Sea Sessions are TECwomen’s signature networking events – laid-back, inspiring, and right by the water. Designed for women, people of underrepresented genders and allies in tech, engineering, and creative digital industries, these gatherings blend meaningful conversation with fresh sea air and a strong sense of community.

Whether you’re starting out, stepping up, or just curious, Sea Sessions offer the space to connect with like-minded people, hear real stories, and discover new opportunities – all in a relaxed, welcoming setting. No name tags. No expectations. Just real talk, salty breezes, and supportive vibes.

Join us in Manchester for a dynamic Women in Tech Week event hosted by WeAreTechWomen and Accenture, where we’ll bring together cutting-edge research, lived experience, and leadership insight to explore how careers in technology are evolving and what needs to change to build a more inclusive future.

The session will kick off with a speed networking exercise to help attendees connect and build meaningful relationships. This will be followed by an overview of the Lovelace Report and an exclusive preview of the forthcoming City of London Report, which highlights the value of hiring women from non-traditional routes like boot camps and short courses, as well as reskilling women internally to fill tech vacancies. The report showcases the value and benefit of transferable skills and how they can be applied in a range of different digital roles, emphasising that this untapped talent provides a compelling solution to widespread tech and digital vacancies, which are restricting the UK’s productivity and limiting the ability of businesses to fully embrace new digital technologies.

A diverse panel of young professionals and senior leaders – including voices from Accenture will then share perspectives on the “then and now” of tech careers. Together, they’ll examine how opportunities, barriers, and expectations have shifted over time, and what organisations can do to better support the next generation of talent.

The event will conclude with interactive table discussions and personal pledges, giving attendees the opportunity to reflect, share insights, and commit to actions that will support women in tech careers going forward.

Women in Tech Week 2025 – Opening Live with Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE

We’re kicking off Women in Tech Week 2025 with a special LinkedIn Live hosted by Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder & CEO of WeAreTechWomen.

This opening session will set the scene for a week that has quickly become a national movement, uniting women across the UK through over 80 events spanning London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Cornwall and Durham, plus an incredible programme of virtual masterclasses, think tanks and keynotes.

Vanessa will reflect on the journey of WeAreTechWomen — from launching the TechWomen100 Awards and leadership accelerators, to creating global platforms such as One Tech World and the WeAreTech Festival — all designed to accelerate the careers of women in technology.

She’ll also highlight why this week matters more than ever:

• The findings of the Lovelace Report with Oliver Wyman, which revealed a £2–3.5bn annual cost to the UK tech sector from women leaving or being held back.
• The UK Government’s ambition to become a global tech and AI superpower by 2030.
• The creation of a Women in Tech Taskforce at the heart of government, signalling real change.

Throughout the Live, Vanessa will share calls to action for the community:

• Join the conversation – amplify voices across social media.
• Take part in virtual events & LinkedIn Lives – with something for every stage of your career.
• Celebrate Women’s Stories Day (16 Oct) – share your personal journey and inspire others.
• Follow the highlights daily – catch soundbites, photos and key moments across our channels.

✨ This is your chance to be part of a movement driving collaboration, visibility and change for women in technology.

📌 Don’t miss this inspiring opening session and explore the full programme at women-in-tech-week.com.

Join us for a warm welcome from our headline sponsor, Barclays, as they share their dedication to supporting women in technology and highlighting the significance of initiatives like Women in Tech Week – setting the tone for an inspiring week ahead, one filled with innovation, empowerment, and connection.

About our speakers

Amy Williams, Head of Core Infrastructure Platform, Barclays

Amy joined Barclays in June 2017 and is a member of the GTIS CTO Leadership team, as the Head of Core Infrastructure Platform. Prior to joining the infrastructure organisation, Amy worked in BUK Technology.

The primary goal of the Core Infrastructure Platform Team is to enable our Container First Strategy, delivering world class infrastructure hosting solutions through seamless experiences, at the right price point. Our team consists of c2k colleagues globally across the UK, India and US – spanning technology products across Data Centres, Storage, Mainframe & Midrange, Database, Integration Services, Private Cloud Hosting, Public Cloud, Observability, Platform Automation and Site Reliability Engineering.

In addition, Amy is the Executive Site Lead for Barclays at Radbroke and works with senior leaders across the campus to help shape and drive the colleague engagement agenda, talent attraction, and corporate real estate teams through the major refurbishment of our site – ensuring we are building and curating a world-class place for our c6.5k colleagues based at Radbroke.

Amy mentors and coaches a number of colleagues, with a particular focus on senior female technology talent to help them succeed in their careers at Barclays and is co-sponsor of our EMEA Women In Technology network – a cornerstone of our Opportunity & Inclusion agenda.

Prior to joining Barclays, Amy worked at Accenture for 11 years, largely focused on delivery of complex systems integrations programmes at a number of UK Financial Services Institutions.

Outside of work, Amy is a keen (but average) runner & HIIT participant, has a beehive in the back garden and a 5 year old sourdough starter – baking bread has become quite a big hobby.

Paul Beresford, Barclays Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Barclays Digital, PBWM, Payments, Germany, Group Controls

Paul is the Barclays Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Barclays Digital, PBWM, Payments, Germany, Group Controls. He joined in Sept 2021 relocating to London from Singapore.

Paul has over 25 years of technology and digital experience, joining from Standard Chartered, where he was Technology Global Head of Retail Banking and regional CIO for Hong Kong, responsible for consumer technology across 30+ market.

Prior Paul worked in a number of companies in the technology and financial services industry, including Head of Consumer Banking Digital and Payment technology for DBS Bank and senior roles at IBM and ANZ bank in London and Australia.

As part of Women in Tech Week, join us for a unique LinkedIn Live conversation with three early career professionals from Accenture who are shaping their journeys in the technology sector.

In this session, Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE will uncover their personal stories – exploring their backgrounds, how they’ve navigated the early stages of their careers, and what has helped them build confidence to find their voice in the workplace.

We’ll discuss how future leaders can play a critical role in supporting and championing emerging talent, what an ideal career journey looks like from their perspective, and the types of events and conversations that engage and inspire the next generation of tech professionals.

This is a chance to hear directly from those entering the industry today – their challenges, their aspirations, and their ideas for the future of work.

Join us online for practical tips and inspiration from a tech returner employer, successful returners and our expert return-to-work coaches.

As part of Women in Tech week, Career Returners will be hosting a free webinar focused on activating your return to tech. We will be sharing practical tips and advice from a tech employer, tech returner and guidance from our expert return to work coaches who have supported over 3,000 professionals to get back to work. Our aim is to set you up for success and help you to start thinking practically about next steps in your return to a tech career.

Who is the Event aimed at?

The event is aimed at women who have had a career break and wish to return to work in a career in tech. You may have taken time out for childcare or eldercare, for relocation, or for other reasons. You may have been working on a small-scale basis to fit around your other commitments or have not done any paid work for several years. The event is predominantly aimed at those who have some tech expertise already and are looking for tips and insights to reignite their career after a break.

Why do so many talented Women in Tech hesitate to ask for what they need? Whether it’s requesting clearer boundaries, better pay or more support…asking often feels uncomfortable, even risky. But what if Negotiation didn’t have to feel that way?

This one-hour virtual session rethinks Negotiation as a human, confidence-led skill, not a power play. It’s a practical, mindset-shifting introduction for women who want to advocate for themselves without the fear, guilt or second-guessing.

In this session, we’ll explore:
– Why traditional Negotiation advice often misses the mark
– One confidence shifting tool that makes asking feel more natural
– How to spot the “hidden negotiations” happening every day and take ownership of them

You won’t leave with a script. You’ll leave with a shift and the language to ask in a way that feels like you.

Who this is for:
Women in Tech at any career stage who want to ask for more. More clarity, more opportunity, more support. Without feeling like they’re asking for too much.

Format:
– 1-hour interactive virtual session
– Hosted by Amy Combrinck, Negotiation Confidence Coach & CPD-certified Trainer
– Includes reflection prompts, relatable stories, and practical takeaway tools

To find out more about Amy visit here – www.fireflying.ltd

Let’s get our sh*t together, together ✌️

We’ve teamed up with WeAreTheCity for Women in Tech Week! If your to-do list is running you instead of the other way round, this mid-month reset is for you. In just 60 minutes you’ll reflect, reset and actually do the thing – all with a group of ambitious women who get it.

💬 Jess: ‘I got more done in this session than I did for the entire month!! Thanks Caitlin!!’⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here’s how it rolls:
01 / REFLECT – share your wins, learns and challenges with people who’ll cheer you on
02 / PLAN – use a simple framework to set yourself up for sustainable productivity
03 / DO – commit, crack on and feel that sweet hit of progress before the bell rings

What you’ll walk away with:
🔥 A hit of motivation
💪 The discipline to keep momentum
🤝 Accountability from the group
⏰ Protected time to actually get it done

About your host: I’m Caitlin Rozario—founder of interlude and Head of Brand & Culture at Metrikus. I’m obsessed with making productivity a lot less toxic and a lot more sustainable.

👩‍💻 Join us online for Women in Tech Week. Bring your list, your energy (or lack of it) and leave with progress you can actually feel.

www.interlude.works
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-rozario/

In celebration of Women in Tech Week 2025, Fortinet and Vodafone proudly co-host a dynamic event in Paddington focused on breaking barriers for women in technology. Bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the session explores personal journeys, bold insights, and strategies for driving inclusion and equity across the tech landscape.

The event kicks off with an intimate fireside chat featuring trailblazing women in cybersecurity and telecom. They’ll share powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and building inclusive cultures—offering candid reflections and practical advice for women at every stage of their careers.

Sparking deeper conversation, a diverse panel of senior leaders from Fortinet and Vodafone will explore the evolving landscape of gender equity, the importance of allyship, and how corporate sponsorship can drive meaningful change.

To build on these conversations, attendees will take part in a structured networking exercise designed to foster authentic connections and expand professional circles.

The evening wraps up with an informal social gathering at a nearby venue —an opportunity to unwind, share reflections, and continue the dialogue in a relaxed setting.

1:45pm – 4pm with social networking opportunities to follow until 5pm.

As part of Women in Tech Week, join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Berenice Levenez, Director of Transformation and Technology with Girlguiding and Deborah O’Neill, Board Member at Girlguiding UK.

Together, they will unpack the findings of Girlguiding’s latest Girls’ Attitudes Survey, shining a light on what young girls really think about studying STEM subjects and pursuing careers in technology – and some of the results may surprise you.

Berenice will share the incredible progress Girlguiding has made to inspire the next generation, including the awarding of over 50,000 STEM badges to girls across the UK (a year!). She will also explore the innovative programmes being delivered in schools, designed to help girls build confidence, break stereotypes, and bring the conversation about women’s equality into the classroom.

This intimate fireside chat will offer valuable insights into the pipeline of future female technologists, what’s inspiring them – and what’s holding them back – and how industry leaders can help close the gap.

Hear the story behind Women in Telecoms, a movement that empowers hundreds of women across our industry. In this episode, Co-Chairs Natalie Strange and Lauren Croxson will discuss why the group was started, how it has grown to over 200 members, and what its future holds.

Lauren Croxson – Co-Chair
Natalie Strange – Co-Chair

If you’re looking to join a thriving community that’s making a real impact in the telecom industry, this episode is a great place to start.

Join us for the official launch of Women in Tech Week at Barclays — a week dedicated to learning, connection and celebration for women working in technology.

The event will open with a keynote from Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and founder of WeAreTechWomen. Vanessa will share insights from the recently released Lovelace Report, which highlights the £2–3.5 billion annual cost of losing women from UK tech roles and explores the systemic barriers that continue to hinder their progression.

Following the keynote, Amy Williams, Head of Core Infrastructure Platform, Barclays, will facilitate a panel with senior technology leaders, Becky Pinkard, Managing Director, Global Cyber Operations, Barclays​; Meggy Chung, Managing Director, Head of Global Enterprise Data Platform, Barclays and Deborah O’Neill, UK Head of Performance Transformation and Partner, Oliver Wyman delving deeper into the findings of the report — discussing the ongoing challenges faced by women in the sector, as well as the actions organisations must take to accelerate change.

The event will close with a networking session, providing the opportunity to connect with peers and leaders from across the tech industry.

Don’t miss this powerful opening to a week designed to empower and connect women in tech.

We’re so excited to announce that STEMAZING and SiSTEM UK are collaborating to bring you this unique event, in partnership with a leading engineering company who have helped make this vision a reality. 

This event is proudly engineering-focused, creating space for future innovators to connect, give back, and grow.

This event is all about creating a space for 25 female STEM students—split into two groups:
👩🏽‍🎓 7 Sixth formers: to be inspired, gain exposure to STEM careers, and connect with relatable role models.
🎓18 Undergraduates & graduates: to give back, share their journeys, and build meaningful industry connections. Together, we’re building bridges across the STEM pipeline and sparking the next wave of women leaders in engineering ✨

This event  will be held in London on 13th October (after 5PM).

Catie de Marcillac – Consultant, Cavell
Maisie Taylor – Senior Account Manager, Vorboss
Teigan Kemp – Partner Account Manager, Elevate Wholesale
Rachel Keates – Operations Director, XoomTalk

This episode of Women in Telecoms tackles a critical question in the industry: why are so few women represented in tech, and why are so many leaving? With only 16.9% of engineers in technology being women and nearly half exiting the field by age 35, the talent gap is a pressing issue.

We explore what’s driving this exodus, what companies can genuinely do to reverse the trend, and how we can foster an industry where women not only join but also stay and flourish.

Tune in for an honest, insightful, and hopeful conversation about transitioning from discussing the problem to driving real change.

Join us at Forvis Mazars’ London office for a powerful breakfast session filled with insight, inspiration, and action as part of Women in Tech Week 2025.

The event will be opened by Deniz Nadiri, London Office Managing Partner, who will set the scene for the morning. This will be followed by Connie Crawford, UK IT Audit Partner and Chair of Women In Technology, who will share Forvis Mazars’ commitment to empowering women in the technology sector.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder & CEO of WeAreTechWomen, for a keynote exploring the findings of the Lovelace Report – groundbreaking research that revealed a £2–3.5 billion annual cost to the UK tech industry caused by not developing and retaining women. Vanessa will unpack what this means for women currently working in tech, share strategies to accelerate career progression, and offer practical advice on future-proofing careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

Following the keynote, we will host a panel discussion featuring diverse voices from across the tech industry to explore lived experiences, career challenges, and opportunities for growth. An open audience Q&A will follow, giving attendees the chance to share perspectives and ask questions.

The session will conclude with networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, and role models.

This event promises to be an empowering morning for women in tech at every stage of their careers — sparking ideas, igniting conversations, and helping attendees take the next step forward.

Join us for an illuminating session designed to cut through the AI hype and provide you with practical, actionable insights into artificial intelligence technologies.

Event Highlights:

Whether you’re an AI novice or looking to refine your understanding, this session offers a supportive environment to accelerate your knowledge and connect with others on similar journeys. Don’t miss this opportunity to demystify AI and gain practical skills you can apply immediately!

This event spotlights the achievements and future opportunities for women in technology in Lloyds Baking Group, creating a vibrant platform where influential tech leaders and newer entrants share their journeys and look to the future.  

We are delighted to be joined by Karen Blake, Thought Leader on Inclusivity in Tech and Digital Inclusion, who will help us explore the tech skills needed and how we can create more entrance level opportunities for women.

What’s it all about?

Ever wondered what it’s like to work in tech? Here’s your chance to find out! We’re teaming up with Motability Operations, a Tech for Good company, for a one-day hackathon where you’ll get to:

💡 Brainstorm big ideas with other Next Tech Girls community members
🛠️ Design and prototype solutions to real challenges Motability Operations is exploring
🤝 Work alongside professional Software Engineers, Scrum Masters and Business Analysts
🎤 Pitch your project at the end of the day to share what you’ve built

Key details

📅 When: Tuesday 14th October
⏰ Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm
📍 Where: Edinburgh (10 min walk from Edinburgh Park or South Gyle stations)
👩‍💻 Who it’s for: Girls/women aged 16–25

Why join?

• Build something creative in just one day
• Meet new people who are passionate about tech
• Learn directly from industry experts
• Free lunch (always a bonus 🍕)
• Laptops provided (but bring your own if you’d like!)

This hackathon is about teamwork, creativity, and making ideas happen – you don’t need to be able to code to take part. We need people with all different skills and interests to make well-rounded groups, similar to real teams in the tech industry.

Come along, get stuck in, and see what you can achieve in a day!

Unlock your AI superpower! Discover how to close the gender gap in AI adoption and make technology work for everyone.

AI is a superpower – but only if it’s evenly distributed. Right now, adoption is patchy. Many of us hesitate to use it because it feels unfamiliar, time-consuming, or even improper, like we’re cutting corners. There’s also evidence that women, in particular, are less likely to adopt, raising the risk of a new kind of digital divide.

In this 45-minute live webinar, Claudia Harris OBE, CEO of Makers, will explore:

– Why AI adoption is hard, and what’s really holding teams back
– Why adoption could be lower among women, and how to close that gap
– Practical ways to get started: play with the tools, learn to learn, and focus on solutions that scale

This is about making AI work for everyone – helping individuals overcome barriers, and ensuring the benefits of this new superpower are shared fairly across the workforce.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lesley Sackey, CEO of Pillow, Founder of Fight Forward CIC, and Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, CEO of WeAreTechWomen, as Lesley shares her remarkable journey from the boxing ring to entrepreneurship.

Lesley will reflect on what sparked her transition, the challenges and surprises of moving from elite sport into business, and the vision behind her new app. Lesley will also speak about the support systems that have sustained her, how she has built resilience through setbacks, and what she wishes she had known when starting out. The session will conclude with practical advice for women considering a career pivot or stepping into the founder space.

Lesley Sackey is a former Team GB gold medalist boxer and a visionary entrepreneur transforming the landscape of support for survivors of domestic abuse using tech innovation.

With a background in social impact and a passion for empowering women motivated by her own journey out of abuse she founded Pillow, an AI-integrated platform designed to help individuals not only survive but thrive after trauma. Drawing from her experience as the founder of Fight Forward, a pioneering initiative that uses boxing as a means of healing, Lesley combines her expertise in community building with innovative technology to create resources that foster resilience. Her mission to support women in reclaiming their strength and voice is rapidly gaining traction, with an ambitious goal to help 100,000 women “fight forward” out of abuse. Recognised for her impactful work, Lesley has garnered attention across various media platforms from the BBC to CHANNEL 4. Lesley’s commitment to transformative change is setting new standards for how we approach support for survivors, making her a leading voice in the intersection of technology, advocacy, and empowerment.

Ready to accelerate your career and break barriers? Join Coach Faith Ruto for a game-changing masterclass on women in tech leadership!

• Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough, despite your achievements?
• Are you tired of battling imposter syndrome in meetings and leadership spaces?
• Do you find it hard to speak up and be heard in male-dominated environments?
• Have you been overlooked for promotions or pay rises, even though you deliver results?
• Do you struggle to showcase your value and get the recognition you deserve?
• Are you balancing heavy workloads with little time for confidence building or career planning?
• Do you want to break through the glass ceiling and step into senior leadership roles?
• Are you ready to lead with confidence and presence but don’t know how to start?

If you answered YES to any of these, this masterclass is for you.

– Despite your experience, qualifications and ambition, you feel stuck and overlooked!
– You’re not alone and you don’t have to stay stuck.
– This high-impact masterclass is designed to help ambitious women in tech overcome imposter syndrome, build unshakable confidence, and accelerate their careers in male dominated spaces.

What You’ll Learn

In just 60 minutes, you’ll walk away with:
– Practical tools to silence imposter syndrome and reframe self-doubt into confidence.
– Strategies to increase your influence and visibility in meetings, projects, and leadership circles.
– Meet other Women in Tech who are breaking barriers.
– A clear action plan to secure promotions, pay rises, or leadership roles in the next 6–12 months.

Who Should Attend

– Women in tech at Mid to Senior levels who want to rise into leadership.
– Leaders and allies of Women in Tech.
– Professionals who feel like the “only one” in the room, underrepresented and want to own move up in the organisation.
– Women with caring responsibilities who want to thrive instead of struggling to balance
– Leaders ready to negotiate for recognition, pay, and opportunities.
– Women considering a career change to Tech.

In a fast-paced, ever-evolving tech landscape, career success isn’t just about hard skills and high performance – it’s about who’s in your corner.

Join us for an inspiring and practical session where you’ll learn how to build your Personal Board – a trusted circle of mentors, allies, challengers, and champions who can help you navigate your career, make bolder decisions, and stay aligned with what truly matters to you.

Led by Kelly Keating, a seasoned leadership coach and change expert who has spent her career working in and alongside global tech brands, this session will give you the tools to:

🔹 Understand the key roles you need on your personal board
🔹 Map your current network and identify the gaps
🔹 Learn how to approach, nurture, and benefit from your board
🔹 Connect with other women in tech and start to expand your network and share stories

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, pivoting into new territory, or leading others – this hour is a chance to invest in your future with intention.

Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity and a fresh perspective on how to own your career journey.

What is Artificial Intelligence, really?
How is it already shaping the world around us?
What might the future look like with AI driving innovation?

Join Isaac Computer Science and the National Centre for Computing Education for a live online event in partnership with Cisco, that will dive deep into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence. Aimed at GCSE and A Level Computer Science students, this is your chance to discover how your skills could lead to a fascinating career in this-growing field.

• You’ll discover how AI actually works, where it’s making a difference across industries and hear how Cisco is harnessing AI in real-world roles.
• You will gain valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges of AI, from ethical considerations and bias to the transformative potential of machine learning and automation.
• The session will also highlight free Cisco Networking Academy courses, perfect for students looking to extend their digital skills and prepare for future careers in tech.
• Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask your questions directly to the experts!

Speakers

Louise Mills and Elizabeth Barr, two leading tech professionals from global technology company Cisco.

Who should attend?

Discovery events are large-scale sessions for GCSE and A level students, inspiring you about the career possibilities that computer science opens up for you. Highlights include: expert speakers from industry and academia; panel discussions around studying at university; creative, hands-on workshops; and poster sessions from potential employers.

Want to learn what to do and where to reskill in the era of AI? Looking to upskill, get back to work, or change jobs?

If you are non-technical, tech phobic, or need to know more, we have got you!

Our AI expert panel will run from 12:40 to 13:20 with opportunities to network and thanks to Thorne Project Solutions we are even throwing in lunch!

Bletchley AI User Group has a network of amazing Chief AI Officers, AI Founders, and Senior AI Leaders to come and talk to non-technical woman about reskilling. Women Leaders has a network of women in business and in the community

So, we have put together a panel of women to share advise on reskilling in the AI age.

Arrivals from 12:00 noon and we have the space until 2 pm. If you are squeezing this into your lunch hour, grab a cup of tea and some food from the buffet and we will save you a seat at the end of a row free for latecomers.

Your future in tech starts here

Technology is evolving faster than ever and so can you. This Women in Tech Week, join us for an inspiring fireside chat that will equip you with the insights, connections and confidence to excel in an AI-driven world.

Whether you’re already in tech or considering a career pivot, this is your opportunity to learn from trailblazers, discover accessible pathways into the industry, and connect with a community that champions your success.

What you’ll gain:
– Future-focused skills: Explore the latest in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data science—and understand what it takes to stay ahead
– Real pathways to entry: Discover accessible routes into tech, whether you’re upskilling, reskilling or starting fresh
– Technical and human skills: Learn why soft skills like leadership, communication and adaptability are just as crucial as technical expertise
– Inspiration and visibility: Hear from award-winning women who are shaping the future of technology and education
– Connection and community: Meet like-minded women and allies who are passionate about equality, innovation and growth

When: Tuesday 14th October, 12:00–2:00 PM
Where: CDS Riverside House, Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5AS
Who: Women in tech, aspiring technologists, and allies. Everyone is welcome!

Plus: Enjoy a complimentary light lunch and great conversation as we celebrate Ada Lovelace Day together.

As part of WeAreTechWomen’s, Women in Tech Week, join us online in this 30 minute lunchtime webinar, to discuss ‘Why Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Tech Begins in Education’.

CEO of Apps for Good, Natalie Moore will be joined by secondary school teachers Kamona Karim and Somaira Younis, together with the voices of female students, to delve into the vital role education plays in breaking down persistent barriers for women in tech. We’ll explore why establishing a combination of essential and digital skills, while learning independently are such important factors in creating a diverse and vibrant tech sector.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of the conversation on driving change in the tech sector!

Apps for Good exists to ensure ALL young people, especially girls and those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the tech innovation skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. With the support of amazing partners, we do this by providing free computing courses to schools. Find out more at: www.appsforgood.org.

Welcome to this special Leaders Series session for Women in Tech Week where Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE will be speaking to Saket Sharma, Chief Information Officer for the Corporate Bank at Barclays, where he leads the technology strategy for one of the bank’s most vital divisions.

His career includes senior leadership CIO roles at Chubb and BNY Mellon, where he drove global technology transformation, digital innovation, and large-scale change programmes.

Saket is a recognised voice in the industry and a member of the Forbes Technology Council. He also holds a master’s in information technology and management from Boston University.

Today, we’ll explore his leadership journey, his views on the future of technology and AI, and the skills he believes leaders will need to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Saket Sharma:

Saket Sharma served as Chief Information Officer for Global Claims at Chubb.  In this role, Saket was responsible for creation and execution of digital transformation strategy for claims across 56 countries to drive client experience, enable seamless integration with distribution channels and drive efficiencies through straight through processing of claims.

Prior to this role, Saket held the title of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Digital Officer for the Treasury Services business at BNY Mellon. Saket was responsible for leading the digital journey and technology strategy, implementation and support for products and services offered for Global Payments, Payables and Receivables, Electronic Banking Liquidity and Trade domains. Saket collaborated closely with Treasury Services’ product, operations, sales and risk teams and clients to come up with unique solutions, which were transformative and aligned with the business strategy. His leadership resulted in various industry leading products and patented technologies such as Real-Time Payments, Liquidity Forecasting, Transaction Lineage, etc. He also holds a patent on tracking and Recovering Transactions (Lineage)

Saket brings over 25 years of experience in Technology and Financial Services. He joined BNY Mellon in 2006 and has served in a variety of technology leadership roles within the organization. Prior to joining BNY Mellon, Saket served in several technology leadership and consultant roles with State Street, American Express, Ameritech (now AT&T) and Apple.

Due to his expertise and thought leadership, Saket is a regular speaker at industry conferences, where he shares his experience and trends around transformative technologies impacting the financial services industry. Saket has represented BNY Mellon on the Strategic Investor Board of Volante and Fnality to help drive the direction of this industry leading payment product.

Saket earned a Master of Science Degree in Information Technology and Management from Boston University, a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from India. He holds certification in Disruptive Strategies and Economies of blockchain and digital assets from Harvard and Wharton.

As part of Women In Tech Week Claire Roberts from Full Fathom Five is hosting a panel discussion on AI and its impact on Women.

Joining our panel are 4 industry leading voices from the world of AI and Diversity:
Karen Blake: Co-author of the LoveLace Report and EDI thought leader
Zahra Shah: Award winning AI and Frontier Tech experta and Chair of the Women in AI working group
Birgit Neu: Industry leading DEI speaker & advisor
Jacqui Barker: International advisor, Podcast host and 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year

We’ll be talking about some of the harmful ways that AI could be impacting women and how now, more than ever, the lack of investment in diversity could be a major blocker in our ability to be successful with AI.

We’ll share insights on where and how AI could be impacting you personally, and offer advice and tips on how to use AI in a way that protects and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.

This event is supported by the UK AI – a UK trade association providing a voice for AI businesses into government policy & decision making, and advocating for safe, responsible AI for everyone.

Join our Salesforce for Beginners Masterclass to:

✅ Learn more about Salesforce – the #1 CRM

✅ Discover the six different flexible career roles

✅ Explore if it’s career that appeals to you

✅ Access our free 2hr Salesforce for Beginners Course

Join us for a very special conversation honouring the life and legacy of Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley, one of the UK’s most extraordinary technology pioneers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.

We will be joined by Lynn Hart, formerly Head of Communications for Dame Stephanie, who worked side by side with Dame Stephanie over many years, to share first-hand stories of what it was like to work with her, the values that drove her success, and the causes she championed — from founding one of the UK’s first all-women tech companies to establishing the autism research charity Autistica.

Together, we will reflect on why she became known as “Dame Steve,” the impact she had on women in technology, and the sayings and philosophies that continue to inspire generations. This intimate session will celebrate her remarkable contributions and the legacy she leaves behind.

Join us for an engaging event where we delve into the future of technology and its impact on the industry.

Martina will kick off with a brief introduction of our panellists Ekaterina & Jan, followed by a series of thought-provoking questions that explore the most significant emerging technologies, the evolving skills required in tech, and the AI tools available at Barclays. We’ll also discuss the role of AI in personal life, staying current with emerging technologies, and the common blockers in adopting GenAI tech. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and share your thoughts on these exciting topics!

Speakers

Jan Pašek works as a Tech Lead at a major FX trading platform, where he leads the Prague-based Forwards pricing team. He has a background in Applied Sciences, specialising in software engineering and natural language processing. During his academic years, he published two AI-focused research papers and began PhD studies in AI-driven source code generation before moving into industry.

Jan uses C++, Java and Python in his daily work, combining his academic experience in AI with practical development in financial technology. His transition from research to industry reflects a continued interest in applying AI to developing complex trading systems.

Ekaterina Znatkova has over 12 years of experience in the IT industry. She began her career as a Java developer and later transitioned into the role of AWS DevOps Lead, where she successfully bridged the gap between development and operations. Currently, she serves as the Data Controls Lead and is also an active member of the GenAI platform team, contributing to a range of innovative projects.

Martina Vladař is a Senior Business Analyst and People Manager at Barclays in Prague, where she leads a team of Business Analysts focused on the strategic risk generation platform. She is also the proud WIN ERG Co-Lead in Prague.

Join us for Women in Tech Week at Nomura as we discuss how to harness your profile for career success.

The event will open with a welcome from Aubrey Lomas, Group Corporate Technology CIO and NEHS Head of Technology and Data at Nomura.

We will then hear an inspiring keynote from Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE on “The Power of Profile”—a powerful exploration of visibility, influence, and personal brand in the tech industry.

We’ll close the event with an inspirational panel featuring senior leaders from Nomura, followed by an opportunity to connect, share insights, and grow your network.

The Power of Profile

Personal profile can be one of the most powerful elements in your business armoury, but you have to know what tools and techniques will help you build it and protect it in order to drive success. Culturally, many people are brought up not to “toot your own horn” or shout about your successes, but in today’s world if you don’t stand out, you’re likely to watch those with profile pass you by on their way to the top.

Throughout this interactive and practical session, Vanessa will share stories from her career about how she started in Banking in the City at 16, worked for nine different banks and rose to the C-suite. Vanessa will provide the top tips she’s picked up in corporates, as an entrepreneur and as a network leader and encourage your audience to become comfortable with raising their profile. This session works for both women and men at all levels of the organisation.

Keynote includes:

• How to stop feeling like an imposter – What is imposter syndrome, how it surfaces and how to keep it in check.
• How to focus on your personal brand and exhibit leadership behaviours to your peers.
• The importance of networking and building relationships for the future and why you must create your own people plan.
• Networking – Why networking is important and how to build authentic relationships.
• Speed networking and aha moments – A chance to break the ice and form relationships amongst guests.
• Optimising your digital footprint – what is your story online?
• Coach, Mentor, Sponsor – Who can help you drive your career and how to build your career army of advocates.
• The importance of giving back – Engaging in extracurricular activities to help others, enhance your skills and grow your network.

Vanessa will provide guidance on a wide array of profile-raising opportunities that are easy to implement straight away. Through this talk Vanessa helps individuals to take the next steps towards raising their profile and attracting opportunities to progress in their careers and help others too.

Join Women in Tech Dorset for an evening of networking, inspirational speakers and discussion. The event is open to all and will celebrate role models in the commuincation sector and wider tech.

The UK tech sector is one of the strongest in the world, and is vital for driving growth and jobs across the entire country. The Lovelace report highights how much work remains to leverage the considerable skills of women in Tech and retain this talent.

Developing the technical and professional skills of women in tech roles often requires innovative and inclusive approaches. Join us to explore how to significantly enhance the development of technical and professional skills for women in tech roles and foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

#WomenInTech #Women4IR #WiTD

A limited number of spaces are available for those aged 5 -12 to participate in a STEM Ambassador led activity during the event. Children under 4 are welcome to remain with parents for the event.

Women in Tech Dorset are committed to enabling all to participate in our events.

Whether you’re from a tech background or a complete newbie, if you want to learn how to build your first tech product using AI, then this is the session for you!

​Join Rafaela Azevedo, Founder & CEO of The Chaincademy, to learn how to use no-code tools, how to find the best tools and what to look out for, what to think about when building a product, and how to launch your product.

​We’ll be running a hands-on session to help you get the most out of AI tools, so bring a laptop and an open mind to get the most out of the evening!

​The Chaincademy is a female-founded platform bridging the skills gap for developers by providing personalised career roadmaps and mentorship. One of their service offerings is MVP development.

​Howard Kennedy LLP is a full-service law firm that provides straightforward legal advice to entrepreneurial businesses and individuals on domestic and international matters.

Please bring a laptop to this session.

Lauren Knight – Senior Account Manager, Vorboss
Kerry Travers – Channel Partner Manager, Dubber
Jane Nash – UK Senior Workplace, Wellbeing and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Cellnex UK

In this episode, we uncover a startling statistic: nearly 50% of women leave the tech industry by age 35. This time, Women in Telecoms is back to ask the big question: why?

With talent in short supply, retaining women isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a business imperative. So, what’s causing the dropout, and more importantly, what can be done to keep women in the industry and support their growth?

Join us as we continue the conversation with fresh insights, real experiences, and practical ideas for turning the tide and building careers that last.

‘Tech Leaders Connect: Digital Disruption’ is a one-day summit for senior technology executives to learn, collaborate, and gain strategic insight. It offers a trusted space to share experiences, tackle real challenges, and hear from peers shaping the future of technology.

Alongside world-class speakers and practical case studies, the summit features an Unconference, where participants set the agenda and co-create solutions. As women in technology, join a diverse community of leaders, expand your network, and leave with ideas you can put into action straight away.

Join us for an engaging chat with Vicky Sumner, Chief of Staff across GTIS & CTO, as she shares her personal journey in the tech industry. 

Vicky will discuss career progression, including the transition from operations to technology, and the role of networking and sponsorship in their success. She will also share insights on navigating maternity leave, work-life balance, and the challenges faced upon returning to work.

This session will provide valuable advice for those returning to tech after a career break and explore how leaders can support their teams in building confidence and momentum. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tips and inspiration from an industry leader.

Vicky Sumner:

Vicky is the Chief of Staff for Group Technology Infrastructure Services and the Chief Technology Office at Barclays, with over 19 years of leadership experience spanning Corporate, Business and Retail Banking.

Her dynamic leadership style has thrived in diverse environments from contact centres to remote setups where she has consistently driven colleague engagement and spearheaded transformative initiatives.

Vicky has led Business Banking contact centres to achieve prestigious accolades such as the Investors in People Platinum status and the UK Employer of the Year Award, showcasing her commitment to excellence and employee empowerment/

Complementing her extensive professional journey, Vicky has recently completed an MSc in Digital & Technology Solutions. This academic pursuit reflects her dedication to staying up to date of industry trends and leveraging innovative solutions to drive organisational success.

An inspiring in-person session created for female business owners to build self-belief, address imposter syndrome, and boost confidence. Participants will leave this session ready to embrace their entrepreneurial journey. Special Guest Mentor Becky Loto from Tides Business.

Building confidence for female founders with guest mentor Becky Loto.

Starting a business can be exciting, messy, and sometimes a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this brand-new workshop series designed just for female founders.

Whether you’re still shaping your big idea or already running your business, this session will help you:

• Build self-belief and quiet that inner critic

• Tackle imposter syndrome head-on

• Step forward with more confidence in your founder journey

• Understand your founder style and clarify what you want and need from your business

We’re thrilled to be joined by guest mentor Becky Loto, founder of Tides Business. Becky has launched a number of business over the years and is known for her straight-talking, energising approach to business mentoring. She’s passionate about helping women cut through the noise, trust themselves, and make bold moves in their business. Expect practical insights, uplifting conversation, and a big dose of encouragement.

Details:

• There will be two workshops within this event, with Becky Loto leading in the morning followed by TECwomen and TECgirls founder Caitlin Gould after lunch.

• This is a hands on workshop so bring your notebooks, a pen and an open mind.

• Welcome coffees and a delicious lunch is included, because great conversations often happen over food!

• As a non-profit organisation all profits from this event goes back to TECwomen CIC to help us run programmes across Cornwall for women and girls.

You’ll leave this workshop with new tools, fresh confidence, and a network of women cheering you on.

Book your place now and take the next step in your founder journey.

Join Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE in conversation with Jacky Wright, one of the world’s most influential technology leaders. With an extraordinary career spanning Microsoft, GE, BP, the UK Government, and McKinsey, Jacky has consistently led at the forefront of global business transformation.

In this inspiring discussion, Jacky will share the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey, her views on what truly inclusive leadership looks like, and how technology can serve as a powerful equaliser for society. From the evolution of cloud and mobile to the rise of generative AI, Jacky will also unpack the biggest opportunities and risks shaping our digital future.

Looking ahead, Jacky will reveal what’s next in her mission to drive innovation, impact, and social good — and offer invaluable advice for the next generation of women aspiring to lead at the intersection of technology and society.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first-hand from a trailblazer whose influence continues to transform both business and the world we live in.

Join us for an exclusive, in-person interactive learning session on how to build a responsible, effective AI technology strategy, hosted at the PRI Association, the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment.

In this short but insightful session, you’ll hear directly from PRI on how they are shaping their AI strategy to continue acting in the long-term interests of their 5,000+ signatories, the global financial markets, and ultimately, the environment and society. Learn how PRI is building it’s AI strategy with our mission and six core principles of Responsible investment, and our humans, at the heart.

Why Attend?
• Learn from PRI’s Strategy: Discover how a globally respected non-profit is approaching AI to amplify our impact, lead on collaborative initiatives and strengthen our regional presence
• Get Practical Insights: Alison will share how she is leading AI strategy development across her organisation, including lessons learned from implementing pilots, building a Salesforce roadmap and focusing on outcomes
• Explore Ethical AI: Understand the benefits, risks, and principles of responsible AI adoption in financial and tech ecosystems.
• Start Your Journey: Whether you’re just beginning or refining your AI roadmap, this session will help you align your tech strategy with your business values and societal responsibilities.

Alison is a senior technology leader, currently leading Web and CRM technology at the PRI. She is passionate about building ethical, scalable AI strategies and is emerging as a thought leader in the intersection of CRM, AI, and responsible tech. This session marks the beginning of her journey as a speaker and authority in the space.

Do you find yourself saying sorry all the time? Does your habit of apologising hold you back? Do you wish you could stop, and sound more confident and assertive instead?

When you repeatedly say “Sorry for interrupting,” or, “Sorry, this may be a stupid question” it’s often because you suffer from a lack of confidence and a noisy inner critic who’s saying ”You’re not good enough” or “You have to be perfect”.

Tara Rule is the number one best selling author of Stop Apologising and an ex Senior Director at Adobe with 20 years experience working in Tech. She is now the CEO & Founder of her own business and a qualified professional and positive psychology coach helping busy professionals to build rock solid confidence and helping leaders create engaged, empowered and energised teams.

She’ll be running this interactive and reflective session so you learn how to change what you say to others. And also, what you say to yourself.

You’ll leave with practical tools, so you feel more confident, silence your inner critic and stop saying sorry!

This thought-provoking session will explore the findings of the Lovelace Report and open up a fresh conversation on career progression, allyship, and inclusion across the tech sector.

We will begin with an overview of the Lovelace Report delivered by Karen Blake, Senior Executive – Strategy, Change & Engagement, highlighting the £2–3.5 billion annual cost of losing women from tech and the systemic barriers still faced across the industry.

A dynamic panel of leaders — both men and women — will then debate the findings, flipping the script to discuss not only women’s progression but also the challenges and stereotypes facing men, the role of allyship, and the shared responsibility of building inclusive workplaces where all talent can thrive.

The conversation will then open up into interactive table discussions, giving attendees the opportunity to share perspectives, reflect on their own organisational practices, and explore practical actions they can take to drive change.

This is an opportunity to engage with research, learn from diverse voices, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.

🚀 Your tech career deserves more than just hard work, it deserves a strategy!

​​​The tech industry is full of opportunity, but too many talented women get stuck at the starting line, or stalled mid-career, without a clear roadmap forward.

​​This Women in Tech Week, join us for an exclusive online Masterclass designed to give you the roadmap you’ve been waiting for:

“8-Steps To Building a Successful Career in Tech.”

​​✨ Join Cajigo CEO, Rav Bumbra, for a power hour, to help you gain clarity and craft a winning strategy, that builds a thriving career in tech.

​​What you’ll take away:

​​✅ A clear framework that works at any stage
✅ Skills and personal branding strategies that make you stand out
✅ Insider tips to uncover hidden opportunities and promotions
✅ Proven methods for networking, mentorship and sponsorship
✅ Confidence to ace interviews and negotiate offers
✅  Tools to future-proof your career for long-term success

​​📊 Why it matters:
Women who invest in professional development are

​​3.5x more likely to advance and can earn up to 30% more across their careers (McKinsey & LeanIn, 2023).

​​Who should attend?

​​Women in tech at every stage—breaking in, leveling up, or stepping into leadership.

​​Join hundreds of women committed to standing out, speaking up, and shaping the future of tech.

​​✨ This isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about designing the career you deserve.

Join Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, CEO and Founder of WeAreTechWomen, and Victoria Cleverley, Chief Operating Officer of NatWest Digital X, along with special guests, for an inspiring evening of conversation and networking.

Together, we’ll explore the progress made, the gaps that remain, and the actions needed to retain and advance the careers of women in technology highlighted in the Ada Lovelace Report.

Come join us at Together for an exciting event focused on empowering women and opening doors into the tech industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, just starting out, or want to pivot into Tech, this event is for you! We will aim to break down the myths and barriers that exist for women entering a career in tech.

We will open with a Keynote from guest speaker Chelsea Slater, Co-founder and CEO of InnovateHer and will then branch out to networking and learning more about the individual skills and roles that exist within our Financial Services Tech department. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and learn more about how women can have a positive impact on the tech industry.

Let’s break barriers and pave the way for more women in tech Together!

Chelsea Slater

Chelsea has dedicated her career to driving gender equality in the tech sector. Her own experiences of inequality in previous roles inspired her to co-found InnovateHer, a social enterprise on a mission to get girls ready for the tech industry and the industry ready for girls.

With her team, Chelsea is shaping InnovateHer into a global force for change, collaborating with renowned organisations to empower millions of young people with the skills, confidence and self-belief to build a more diverse, inclusive tech industry. 

Alongside InnovateHer, Chelsea supports organisations as a consultant and non-exec director, advising on digital strategy, Inclusion, Social Enterprise, Digital Marketing, Brand and Business operations. She works with purpose-led businesses to drive meaningful change, ensuring inclusion and innovation sit at the heart of their work.

To celebrate Women in Tech week of the 13th to 17th October, we’ll be discussing the future of cyber security and how women will play a role in it!

We’ll be discussing quantum and AI with a great lineup of speakers from both academic and industry backgrounds.

With time to network and a panel discussion with a Q&A session, it’s going to be a great night!

As digital entrepreneurs, we build amazing tech, slick funnels, and seamless e-commerce experiences. But in the rush for automation and scale, are we losing the competitive edge that truly matters which is human connection?

The lost art of communication—the focused listening, the authentic reply, the moment of genuine empathy, is where loyalty is built and it is important that is retained and preserved as a part of the customer experience.

​Your DMs, your customer service chats, your thank-you emails, your phone calls aren’t just transactions; they are opportunities to show the beating heart behind your brand.

​This conversation focuses on prioritizing being present and making our digital interactions feel personal. Authenticity is the new algorithm.

Natalie Strange – Co Chair
Victoria Edwards – Key Account Manager, RPS Telecom
Rachel Keates – Operations Director, XoomTalk
Anne-Marie Mackay – Director, FlexiNet Ltd

Today, only about 20% of UK tech workers are women. Think you know why women leave tech? Think again.

Featuring exclusive insights from the groundbreaking Lovelace Report, co-authored by WeAreTechWomen and Deborah O’Neill from Oliver Wyman, this session offers insightful case studies and practical tactics to turn challenges into opportunities. Learn why these issues are not just HR concerns, they’re strategic business imperatives that can transform your organisation. We will dive into the “middle woman syndrome” and discover game-changing strategies to unlock the full potential of women at every stage of their careers.

We will explore how to craft a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) for women, master performance management for recognition, and achieve pay equity and transparency – all with innovative, non-costly solutions that deliver real impact.

Join fellow decision-makers – CPOs, CHROs, and workforce leaders and walk away with actionable insights and real-world examples to create inclusive, equitable career pathways. Don’t miss your chance to lead the change and create a more diverse future!

Start your day by joining IT’s Her Future – Women, AI and the Next  Era of Tech, our flagship celebration event coming live from the KPMG Broadcast Studio. 

For this event, we are partnering with WeAreTechWomen, who are also celebrating Women in Tech Week. As such, we are delighted to be joined by Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE – CEO & Founder of WeAreTechWomen who will share insights from her involvement in the publication of the ground-breaking Lovelace Report which came out this summer, exploring the role of women in tech today. 2025 Lovelace Report

This reflective and practical session is designed for:
• Leaders who coach as part of their role
• Internal and organisational coaches
• People managers supporting women in tech

Grounded in the Lovelace Report insights, we’ll explore:
• Why experienced women are leaving tech, and the emotional labour leaders are quietly carrying
• The invisible load of coaching others without structured support
• How coaching supervision and reflective practice can help leaders sustain themselves and others
• Practical tools for embedding inclusive, coaching-led cultures that improve progression, retention, and wellbeing

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join us for an exclusive event focused on the power of visibility.

We’ll have an interactive coaching session on how to build your personal brand, a powerful panel with senior female tech experts from TMG, and plenty of time for networking. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be seen!

Join us for an inspiring conversation hosted by Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE with Professor Sue Black OBE, leading computer scientist, technology evangelist, and advisor to the UK Government. From her pioneering academic career to her legendary campaign to save Bletchley Park, Sue has demonstrated how leadership, vision, and persistence can drive lasting change.

Together, they’ll explore Sue’s journey, the qualities of impactful leadership, and the opportunities and challenges posed by AI and emerging technologies. Sue will also share her bold predictions for the future of UK tech and offer practical advice for those ready to turn ambition into action.

A must-watch for anyone interested in how visionary leadership is shaping the future of technology.

Professor Sue Black OBE is a leading academic, campaigner, and advisor to the UK Government.

Black is a Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist at Durham University with more than 40 publications behind her as well as a PhD in software engineering.

Her academic career has seen her hold leadership posts at London South Bank University, University of Westminster and University College London.

A champion for women in computing, Black founded BCSWomen, the UK’s first online network for women in tech, and #techmums, a social enterprise which empowers mums and their families through technology. The activist is also widely known for her successful campaign to save Bletchley Park, the wartime campus where more than 5,000 women served as codebreakers.

A figurehead on numerous boards, Black has been a Comic Relief Trustee and a mentor at Google Campus for Mums, a L’Oréal UNESCO prize judge, an expert evaluator for the European Commission and a Nesta Crucible fellow.

Black was awarded an OBE for “services to technology” in 2016.

Black is a self-confessed social media-holic. She is a mum of four and a grandmother of six.

AI has leapt from labs into our children’s classrooms, apps & daily lives, faster than guidance can keep up. For working parents and carers, navigating this shift while managing careers in even when we are in tech can feel overwhelming.

This interactive session translates Responsible AI principles into practical, age-appropriate routines you can implement tonight. We’ll cover what to allow, what to supervise and what to avoid across different age bands from primary school through teens.

You’ll leave with:

• Age-banded guidelines on AI tools to use or avoid (ChatGPT, Gemini , Notebook LM , Character AI, homework assistants etc )
• Critical thinking frameworks to turn “instant answers” into learning moments
• Verification habits kids can use: check sources, cite properly, reflect on outputs
• Conversation scripts for tricky situations: homework boundaries, plagiarism concerns, AI companionship apps
• Questions to ask schools about their AI policies & safeguarding
• A family AI agreement template you can customise and use immediately

Designed for parents, carers, educators and parents balancing careers, wellbeing & digital family life. We’ll end with Q&A and share downloadable resources you can use at home and share with schools.
The trust gap: I’m an independent educator & consultant , a mother to a tween & a teen and not affiliated with any platform so the guidance is evidence based, practical & focused on what actually works or doesn’t for families.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling dismissed, talked over, or simply not heard—and couldn’t quite put your finger on why?

Welcome to The Invisible Power Game – a subtle, unconscious status exchange that happens in the first 30 seconds of any interaction. It determines who wields too little / too much power, how respect is given, and ultimately, who gets to lead.

In this powerful, 1 hour, interactive, LinkedIn session, you’ll uncover:

• The unconscious cues—body language, tone, and word choices—that signal dominance or submission.
• How to recognize when you’re slipping into the Predator or Prey role—and the impacts on your credibility and relationships.
• A proven path to the Partner role—where mutual respect, influence, and confidence thrive.

Whether you find yourself dealing with strong personalities or wonder if you are perceived as too direct, this workshop gives you the tools to rewire power dynamics with intention.

All attendees will receive a complimentary e-copy of Amy’s book, The Ego Tango—featuring 7 actionable Partner Mindset Techniques to help you communicate with clarity, calm, and confidence.

Ideal for women who are ready to maximize the career potential, lead with mutual respect, handle tough conversations with greater ease, build stronger professional relationships – and eliminate the invisible power game.

Hosted by Amy Carroll, a communication coach specialising in leadership, power, status and positive influence. Amy’s keynotes and programs are high energy, interactive and instantly applicable. As an expert, Amy upgrades the way people interact. They discover how to communicate mutual respect, manage themselves under pressure and control knee jerk reactions!  Her understanding of the human psyche is extensive. With 30+ years of experience, Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, is a Professional Coach, Master Practitioner of NLP and author of The Ego Tango, How to Get More of What You Want More Often with Less Hassle. Working cross culturally, around the globe and online, Amy has discovered the universality of this approach. The result has been transformational for many.  Amy’s Partner mindset techniques and improvisational theatre philosophy, “Make your partner look good” are life changing. She offers a collection of valuable resources with her videos, newsletters, blogs, webinars & podcasts.
www.carrollcoaching.com

Amy’s clients include: ABB, Alcon, Amgen, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Baltic Management Institute, Baxter, Baxalta, Dow, Dupont, Duracell, Eaton, Edwards School of Business, Ernst & Young, European Stability Mechanism, Ferring, Fédération Equestre Internationale, Google, Grunethal, HEC Lausanne, Hewlett Packard, IMD, iOnctura, Merck Serono, Medtronic, Microsoft, Medicines For Malaria, Nestlé, Nespresso, Novartis, Parker, P&G, Purina, Saatchi & Saatchi, Scandagra, Shell, Shire, Swiss Post, Takeda, TomTom, UBS, United Nations, Varian and World Economic Forum and Zurich Insurance.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Anne Beauchamp, Operational Excellence lead for Operations & Technology at Colt Technology Services, as she shares her 25-year journey in technology and leadership. Anne discusses the qualities and skills that drive effective leadership, how to tackle complex challenges, and what it takes to lead high-performing teams.

She also explores the emerging trends shaping the future of technology and where opportunities for innovation lie, offering practical insights for professionals looking to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry. This session is a must-watch for anyone aspiring to lead and innovate in tech.

Anne Beauchamp works as the Operational Excellence lead for Operations & Technology at Colt Technology Services. Anne has worked in the Telecoms sector for 25 years working in various roles across O&E from Network planning, Service Delivery and Operations. Anne has a passion for delivering transformation and process improvement by simplifying complex problems, leveraging her strong analytical and communication skills to collaborate with teams and drive impactful change. Anne lives in Reading in the UK with her husband and 2 children and enjoys watching live football and swimming in her spare time.

In today’s digital-first world, your LinkedIn profile is more than a virtual CV — it’s your personal landing page, your professional portfolio, and your gateway to opportunity.

With over 1 billion users, LinkedIn is the #1 platform for hiring professionals, and over 97% of recruiters use it to source top tech talent. Whether you’re a developer, data scientist, engineer, or tech leader, a strong LinkedIn presence is essential to stand out in a competitive market.

This one-hour masterclass is designed specifically for Women in Tech who want to elevate their LinkedIn brand with a strategic, authentic, and tech-savvy approach. You’ll learn how to build a profile that reflects your unique value, showcases your technical expertise, and leverages LinkedIn’s algorithms to boost visibility and engagement, whether you are seeking a new role or wishing to maximise visibility within your organisation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Optimise your LinkedIn profile to highlight your tech skills, projects, and achievements
• Understand LinkedIn’s algorithm and how to work with it to increase reach and discoverability
• Craft a compelling online brand that aligns with your career goals in tech
• Engage with the tech community to build influence and open doors to new opportunities

Whether you’re actively job hunting, aiming for a promotion, or simply want to future-proof your career, this session will empower you to take control of your digital presence.

About the Speaker:

Victoria McLean, CEO of City CV, is a career industry expert who has helped over 30,000 professionals secure their dream roles. With deep insights into recruitment and personal branding, Victoria brings a strategic lens to LinkedIn that’s especially relevant for tech professionals navigating a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion where Barclays’ Global Women in Tech network leadership share their personal experiences and strategies for increasing visibility within their careers.

Our panellists will discuss overcoming challenges, the role of mentorship and sponsorship, the impact of networking, and how visibility influences leadership. They will also offer advice for emerging professionals and explore future trends in career visibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical tips from industry leaders.

About our speakers

Hena Naranbhai is an accomplished Finance Transformation Specialist and Technology Leader with an extensive background in the financial services and banking sectors. Currently serving as Programme Manager as part of Group Functions & Enterprise Data Technology team at Barclays, Hena has led numerous transformational programmes, including the delivery of Big Data solutions, General Ledger migration, and Target Operating Model designs.

Hena is a qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience traversing between technology and finance. She is a former Rising Star winner and has been shortlisted for multiple awards in technology and leadership. Hena is also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, having championed various initiatives and volunteered her time to support social enterprises, charities, and serve as a School Governor.

In addition to her professional achievements, Hena is a member of the Women in Technology (WiT) team. She has led various initiatives and is dedicated to empowering women of all levels and backgrounds to achieve their career aspirations in technology.

Faith Jamieson has worked in a variety of Banking Technology roles for the past 30 years, 16 at NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland, and 14 at Barclays.

She started her career as a mainframe COBOL/DB2 developer and worked her way around a multitude of technology roles within Retail, Transaction Banking, Risk, Finance, Digital Channels, and Corporate.

Currently working as the Programme Director for an Engineering Automation Programme focusing on how we make the software delivery lifecycle more efficient. She’s also the Chair of the award-winning Barclays Women in Technology EMEA network, and a keen supporter of all Inclusion & Opportunity networks.

Aiswariya Ramakrishnan is the Head of Transformation, Delivery, and Controls for Corporate Banking Technology across APAC and the Middle East. She is an accomplished technology leader in the banking sector, with expertise in overseeing large-scale transformations and delivering end-to-end technology solutions for clients including distributed systems and data platforms. She has led the modernization of legacy banking applications to cloud-native architectures using microservices, APIs, and event-driven approaches. Her work spans a broad technology stack, with a strong focus on DevOps pipelines, CI/CD automation, and test automation frameworks. She brings extensive experience delivering in an agile operating model and has led her teams to deliver complex solutions along with client centric innovation.

Prior to joining Barclays, Aish has held several key roles in Bank of New York (BNY) and Goldman Sachs (GS), along with experience in technology consulting.

She is an active supporter and leader of various DE&I initiatives. She currently serves as a committee member for Women in Tech Singapore. Beyond her professional role, she has championed her efforts to deliver free, accessible education in data, AI, and technology literacy to children and women, promoting inclusion. Over the past five years, her volunteer work has reached more than 1,500 women globally. She is passionate about coaching and developing future data professionals and engineers, having mentored over 120 students in Singapore schools and universities to pursue STEM careers.

Her contributions have earned notable recognitions: in 2024, she was named one of the Top 50 Asia Women Tech Leaders and, most recently, she was honored as one of ‘Singapore 100 Women in Tech’.

Vermeen Kapoor joined Barclays in 2013. She has 20+ years of experience, predominantly in the Financial Services & IT industry; and has led various technology initiatives, from regulatory compliance, infrastructure transformations to enhancing retail banking customer experiences. She wears multiple hats and is currently:

CIO & Portfolio Lead – Impairments

Portfolio Lead – Stress Testing

BUK CFO Tech Partner

Head of India Engineering – Group Finance, Consumer Credit Risk Technology, & Models CoE (RFT)

She is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving as the co-chair for Win APAC ERG and participate in numerous Inclusion & Opportunity (I&O) initiatives, co-leading the Building Leadership Pipeline (BLP) for India, an essential part of the BX COO I&O Programme aimed at fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing. Additionally, she is the accountable executive for I&O within the Fostering Strong & Engaged Teams initiative in GFED Tech and is dedicated to advancing Women in Technology through WiT initiatives.

Thinking about a future in tech? Whether you’re a student, a recent grad, or just getting started in your career, come along to Halo House for an afternoon of honest conversations, fresh ideas, and meeting new people – as part of Women in Tech week!

Halo, the UK’s second most valuable software company and the world’s most unconventional workplace, is rewriting the rulebook. By challenging Silicon Valley norms, we’re redefining what it means to build great software – and great teams.

This event, hosted by Halo, is designed to support and empower women who are starting out in the tech world. Expect open discussions, personal stories from the women of Halo, practical advice, and a community that’s ready to champion you.

We’ll also be joined by Sheridan Ash MBE, as our keynote speaker. Named Most Influential Woman in UK Tech 2024 by Computer Weekly, Sheridan is the founder of Tech She Can and a leading voice in tech, diversity, and digital skills. With a background at PwC and across government and industry, she brings sharp insight into how tech can drive meaningful change.

What to expect:

• Opening remarks from Paul Hamilton, CEO of Halo
• Keynote & Q&A with Sheridan Ash MBE, trailblazer and advocate for women in STEM
• Panel discussion led by Rosa Gaffney and four women from Team Halo, exploring real experiences and challenges across the tech industry, including:
• Navigating your career path, with or without a technical background
• Asking for what you need and knowing your worth
• Challenging “niceness” culture and giving better feedback
• Why representation alone isn’t enough – we need to rethink the room

There’ll be time to network with the Halo team, ask questions, and meet others navigating similar paths. Refreshments and an informal dinner will be served.

For women in tech – learn to advocate confidently without being labelled “aggressive” or “difficult.”

Walk out with scripts for:
– Speaking up so they actually listen
– Getting buy-in for your idea
– Stopping interruptions politely
– Disagreeing without backlash
– Saying no while building respect

What you get:
– Word-for-word scripts that work
– Live practice with real scenarios
– Confidence to use them
– Cheat sheet PDF

“I used the framework to guide my response. It was a huge win – I got my point across and won my argument!” Radka G, Product Marketing (Eng org), FTSE 100 group

Speaker:
Christina Brugger, CEng MIET
Top 50 Women in Engineering in UK 2025
Founder of Keys to Impact, a training academy to help women in STEM build confidence, influence and career success

Join Stemettes for the launch of our latest trifold report, showcasing the power and influence of STEAM.

Building on our recent white paper, which called for increased and equitable representation of role models across the STEM curriculum, we are convening powerhouses and trailblazers from across the STEAM landscape to explore the interconnectedness of the STEAM disciplines and emphasise the vital role of the ‘A’.

Discover how we’re building a more inclusive STEAM landscape where everyone can see themselves as the innovators, leaders and change makers of tomorrow.

What to expect:

• Hear from Stemettes and industry experts on their views of how to emphasise the ‘A’ in STEAM
• Explore an interactive STEAM exhibition showcasing activities Stemettes deliver to young people
• The opportunity to network with the Stemettes team and others in the STEAM industry
• Light refreshments

Join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate the achievements, growth, and impact of the TECgirls programme.

This celebration event brings together our friends, champions, partners, and supporters to recognise the incredible progress made in empowering girls across Cornwall in technology, engineering, and creativity. We will also be launching our TECgirls Attitudes Report and exploring the blockers that still prevent girls from taking part in TEC education and career pathways.

Join us for an Interactive Leadership Event designed for Executive Leaders, focused on bringing the Lovelace Report 2025 to life.

The report offers a clear blueprint for change and this session will create the space to explore those recommendations in practice, through open discussion and peer insights. Expect a focused, high-level conversation on how we can collectively empower more women in tech to stay, progress and lead – with meaningful takeaways to transform your own strategy.

Event Overview:

The public sector faces increasing pressure to capitalise on emerging technologies and address the widening digital skills gap. This Women in Tech Week event delves into how AI can drive rapid advancement—reshaping work, streamlining upskilling, and opening new pathways for women in technology roles across government.

The session will be introduced by Hacer Evans, Managing Director at Accenture, who will share Accenture’s insights into the transformative speed and reach of AI, including how it is being used to reskill and empower their workforce at an unprecedented pace.

Following this, a keynote address from a Guest Speaker from Government will articulate what Skills Growth signifies in the evolving UK landscape, highlighting the urgency and scale at which AI can amplify workforce development.

Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, CEO & Founder of WeAreTechWomen, will then present key findings from the newly released Lovelace Report, quantifying the £2–3.5 billion annual cost of losing women from the tech pipeline. Vanessa will underscore why this is a decisive moment to focus on accelerated reskilling, progression, and retention—and how AI is acting as a catalyst to speed up these crucial changes for women working in tech.

A panel discussion featuring senior leaders, Rajni Gill, Interim Deputy Director for AI and Innovation Strategy, DWP Digital, Julie Bromley, People and Capability Director General, DWP and Amanda Reynolds, Accenture will be facilitated by Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE. The conversation will explore:

• How AI is rapidly transforming upskilling and professional development opportunities
• What actions are needed to build a robust and future-ready public sector reskilling agenda
• Ways to ensure there are strong opportunities to lead and shape the AI-driven transformation of the sector

The event will close with open networking, offering attendees the chance to connect with peers, share insights, and spark collaborations that could accelerate the future of public sector technology.

We look forward to seeing you there!

#BrilliantTogether – How ambitious women can thrive without running on empty

In a world where women are expected to do it all—lead, care, achieve, and adapt—this energising panel event offers a powerful pause. Being Brilliant, Not Burnt Out is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and self-leadership, designed to help women navigate the invisible pressures of modern life with clarity, confidence, and care.

Join us for a dynamic conversation that brings together expert voices from sport, science, tech, and coaching to explore the realities of burnout and how to stay brilliant through it all.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

International Professional Rugby League Player – Sharing her journey of peak performance, mental health whilst playing an elite sport.

Women’s Health Specialist (Dr.) – Unpacking how hormonal shifts impact energy, cognition, and resilience, and what we can do to support our bodies.

Global CTO, who will explore leading through change.

Executive Coach – Exploring confidence, imposter syndrome, and mindset mastery.

Host – A senior tech leader, single mum, and ADHD advocate, guiding the conversation with lived experience and warmth.

💬 What We’ll Explore:

• The confidence dip that hits mid-career, and how to rebuild it
• Why burnout is more than workload, and how to spot the early signs
• How workplaces can better support women through life’s transitions
• The gender pay-gap and the dependencies and responsibilities for women
• The power of community, boundaries, and self-leadership
• Practical strategies for energy management, mental health, and career sustainability

🧠 Format:

A moderated panel with real stories, expert insights, and actionable advice—plus time for audience Q&A and reflection.

Whether you’re early in your career, navigating leadership, or balancing caregiving, this event is for every woman who’s ever felt stretched too thin—and is ready to reclaim her brilliance.

Visibility is crucial for advancing women in tech, not only for individual careers but for the health of the entire industry.

The 2025 Lovelace Report reveals that between 40,000 and 60,000 women leave UK tech roles annually, costing the sector £2–3.5 billion each year in lost talent and innovation. This attrition is driven by systemic issues such as lack of career progression, recognition, pay equity, and toxic cultures—not caregiving responsibilities as often assumed.

This event explores why visibility matters to break these barriers: it fosters role models, drives cultural change, and opens doors to leadership. We will share practical strategies for women to raise their profiles through networking, mentoring, storytelling, and seeking active allyship.

When we amplify our voices together, we don’t just empower individuals—we help retain talent, close the progression gap, and build a stronger, fairer, and more competitive UK tech sector for the future.

Burnout isn’t just about working too hard, it’s about the hidden drains on our energy and the systems that make it hard to rest, reset, and thrive.

In this 90-minute workshop, we’ll look beneath the surface at the root causes of burnout for women in tech, and give you practical, everyday tools to manage your energy so you can feel empowered, focused, and supported holistically across all areas of your life.

You’ll walk away with:

– A clear understanding of what burnout really is (and isn’t).

– Insight into the hidden (not often talked about) root causes that impact women in tech.

– A chance to pause, ground, and integrate as you experience a guided exercise combining breathwork and tapping (EFT).

– Simple strategies to manage your energy and build good feeling resilience every day.

This isn’t about pushing through. It’s about learning to work with your energy so you can show up fully, with resilience, and on your own terms.