, determination, and relentless drive to move forward. She never gave up, and her dedication ultimately led her to achieve her dream position. Alicja stands as an inspiring example of commitment and resilience.
Cecilia Brinck, First Vice President of the City Council, opened the reception, opened the reception, followed by a speech by Roger Klinth, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Marie Cederschiöld University. At the awards ceremony, Maria Fogelström Kylberg, CEO of Stockholms Akademiska Forum, introduced the nominees and the winner. The other nominees were Anurag Mishra, Cheng Zhen, and Julianna Ellis Andrade Mota.
Congratulations to all and a warm thank you to the City of Stockholm for a wonderful evening celebrating the importance of international talent and dual career support in Stockholm!
The winner and the nominees:
Alicja Bettmann, Emerging Markets Account Manager, Tobii Dynavox
Alicja Bettmann, from Poland, is a charismatic Account Manager. We have been deeply touched by Alicja’s determination and resilience in overcoming various challenges. She honed and developed her skills, completed additional education and ended up getting a great job in Stockholm that suited her competences. She is proof that efforts and positivity will eventually lead to success.
Anurag Mishra, Human Resources Consultant, Minnovation International
Anurag Mishra, from India, is a passionate photographer and a human resource professional. He was a joy to discover, and showed great responsiveness, inclusivity, eagerness to learn, and initiative. Anurag actively supported his peers, and later became involved as an SDCN Ambassador. He left a meaningful mark in the network and we are convinced he will do the same in Stockholm.
Cheng Zhen, Applied Machine Learning Scientist, Bimify
Cheng Zhen, a data scientist from China, stands out for the way she blossomed into a new person during the Academy: from being a bit reserved at first, she grew into a confident and skilled networker. She inspired us with her determination and drive. Cheng is a model participant who applied the knowledge she gained and quickly secured a position at a Swedish start-up. We know she will have a bright future here.
Juliana Ellis Andrade Mota, Finance Business Partner, Sinch
Juliana Ellis Andrade Mota, from Brazil, is like the sun after winter; her positive energy and genuine smile are always welcome and appreciated. Kind, curious, analytical and communicative, she positively impacted the Academy. Juliana’s adaptability and positive approach to change make her both a lovely friend and a great colleague.
