The list is compiled by Computer Weekly and includes women from various roles and industries. The voting process is open to all, with the top 10 being announced at the annual Computer Weekly Women in Technology Awards.
The event will feature a keynote speech from the winner, a panel discussion, and networking opportunities. The Most Influential Woman in UK Tech award recognizes the significant contributions of women in the technology sector. It aims to highlight the achievements of women who have made a substantial impact in their respective roles, inspiring others in the industry.
The competition, organized by Computer Weekly, aims to recognize the contributions of women in the UK’s technology sector, highlighting their impact on innovation, leadership, and the overall growth of the industry. This year’s contest includes a range of candidates from various fields within technology, such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. The list is curated to reflect the diverse roles women play in shaping the future of technology. Candidates are evaluated based on their career achievements, contributions to the technology sector, leadership roles, and influence on other professionals in the industry. The selection process includes nominations from industry peers, colleagues, and mentors, who highlight the candidates’ specific qualities and contributions.
She has a background in engineering and has worked in various roles, including as a project manager and technical consultant. Akua Opong’s journey in the field of engineering began with a strong foundation in the principles of engineering. Her expertise lies in infrastructure and cloud engineering, which are critical areas in the modern digital landscape. As a senior EUC engineer at the London Stock Exchange Group, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the company’s IT infrastructure and cloud services are robust, scalable, and secure. In her previous role with the City of London Corporation, Akua served as a volunteer advisory group member.
Alice has been recognized for her work in the tech industry, particularly in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Alice Bentinck’s journey in the tech industry is marked by her significant contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Her recognition as a Computer Weekly Rising Star in 2014 underscores her impact and influence in the field. Co-founding Entrepreneur First, Alice has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of tech startups. This organization, which she established alongside others, has become a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Code First Girls is a charity that aims to close the gender gap in tech by providing free coding bootcamps for women. The organization has seen significant growth, with over 10,000 women trained and a 90% job placement rate.
She has a background in intelligence and security, having worked in various capacities within the sector. Keast-Butler’s appointment as director of MI5 comes at a time when the agency is undergoing significant changes. The agency has been modernizing its operations, with a focus on digital transformation and enhancing its capabilities to tackle emerging threats. Her leadership is expected to continue this trajectory, with a particular emphasis on leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Under her leadership, MI5 has been working on several key initiatives. One of these is the development of a new digital platform that will streamline the agency’s operations and improve collaboration between different units. This platform is expected to enhance the agency’s ability to respond to threats more quickly and effectively.
The TechReturners initiative is a collaboration between the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the Tech Returners Network. The initiative aims to support the return of experienced professionals to the tech industry, particularly those who have taken a career break. The program offers a range of benefits, including mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The initiative also provides a platform for professionals to share their experiences and learn from each other. The TechReturners initiative is part of a broader effort to address the skills gap in the tech industry.
Both have been recognized for their leadership and contributions to the industry. Bev White’s journey in the tech sector began with her role as a software engineer, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her innovative problem-solving skills and dedication to excellence.
Casey Calista, head of policy and public affairs at UK scaleup Vorboss, is a key figure in the tech industry, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion. Her role involves shaping policies that foster a more inclusive environment for underrepresented groups in tech. Charlene Hunter, the founder of Coding Black Females, has been instrumental in empowering women in the tech sector since 2017. Her initiative provides resources, mentorship, and support to women, helping them overcome barriers and succeed in the tech industry. Both Casey and Charlene are actively involved in their communities, contributing to the growth and development of the tech sector.
Charlotte Crosswell, as the chair of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology, plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards its mission of fostering innovation and financial acumen. Her leadership is instrumental in shaping policies and strategies that align with the evolving landscape of technology and finance.
Clare has a strong belief in the power of technology to solve real-world problems and has used this belief as a guiding principle throughout her career. Clare Barclay’s tenure at Microsoft spans over a decade, during which she has risen to the position of CEO for Microsoft in the UK. As the leader of the company’s operations in this region, she is accountable for overseeing and managing the range of products and services that Microsoft offers. Her strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory in the UK market. Apart from her professional commitments, Clare is deeply involved in philanthropic activities.
She is a former Microsoft employee and has worked with startups and SMEs in the tech industry. Deborah O’Neill: – Leads digital transformation and new proposition launches at companies globally. – Expertise in guiding organizations through digital change. – Focuses on innovation and strategic planning for digital initiatives.
Emma has a background in law and technology, with a particular focus on AI and data protection. She has worked with various organizations, including the UK government, to develop AI strategies and policies.
She has been involved in various initiatives to promote engineering, including the ‘Engineering for All’ campaign. Sillem’s work has been recognized with several awards, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. She has also been a key figure in the development of the Engineering Council’s strategic plan. Sillem’s contributions to engineering and her leadership roles have been instrumental in shaping the industry’s future.
Irene Graham’s Rising Fintech Executive Leadership
In 2016, she was appointed as the head of the Fintech Innovation Lab. In 2017, she was promoted to the role of chief operating officer. In 2018, she was appointed as the chief executive of Innovate Finance. In 2019, she was appointed as the chief executive of the Fintech Innovation Lab. In 2020, she was appointed as the chief executive of the Fintech Innovation Lab and the chief operating officer of Innovate Finance.
Kate Philpot’s career journey is a testament to her dedication and adaptability. Starting her career at Shell, she quickly moved into sales, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience. Her tenure at Shell was marked by her ability to understand the complexities of the oil and gas industry and translate them into compelling sales narratives. Philpot’s move to Mars was a significant step in her career.
She is also a board member of the Women’s Leadership Council. Laura Moore, as the global director of identity at Sky, plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s identity and branding strategies.
She has a PhD in Computer Science and has worked in various roles, including as a researcher and lecturer. Williams has been recognized for her contributions to digital inclusion and has received several awards. Liz Williams, the CEO of FutureDotNow, has a distinguished career in the field of digital inclusion. With over two decades of experience at BT, Williams has leveraged her expertise in Computer Science, which she further honed with a PhD, to drive significant advancements in this area.
Her work involves advising clients on AI ethics and developing frameworks for responsible AI use. Maria’s role at PwC involves leading the AI public policy and ethics team. She is responsible for advising clients on ethical AI practices and developing frameworks for responsible AI use. Her expertise in analytics and ethical AI policy development is crucial in guiding organizations towards responsible AI adoption. Maria’s work at PwC is centered around advising clients on ethical AI practices. She helps organizations understand the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.
She has developed a unique framework for accelerating female entrepreneurship. McKenna’s approach to fostering entrepreneurship centers around the creation of a supportive ecosystem for female founders.
Naomi has been a thought leader in the tech industry for many years. Her expertise lies in digital innovation and building effective digital solutions for businesses. She has worked with numerous companies to transform their digital strategies, helping them to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Naomi believes that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies, but also about creating a culture of innovation within an organization.
The Apps for Good team is dedicated to helping organizations leverage technology to solve societal challenges. They work with a variety of organizations, including government bodies, NGOs, and social enterprises. The team’s approach is to understand the unique needs of each organization and then provide tailored solutions. They believe in the power of technology to drive social change and are committed to making a positive impact. Natalie Moore, with her rich educational background, has been a key member of the Apps for Good team since 2019.
Nicola Martin’s career spans across various sectors, including finance, technology, government, and entertainment. Her experience as a test consultant at Barclays, a leading global bank, likely involved ensuring the reliability and efficiency of software systems that handle financial transactions.
Century Tech is a platform that offers courses and resources for learning about AI, cognitive neuroscience, and big data analytics. It was founded by Priya Lakhani, a renowned public speaker and former member of the UK’s AI Council. The platform aims to democratize access to high-quality education in these cutting-edge fields. By offering courses and resources, Century Tech enables individuals from all walks of life to gain knowledge and skills in AI, cognitive neuroscience, and big data analytics.
Labour Women in Tech is a collective of women in the tech industry who are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. The group was founded by Samantha Niblett, who has a background in both technology and social justice.
Sarah Cardell joined Ofgem in 2013 after a successful career at the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA). Sarah Munby, as permanent secretary, heads the Department for Science. Prior to this role, Sarah was a senior legal advisor for energy markets at Ofgem. Sarah Cardell’s move to Ofgem marked a significant shift in her career, as she transitioned from a role within the CMA to one that directly influenced energy markets.
She has a background in digital marketing and has worked in various roles in the tech industry. Sarah Tulip’s journey in the tech industry began with her background in digital marketing. She leveraged her skills to work in various roles within the tech industry, gaining valuable experience and insights. As the chief growth officer at Conquer Technology, a software engineering consultancy, Tulip plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth. She is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies to expand the business, enhance its market position, and increase its revenue.
She has a background in technology and has worked in various roles within the industry. Sky’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its people strategy for technology.
Toni believes that computer science is a vital skill for the future and that it’s crucial to make it accessible to all children, regardless of their background. She has seen firsthand the benefits of computer science education, including improved problem-solving skills and increased confidence. Toni is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and she works tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and excel in computer science. Toni Scullion is a dedicated computing science teacher and founder of dressCode, an initiative aimed at promoting computer science education among children.
She has a background in marketing and has worked in various roles, including as a marketing manager at a large company. Zahra Bahrololoumi’s journey in the tech industry began with a strong foundation in marketing. Her expertise in this field has been instrumental in her rise to the position of CEO for Salesforce in the UK and Ireland. Her leadership extends beyond her primary role, as she also serves on the boards of several organizations, including Seeing Is Believing Coventry Place. Zahra’s career trajectory showcases her versatility and adaptability.
