Barbara Sessa, General Manager Mastercard France and Delphine Remy-Boutang, founder & CEO JFD
At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy, Mastercard and JFD are strengthening their joint commitment to making women the key players in this revolution. This alliance is based on a shared conviction: innovation is only of value if it is inclusive.
A strategic partnership for AI with a human face
For several years, Mastercard has been working alongside JFD to accelerate the representation of women in digital and tech entrepreneurship. In 2025, this partnership is taking a new turn, at the intersection of AI and diversity, through the “Women rAIsing” campaign.
“At Mastercard, we believe that inclusion is not just a responsibility, it’s an asset. Through our partnership with JFD, we support those who are redefining codes, boldly innovating and inspiring. Together, we are making what is truly Priceless visible”. — Barbara Sessa, General Manager, Mastercard France
“At JFD, we are convinced that innovation only makes sense if it is thought out for everyone, by everyone. With Mastercard, we are joining forces to bring forth a generation of women leaders in AI and tech. Together, we are paving the way for innovation that is more inclusive, more responsible and resolutely European.” — Delphine Remy-Boutang, founder & CEO, JFD
The Margaret Awards: showcasing the talent transforming AI
The highlight of this partnership is the Margaret Awards, presented each year by JFD to women entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and young talents committed to high-impact tech innovation. The 2025 edition puts AI at its heart, and offers the winners a €1 million acceleration programme, thanks to the support of its partners, including Mastercard.
Through this award, JFD and Mastercard aim to correct a structural imbalance: today, in Europe, only 26% of people working in AI are women (source: JFD x EY/OpinionWay Barometer). This figure reveals a fundamental issue: without women, AI can neither accurately represent our society nor anticipate its needs fairly.
AI, innovation and female leadership: a triangle of innovation
Why link women and artificial intelligence? Because the economy of tomorrow is demanding and visionary, and is one of the most propitious for experimenting with advanced technologies, but also for humanising them. Women are innovating, creating unique, sustainable experiences that are deeply connected to the expectations of a changing world.
A shared vision of a responsible technological future
By actively supporting JFD, Mastercard continues its global commitment to diversity in innovation, and to the emergence of responsible, ethical and inclusive technology solutions. Because in the age of artificial intelligence, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that technology reflects – and serves – all humanity.
About Mastercard
Mastercard drives the economy and empowers consumers in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payment solutions, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our cutting-edge technologies, innovations, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help cardholders, businesses and governments realise their full potential. www.mastercard.com
About JFD
Founded in 2012 by Delphine Remy-Boutang, JFD has established itself today as a leader committed to the place of women in tech. Recognised as a key player in the rise of innovation talent, JFD works alongside the largest technology and industrial groups and high-potential start-ups to bring out the most promising female talent, supporting them at every stage of their career and leading them to success. Every year, JFD mobilises an ecosystem of decision-makers, investors and talent around its flagship programmes, including the Margaret Awards, its events and its benchmark annual publications. The latest of these was published in February 2025 and was presented to the French President and Minister Clara Chappaz: the European AI Barometer by JFD carried out with EY and Opinion Way in 8 European countries and 8 business sectors: » AI, a vector of progress or an accelerator of inequality? «. www.joinjfd.com
