Women Powering Raiffeisen Tech – Meet Weronika

What does the female power driving Raiffeisen Tech look like? How can you find your place in the technology landscape? What sets us apart and how do we collaborate in an international environment? We invite you to read fourth interview in the Women Powering Raiffeisen Tech series and meet Weronika Waszkiewicz - UX Designer at Raiffeisen Tech Poland. The interview was conducted by Magdalena Jaros-Szmidt, Communication Expert.

I joined on October 1st 2024. I work on the Vienna project, creating a design system for the entire group. This ensures visual consistency of our interfaces. 

I studied Polish philology. I worked in the publishing industry for a while, but I was always most fascinated by designing newsletters. A random webinar on UX opened my eyes to what I really wanted to do in life. I combined my interest in graphic design with analytical thinking, which led me to decide to enroll in a bootcamp. That's where my adventure with UX began.

It all started because of my boyfriend, who was roller skating. Wanting to spend more time with him, I started participating in roller derby games as a so-called non-skating official. Over time I got interested in skating and joined the Warsaw Roller Derby team. It was love at first training!

Roller derby is a dynamic team sport, where two teams of five compete on an oval track. The team consists of a Jammer, who wears a star helmet cover and scores points by passing op­ponents. The Jammer is assisted by the other four team members. The opposing team tries to prevent the Jammer from scoring. This players are called blockers. Additionally, everyone moves around the track in the same direction. A roller derby game lasts an hour and consists of many jams, which can last up to two minutes. It's a combination of speed, strategy, and physical contact.

I didn’t! Moreover, I considered myself a non-athletic person who didn't like to exert herself.

It’s an amazing experience. Recently, our team won the title of the best team in Poland, which is a huge achievement and a real source of pride. In addition, on March 7th we’re hosting an international tournament in Warsaw, which will be a great opportunity for competition and exchanging experiences with players from other countries.

There is the Roller Sports Association in Poland, but it doesn't have a roller derby committee. There were attempts to address this topic, but they fell through. So, we finance everything ourselves. Team fees cover hall rentals and event organization. Equipment, like skates and pads, we buy ourselves. If you want to play, you have to travel, which involves costs for transfers and sometimes accommodations. It's a considerable expense, but passion and family support make it worth it.

Above all, it's not just a sport, but a community based on inclusivity and respect for others. Everyone is welcome; anyone can train. Regardless of body size, age, appearance. The team is also important to me. We meet twice a week. For people over 30, sometimes with families and children, is really often! I feel that I can count on the team in any situation. Roller derby is also an international community. When we travel abroad for a game, we stay with members of the opposing team to save on costs. After playing a few gameses I have friends all over the world! Roller derby also gives me confidence and a sense of strength. I become more decisive, which translates into my personal life and work. It's a huge dose of adrenaline and emotions that are hard to compare to anything else.

I would definitely have concerns, but I would also support his choice. I plan to enroll him in hockey to gain basic sports skills. Although I have my fears, I know it's my problem, not his. I would like him to find his passion, just as I found roller derby.

Definitely not to break a leg. Health is important because it's a sport where injuries happen. Wish me finances so I can train and patience from my loved ones. Without their help and support I wouldn't be able to do what I love.