E-guide
ComputerWeekly’s 50 Most Influential Women in IT 2018
ComputerWeekly’s 50 most influential women in IT 2018
In this e-guide In this e-guide:
Computer Weekly announces Each year Computer Weekly showcases 50 of the most the Most Influential Women in influential women in UK technology as part of its ongoing UK IT 2018 mission to make industry role models more visible and accessible. Alongside this list of women, Computer Weekly Creativity and tech ‘two sides runs an annual event, in partnership with Mortimer Spinks, of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, which aims to discuss diversity in the technology industry: why Amali de Alwis is it important, how to work towards attracting diverse candidates and how we can retain them. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars This year’s event focused on the importance of inclusion in attracting and retaining diverse talent. When people feel they Most Influential Women in UK can be themselves at work they are more likely to stay, and the IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame company can benefit from their individuality to better reflect the customers they are serving. In this e-guide we showcase some Why we need to focus on of the industry role models who break the stereotypical IT mold, inclusivity as well as diversity and share opinions on what we can do to make the industry in the tech industry more diverse and inclusive.
Clare McDonald, business editor
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In this e-guide Computer Weekly announces the Most Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in Influential Women in UK IT 2018 UK IT 2018 Clare McDonald, business editor
Creativity and tech ‘two sides Computer Weekly has announced the Most Influential Woman in UK IT 2018, of same coin’, says 2018 and is showcasing 50 of the top women in the UK’s technology industry. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Computer Weekly’s annual list of the UK’s great women in tech, which is now in its seventh year, was introduced in 2012 to create a visible list of role models in Most Influential Women in UK the technology industry. IT 2018: Rising Stars The list originally comprised 25 women, before being extended to include 50
Most Influential Women in UK women in 2015, and for the second year in a row, Computer Weekly published IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall the longlist of nominees to showcase how many influential women there are in of Fame the technology industry.
This year, Amali de Alwis received the accolade of Most Influential Woman in Why we need to focus on UK Tech 2018, due to her work as CEO of not-for-profit Code First: Girls, which inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry currently teaches more women in the UK to code than the UK’s university system, as well as her efforts as part of the steering group of the Tech Talent Charter.
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The 50 women on this list, as well as Computer Weekly’s 2018 Rising Stars, In this e-guide Hall of Fame members and attendees of Computer Weekly and Mortimer Spinks’ annual diversity event, serve as role models for others both in and Computer Weekly announces outside of the technology industry. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 1. Amali de Alwis, CEO, Code First: Girls
This year’s winner, Amali de Alwis, is the CEO for coding education initiative Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Code First: Girls, which teaches women of all backgrounds how to code. De Most Influential Woman in IT, Alwis also acts as a CommonwealthFirst mentor for the Commonwealth Amali de Alwis Enterprise and Investment Council, providing mentorship and encouragement to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Most Influential Women in UK Working to align education, skills and employment, De Alwis is also on the IT 2018: Rising Stars membership committee for working women’s club AllBright, and acts as a mentor for many startups. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall 2. Sarah Wilkinson, CEO, NHS Digital of Fame In 2017, Sarah Wilkinson was appointed the new CEO of NHS Digital. Prior to Why we need to focus on this, Wilkinson was the chief technology officer (CTO) at the Home Office, inclusivity as well as diversity where she led many of the most critical IT systems supporting UK borders and in the tech industry policing.
Previously, Wilkinson was managing director and head of corporate systems technology at Credit Suisse for over two years, having previously worked at
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HSBC, UBS and Deutsche Bank in various senior IT roles. She also acts as a In this e-guide non-executive director for both NatWest Markets and King’s College London.
Computer Weekly announces 3. Debbie Forster, CEO, Tech Talent Charter the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Debbie Forster is CEO of government-backed initiative Tech Talent Charter which aims to boost diversity and address gender imbalance in technology roles. She is also director at consultancy Novel Design, and director for Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 international development at the National Consortium of Secondary Stem Most Influential Woman in IT, Schools (NCSSS). Amali de Alwis During her time as co-CEO at Apps for Good, Forster inspired hundreds of students, teachers, industry experts and sponsors to engage with the Most Influential Women in UK organisation. As well as scaling at an impressive rate under Forster’s IT 2018: Rising Stars leadership, Apps for Good is working hard to tackle diversity in Stem education. The course has achieved and maintained a gender balance of close to 50/50. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Over 50% of apps which have won at the organisation’s annual awards have of Fame been developed by all-girl or mixed teams. Forster recently received an MBE for digital innovation, and was named WISE woman of the year in 2016. She has Why we need to focus on regularly featured in Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK IT list. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry 4. Elizabeth Denham, information commissioner, ICO
As information commissioner for the UK, Elizabeth Denham is responsible for ensuring information rights are in the public interest and leads the office dealing
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with the Data Protection Act 2018 – the UK’s implementation of the EU’s In this e-guide General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Computer Weekly announces Prior to becoming information commissioner, Denham was the information and the Most Influential Women in privacy commissioner for British Columbia, responsible for compliance with UK IT 2018 public and private sector privacy legislation and access to information law.
5. Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO, Stemettes Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Anne-Marie Imafidon founded volunteer organisation Stemettes to inspire the Most Influential Woman in IT, next generation of women into science, technology, engineering and Amali de Alwis mathematics (Stem) via a series of panel events, hackathons and through the media. She is also a board member at Inspirational You, a fellow of the Royal Most Influential Women in UK Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) and IT 2018: Rising Stars a Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) digital skills partnership board member. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall She won the FDM Everywoman Rising Star of the Year award in 2014 and has of Fame featured in Computer Weekly’s list of the Most Influential Women in UK IT after being marked as a Rising Star in previous years. Prior to Stemettes, Imafidon Why we need to focus on started her career in IT as a business analyst intern and web designer before inclusivity as well as diversity becoming an enterprise collaboration strategist at Deutsche Bank. in the tech industry
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6. Alice Bentinck, co-founder, Entrepreneur First In this e-guide Alice Bentinck is the co-founder of Entrepreneur First, a firm focused on Computer Weekly announces supporting technology startups from around Europe. As part of the Entrepreneur the Most Influential Women in First initiative, Bentinck also co-founded Code First: Girls, an organisation which UK IT 2018 provides part-time coding courses across university campuses.
Bentinck was on the advisory board of Founders4Schools for two years, and is Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 on the computer science department industrial liaison board for Imperial College Most Influential Woman in IT, London. Amali de Alwis 7. Jeni Tennison, CEO, The Open Data Institute
Most Influential Women in UK Jeni Tennison is CEO of not-for-profit The Open Data Institute, and was IT 2018: Rising Stars awarded an OBE for services to technology and open data in 2014. Previously, Tennison was technical architect and lead developer for Legislation.gov.uk and Most Influential Women in UK acts as executive director for Open Addresses UK. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame Until 2015, Tennison was a member of the Open Data User Group, an independent ministerial advisory group for the Cabinet Office. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity 8. Carrie Anne Philbin, director of education, Raspberry Pi Foundation in the tech industry Named as one of Computer Weekly’s 2016 women in tech Rising Stars, Carrie Anne Philbin leads strategy, continuing professional development (CPD)
programmes and learning resources at the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
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Philbin has worked to advance technology education in schools, acting as a In this e-guide board member for the Python Software Foundation and Computing At School (CAS) and chair of CAS #include to make computer science education Computer Weekly announces accessible to all. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Philbin is also a YouTuber, writer and secondary computing and ICT teacher, and creates a number of online resources for teenagers to help them get started Creativity and tech ‘two sides with Raspberry Pi technology. She has a YouTube series dedicated to making of same coin’, says 2018 role models within the IT industry more visible to teenage girls. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis 9. Anne Marie Neatham, COO, Ocado Technology
Anne Marie Neatham began her career as a software engineer in software and Most Influential Women in UK retail firms around the world. After joining Ocado as a software engineer in IT 2018: Rising Stars 2001, Neatham worked to become the head of Ocado Technology in Poland in 2012 where she set up the firm’s Polish arm from scratch. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall In 2014, Neatham became the chief operating officer of Ocado Technology, of Fame where she looks after infrastructure and operations for the UK and Poland. Neatham believes that to get young girls into technology careers Why we need to focus on the encouragement needs to start early in the education system. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry
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10. Jacky Wright, chief digital and information officer, HM Revenue & In this e-guide Customs
Computer Weekly announces Jacky Wright joined HMRC in October 2017, where she leads the department’s the Most Influential Women in digital transformation programme – one of the biggest in the public sector in UK IT 2018 Europe. Wright joined the department following several years at Microsoft, where she served as corporate vice-president. Creativity and tech ‘two sides Previously, she was a CIO at BP for three years, and a CIO at GE for eight of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, years. She is also an advocate for women in technology. Amali de Alwis 11. Anne Boden, CEO, Starling Bank
Most Influential Women in UK As well as being the CEO of digital challenger bank Starling, Anne Boden is a IT 2018: Rising Stars member of its board of directors and founded Starling in 2014 to build an organisation focused on providing the best customer experience possible. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Prior to that, Boden was COO for Allied Irish Bank, and has also previously of Fame headed up EMEA global transaction services for RBS.
12. Emma McGuigan, group technology officer, communications, Why we need to focus on media and technology, Accenture inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Emma McGuigan is the group technology officer responsible for communications, media and technology for Accenture. Until March 2017, McGuigan ran Accenture’s UK and Ireland technology business, which includes
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consulting and outsourcing for 70% of Accenture’s UK business. She joined In this e-guide Accenture in 1994 after graduating with a master’s degree in electronics from the University of Edinburgh. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in McGuigan leads Accenture’s work with Stemettes, a charity dedicated to UK IT 2018 increasing the number of women in Stem careers. In 2012, she was the technology category winner of Women in the City’s Woman of Achievement Creativity and tech ‘two sides Awards and in 2013 was made a fellow of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. of same coin’, says 2018 McGuigan is an advisory board member of Digital Leaders and is the treasurer Most Influential Woman in IT, of the Orchid Project. Amali de Alwis 13. Sarah Luxford, director, Global Resourcing; co-founder, TLA Most Influential Women in UK Women in Tech IT 2018: Rising Stars Sarah Luxford is the co-lead of Tech London Advocates’ Women in Tech group and was co-founder of Croydon Tech City, the second fastest-growing tech Most Influential Women in UK cluster in the capital, in charge of developing new relationships with investors, IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame tech companies and potential stakeholders. She is now the director at recruitment company Global Resourcing.
Why we need to focus on Previously, in her role of director at Nexec Leaders, Luxford worked with inclusivity as well as diversity founders, investors and business leaders to find the talent they need. Luxford in the tech industry was noted as one of Computer Weekly’s 2015 Rising Stars.
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14. Tabitha Goldstaub, co-founder, CognitionX; chair of government’s In this e-guide AI Council
Computer Weekly announces Tabitha Goldstaub is an expert in the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) has the Most Influential Women in on society, and co-founder of CognitionX, a platform and network which helps to UK IT 2018 build AI- and data-driven systems. She also sits on the marketing council for Founders4Schools, advisor for The Prince’s Trust and is the co-founder of Creativity and tech ‘two sides Future Girl Corp, an organisation which runs free events for future female of same coin’, says 2018 CEOs. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Goldstaub was recently appointed as chair of the UK government’s AI Council.
15. June Angelides, founder, Mums in Technology Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Previously chosen as a Computer Weekly women in UK technology Rising Star, June Angelides is the founder and CEO of Mums in Technology, which partners Most Influential Women in UK with industry to provide an immersive learning experience that encourages new IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall mothers to take their children to school with them while they learn to code. of Fame She founded the company in 2015 when on maternity leave from Silicon Valley Why we need to focus on Bank, where she held roles as an associate for accelerator growth and an inclusivity as well as diversity associate for entrepreneur banking. in the tech industry Most recently, Angelides was appointed chair of the Future Skills Programme,
and is the founding ambassador for the FiftyFiftyPledge.
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16. Elizabeth Varley, co-founder and CEO, TechHub In this e-guide TechHub is at the heart of the London Tech City movement to attract startups to Computer Weekly announces East London and boost investment and innovation in UK IT, with Elizabeth the Most Influential Women in Varley as its CEO. She has set up new TechHub operations in Bangalore, UK IT 2018 Bucharest, Berlin and Riga, as well as other UK sites in Manchester and Swansea. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Previously, Varley set up Online Content UK as an organisation for online Most Influential Woman in IT, content professionals running an industry-focused community and regular Amali de Alwis events.
She was one of the founding steering committee members of the DigitalEve Most Influential Women in UK women in technology organisation in the UK. Varley also sits on the board for IT 2018: Rising Stars the Digital City Exchange at Imperial College London and is a tech innovation board member, data pitch programme for the Open Data Institute. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall 17. Sheila Flavell, COO, FDM Group of Fame Sheila Flavell was appointed chief operating officer of IT service firm FDM Why we need to focus on Group in 2008, and is an executive board director of the firm. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry She played an integral role in the group’s flotation on AIM in 2005 and was a key instigator of the management buy-out of the group in 2010 and the
subsequent float onto the main FTSE market in June 2014. Sheila spearheads
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FDM’s Global Women in Tech campaign and FDM’s Getting Back to Business In this e-guide programme, aimed at providing opportunities for returners to work.
Computer Weekly announces She sits on the main board of TechUK and the Women in Tech Council, and is the Most Influential Women in frequently called to advise government committees on various issues, especially UK IT 2018 around the digital skills gap.
Flavell won Leader of the Year at the Everywoman in Technology Awards in Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 2017 and was recently recognised as one of the top 25 Most Influential Women Most Influential Woman in IT, of the Mid-Market by CEO Connection. Amali de Alwis 18. Eileen Burbidge, chair, Tech Nation; partner, Passion Capital; government special envoy for fintech Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Eileen Burbidge is a partner at Passion Capital, the London-based venture capital firm she established with Stefan Glaenzer and Robert Dighero. She Most Influential Women in UK brings extensive operational experience to her investment activities gleaned IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall from business and product development roles at Yahoo, Skype, PalmSource, of Fame Openwave, Sun and Apple.
Why we need to focus on She also serves as chair for Tech Nation and is the special envoy for fintech for inclusivity as well as diversity HM Treasury, as well as member of the prime minister’s business advisory in the tech industry group.
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19. Sarah Burnett, executive vice-president, Everest Group; chair, BCS In this e-guide Women
Computer Weekly announces In summer 2018, Burnett was promoted to executive vice-president of Everest the Most Influential Women in Group, and was shortlisted for AI Leader of the Year by Information Age. UK IT 2018 Prior to this, Burnett was an analyst in information technology services and business process outsourcing (BPO). Burnett used her skills to lead the Everest Creativity and tech ‘two sides Group on global service delivery automation research and European practice of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, across its global services research areas. Amali de Alwis Prior to working for Everest Group, Burnett was vice-president of research at Nelson Hall, covering areas such as infrastructure ITO, cloud and government Most Influential Women in UK BPO. Burnett is now the chair of BCSWomen and in 2017 launched the IT 2018: Rising Stars BCSWomen AI Accelerator.
Most Influential Women in UK 20. Nicola Mendelsohn, managing director, Facebook Europe IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame Nicola Mendelsohn has been vice-president of Europe, Middle East and Africa operations at Facebook since 2013. She is responsible for growing Facebook’s Why we need to focus on advertising revenue and improving relationships with brands across the region. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry She has served as the president of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) and Women in Advertising and Communications London (WACL). She
was executive chairman and partner of Karmarama advertising agency for five years. She is chair of the corporate board of Women’s Aid.
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Mendelsohn is currently director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, industry chair In this e-guide of the Creative Industries Council, non-executive director of consumer goods firm Diageo and co-president of charity Norwood. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in 21. Margot James, digital minister, Department for Digital, Culture, UK IT 2018 Media & Sport
Margot James became the digital minister in early 2018 after a government Creativity and tech ‘two sides reshuffle, covering issues such as broadband, telecoms, broadcasting, creative of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, industries, cyber security, tech startups and the tech industry. Amali de Alwis Prior to her role as digital minister, James was minister for small business, consumers and corporate responsibility at the Department for Business, Energy Most Influential Women in UK and Industrial Strategy. IT 2018: Rising Stars 22. Max Benson and Karen Gill, co-founders, Modern Muse Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Maxine Benson and Karen Gill are co-founders of the Modern Muse charity, of Fame which aims to promote careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) by making role models more accessible. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Gill and Benson also run the membership organisation Everywoman, which in the tech industry regularly runs events and awards for women in the technology sector to further promote the need for diversity and showcase role models in the sector.
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23. Sophie Deen, CEO, Bright Little Labs In this e-guide Sophie Deen is a former lawyer, and is the CEO of social enterprise Bright Little Computer Weekly announces Labs, a children’s education company that makes educationally valuable, the Most Influential Women in gender-neutral and ethically sourced toys and materials. UK IT 2018 Bright Little Labs is the creator of Detective Dot, who is a developer by day and a detective by night, and the heroine of the organisation’s stories. Everyday Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 objects come to life around Dot and she can’t remember where they are from, Most Influential Woman in IT, so Dot helps them to discover their roots. Bright Little Labs recently announced Amali de Alwis a funding partnership with Turner International.
24. Rioch Edwards-Brown, founder, So You Wanna Be In Tech? Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Entrepreneur and founder of So You Wanna Be On TV?, Rioch Edwards- Brown, is an advocate for diversity and has extensive media experience. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall She began So You Wanna Be On TV? as a community outreach programme of Fame after her son was shot and stabbed at school, and uses the platform to tackle the lack of diversity and social mobility in TV by providing free employability Why we need to focus on skills through partnerships between TV, brands, corporates and the community. inclusivity as well as diversity Based on her already successful model, she launched So You Wanna Be In in the tech industry Tech? in 2016.
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25. Emma and Charlotte Robertson, co-founders, Digital Awareness UK In this e-guide Previous Computer Weekly Rising Stars in women in tech, co-founders of Computer Weekly announces Digital Awareness UK Emma and Charlotte Robertson are social media the Most Influential Women in enthusiasts who help schools, teachers and young people understand how to UK IT 2018 be safe on the internet.
The sisters offer student workshops, CPD for teachers, parent events and Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 ambassador programmes to combat issues such as cyber bullying, sexting and Most Influential Woman in IT, technology addiction. Amali de Alwis 26. Helen Milner, chief executive, Good Things Foundation
Most Influential Women in UK Helen Milner is founder and CEO of the Good Things Foundation (formerly the IT 2018: Rising Stars Tinder Foundation), a not-for-profit, staff-owned social enterprise that aims to help the 11 million people on the wrong side of the UK’s digital divide to become Most Influential Women in UK confident with digital and online technologies. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame The Good Things Foundation won a government contract in 2014 to support its digital inclusion strategy. Until May 2017, Milner was also a specialist Why we need to focus on government advisor of digital engagement for the Public Accounts Committee. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry 27. Janet Coyle, director trade and growth, London & Partners
Janet Coyle holds several roles, including leading the export and growth
strategy for London & Partners, leading the annual summit for Silicon Valley
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comes to the UK, and acting as co-chair for the Tech London Advocates Scale In this e-guide Up Group.
Computer Weekly announces She is also an advisor for charity Founders4Schools and is working on a the Most Influential Women in programme for the Mayor of London to change how the capital’s high-growth UK IT 2018 companies can conduct business overseas.
28. Priya Guha, ecosystem general manager UK, RocketSpace Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Guha is the ecosystem general manager for the London campus of Silicon Most Influential Woman in IT, Valley-born co-working space RocketSpace. Guha also acts as an advisor for Amali de Alwis Tech London Advocates and Merian Venture, as well as a non-executive director for InnovateUK and an ambassador for London Tech Week 2018. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars 29. Bethany Koby, CEO and co-founder, Technology Will Save Us
Most Influential Women in UK Entrepreneur Koby founded Technology Will Save Us to educate people about IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall the technology that is now becoming an essential part of our lives. The of Fame organisation, of which Koby is CEO, encourages people to make, experiment and be creative with technology. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity She is also a founding faculty member of the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and in the tech industry prior to her current work was the social impact director for brand consultancy Wolff Olins.
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30. Juliet Bauer, chief digital officer, NHS England In this e-guide Bauer is the chief digital officer for NHS England, and is overseeing the Computer Weekly announces transformation of the NHS Choices website, and development and delivery of the Most Influential Women in technology that can be used by patients and carers to manage chronic UK IT 2018 conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
She is also the patient governor for the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Foundation Trust, and is a founding member for networking group 10 Digital Most Influential Woman in IT, Ladies. Bauer has led delivery of similar technology programmes in many Amali de Alwis sectors, including leading the move to take Times Newspapers online.
31. Debbie Wosskow, co-founder, AllBright; former CEO, Love Home Most Influential Women in UK Swap IT 2018: Rising Stars Debbie Wosskow is the chairman and co-founder of AllBright, a platform Most Influential Women in UK designed to help support and fund female entrepreneurs in the UK. Wosskow is IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall also the co-founder of digital platform Lifestyler.me and former CEO of home- of Fame exchange platform Love Home Swap.
Why we need to focus on Until March 2017, Wosskow acted as chairman for Sharing Economy UK, the inclusivity as well as diversity trade body which represents the UK’s sharing economy businesses. in the tech industry
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32. Naomi Timperley, chair, Capital Pilot; co-founder, Tech North In this e-guide Advocates
Computer Weekly announces One of Computer Weekly’s 2017 women in technology Rising Stars, Naomi the Most Influential Women in Timperley is a freelance consultant and a director for Tech North Advocates, a UK IT 2018 private sector-led collection of tech experts who champion the technology sector in the North of England. Creativity and tech ‘two sides She is also an honorary industry fellow at the University of Salford Business of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, School, a board member for FutureEverything and the chair of Capital Pilot. Amali de Alwis 33. Claire Cockerton, former CEO, Plexal
Most Influential Women in UK Claire Cockerton is a serial entrepreneur and an industry leader in financial IT 2018: Rising Stars services. Cockerton was the founding CEO and ambassador of Innovate Finance, a City of London and Canary Wharf Group-backed group promoting Most Influential Women in UK fintech startups. She co-founded Entiq, a firm delivering innovation strategy and IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall product development programmes for large corporates. of Fame Cockerton also set the strategy and co-led the implementation of Level39, Why we need to focus on Europe’s largest technology accelerator dedicated to fintech, retail and smart inclusivity as well as diversity cities technologies. After successfully launching the 68,000ft2 Plexal innovation in the tech industry hub at Here East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Cockerton exited as its CEO in 2018 to pursue more projects with the aim of supporting women leaders in technology.
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34. Marija Butkovic, founder and CEO, Women of Wearables In this e-guide Marija Butkovic is CEO of Women of Wearables, an organisation that tries to Computer Weekly announces connect women in the wearable tech, fashion tech, internet of things (IoT), the Most Influential Women in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) fields. She is a digital marketing, UK IT 2018 technology and business consultant, as well as a serial entrepreneur and an advisory board member for the Independent Fashion Advisory Board (IFAB). Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 35. Sharon Moore, industry technical leader for travel and Most Influential Woman in IT, transportation, IBM UK Amali de Alwis Sharon Moore is the technical leader for the travel and transportation industry at IBM UK, focusing on designing technical solutions for IBM’s clients in the travel Most Influential Women in UK and transportation industry, incorporating engagement, IoT and analytics IT 2018: Rising Stars technologies, as well as building IBM’s technical community in this space. Moore is also a board member for the Innovation Centre for Sensor and Most Influential Women in UK Imaging Systems (CENSIS) and deputy chair of BCSWomen. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame 36. Abigail Rappaport, CEO, Emoquo
Why we need to focus on Abigail Rappaport is CEO of digital coaching service Emoquo, which aims to inclusivity as well as diversity give people advice and coaching surrounding a number of everyday work in the tech industry issues such as conflict, diversity and performance.
As well as being an advocate for positive mental health in the workplace,
Rappaport has held a number of roles in the technology industry, such as digital
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transformation and customer experience consultant, and senior director of In this e-guide Microsoft Office, UK, for Microsoft. She also acts as an advisor for The Telegraph. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in 37. Emma Cerrone, fellow, Forward Institute UK IT 2018 Emma Cerrone is a fellow at Forward Institute, which aims to build and support a movement for responsible leadership within and across organisations. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 She also co-founded Freeformers, a firm that works with organisations as a Most Influential Woman in IT, “digital growth partner” providing firms with software, training and consultancy Amali de Alwis services to make sure they are fit for the needs of the future workforce.
38. Kathryn Parsons, founder and co-CEO, Decoded Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Kathryn Parsons is co-founder and co-CEO of Decoded, which teaches people to code in a day. Having launched this entirely self-funded business in 2011, Most Influential Women in UK she is now overseeing its international expansion and launching new products. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Over 50% of Decoded staff are female. of Fame 39. Sarah Turner, founder and CEO, Angel Academe Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Sarah Turner founded Angel Academe, a pro-women and pro-diversity angel in the tech industry investment group focused on technology. Turner is currently CEO of the group, and is also an external board member and chair of the investment committee for
venture capital fund the Low Carbon Innovation Fund.
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Turner is also a board member of the trade association for early-stage In this e-guide investment, the UK Business Angels Association, and is the co-founder and director of consultancy Turner Hopkins which helps businesses create digital Computer Weekly announces strategy. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 40. Kim Nilsson, co-founder and CEO, Pivigo
Kim Nilsson is passionate about how data affects people’s lives, the impact Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 people can have when given the right skills, and how connections can change Most Influential Woman in IT, the world – all of which she combines in her role as CEO of Pivigo. Amali de Alwis The data science market connects data scientists with companies that want to outsource their data science and AI needs. Previously, she acted as chair for Most Influential Women in UK the big data and skills working group at TechUK. IT 2018: Rising Stars 41. Emily Forbes, founder, Seenit Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Forbes founded Seenit in 2013, a platform that helps brands and organisations of Fame co-create videos with external people such as employees, fans or journalists. In 2017, Forbes was chosen as one of Computer Weekly’s Rising Stars in the Why we need to focus on women in tech scene, and prior to founding Seenit was the co-founder of online inclusivity as well as diversity video content distribution platform Koburn. in the tech industry
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42. Sharon White, CEO, Ofcom In this e-guide Sharon White took over as chief executive of telecoms regulator Ofcom in Computer Weekly announces March 2015 after spending two years as the second permanent secretary at HM the Most Influential Women in Treasury – the first black person, and the second woman, to hold the position. UK IT 2018 Prior to working with the Treasury, White had board-level positions at the Ministry of Justice and the Department for International Development, and was Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 a civil service adviser at the prime minister’s policy unit. Most Influential Woman in IT, 43. Christina Scott, chief technology officer, News UK; deputy CTO, Amali de Alwis News Corp
Most Influential Women in UK Christina Scott was appointed the chief technology officer for News UK at the IT 2018: Rising Stars beginning of 2016 to assist with its digital initiatives, and is also the deputy CTO for parent company News Corp. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Prior to 2016, Scott was the CIO for the Financial Times for over three years, of Fame where she was responsible for technology across the FT Group, leading a 400+ global team responsible for building and operating the infrastructure, business Why we need to focus on applications, data and consumer products across multiple platforms. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Scott has over 20 years’ experience across the media, IT and engineering industries – before joining the FT, she worked for the BBC, BT Vision, News
International and ITV Digital, and as a consultant at Accenture.
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44. Neeta Patel, CEO, New Entrepreneurs Foundation In this e-guide Patel heads up the New Entrepreneurs Foundation, an entrepreneur Computer Weekly announces development programme to help develop the UK’s next generation of leaders the Most Influential Women in through a one-year programme that combines access to networks, work UK IT 2018 experience and training workshops.
She is also CEO of the Centre for Entrepreneurs, which became part of the New Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Entrepreneurs Foundation in 2017 and is a think tank for entrepreneurship. She Most Influential Woman in IT, also acts as an advisor for Tech London Advocates, and is an entrepreneur- Amali de Alwis mentor in residence at the London Business School.
45. Joanne Hannaford, head of EMEA technology and global head of Most Influential Women in UK quality assurance engineering, Goldman Sachs IT 2018: Rising Stars With a strong background in computer science, including a BTEC HND in Most Influential Women in UK computer science from Anglia Ruskin, a BSC in computer science from IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Staffordshire University and a PhD in computer science from University College of Fame London, Joanne Hannaford now uses her experience as part of her role as Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) head of technology and global head of Why we need to focus on quality assurance engineering for Goldman Sachs. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Hannaford has held a number of technology roles since starting at Goldman Sachs in 1997, and prior to that was executive director of global volume trading systems at NatWest Markets.
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46. Kerensa Jennings, director iDEA, Duke of York’s Office, In this e-guide Buckingham Palace
Computer Weekly announces Kerensa Jennings is the director at the Office of the Duke of York, responsible the Most Influential Women in for strategy and delivery of iDEA CIC, the inspiring digital enterprise award. UK IT 2018 Prior to this, Jennings spent 15 years with the BBC working in a variety of roles, including programme editor for BBC’s Breakfast with Frost and executive editor Creativity and tech ‘two sides for BBC News. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Jennings spent two-and-a-half years as programme executive for the BBC Amali de Alwis Academy, helping develop a leadership programme for senior creative leaders throughout the BBC. Jennings has also held roles at major broadcast
Most Influential Women in UK organisations ITN and Sky. IT 2018: Rising Stars 47. Magdalena Krön, head of Rise London and vice-president open innovation, Barclays; co-founder, Geek Girl Meetup UK Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall As head of Rise London and vice-president of open innovation at Barclays, of Fame Magdalena Krön is responsible for connecting London startups with Barclays to encourage growth in the ecosystem. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Krön also co-founded Geek Girl Meetup in the UK, a network for women and in the tech industry girls interested in technology and design startups. Prior to her work at Barclays, Krön helped more than 300 startups with early stage business strategy as head of operations and investment manager at Capital List and the London Co- Investment fund.
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48. Tamara Rajah, founder, Live Better With In this e-guide Tamara Rajah is founder of venture capital-backed firm Live Better With, which Computer Weekly announces works to develop information, products and communities for people with long- the Most Influential Women in term health conditions. UK IT 2018 Alongside this, she acts as chair for Dot London, a non-executive director and board member of London & Partners, and a non-executive director and board Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 member of the Scale-Up Institute. Most Influential Woman in IT, 49. Clare Sutcliffe, co-founder, Code Club Amali de Alwis Until early 2018, Clare Sutcliffe was executive director of communities and Most Influential Women in UK outreach for Raspberry Pi Foundation, alongside leading Code Club. IT 2018: Rising Stars Sutcliffe has brought computing to primary schools without dumbing it down, Most Influential Women in UK negotiating to bring major stakeholders such as ARM and Google on board, as IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall well as harnessing the energy of individual volunteers through an open and of Fame social approach. Code Club is a nationwide network of free, volunteer-led, after- school coding clubs for children aged nine to 11. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity In 2014, the organisation went global, with the aim of having coding in the tech industry communities in 50% of the world’s countries by the end of 2018. In 2015, Sutcliffe was awarded an MBE for her services to technology.
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50. Charlotte Finn, vice-president global strategic relations, In this e-guide Salesforce.org
Computer Weekly announces Charlotte Finn is the vice-president of global strategic relations for the Most Influential Women in Salesforce.org in Emea, and also works on sales strategy for corporate UK IT 2018 philanthropy programme the Salesforce Foundation.
Finn is an advocate of mentorship, and used her position in the Salesforce Creativity and tech ‘two sides Foundation to offer the 2015 Computer Weekly Rising Stars mentorship and of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, advice to help the advancement of women and diversity in the IT industry. Amali de Alwis Prior to working at Salesforce, Finn held positions in business operations at VMware and head of global service centre for international wholesale at Verizon Most Influential Women in UK Business. Finn holds an MSc in corporate governance and studied business at IT 2018: Rising Stars Anglia Ruskin University.
Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Next Article of Fame
Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity
in the tech industry
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In this e-guide
Computer Weekly announces Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same the Most Influential Women in coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in UK IT 2018 IT, Amali de Alwis Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Clare McDonald, business editor Most Influential Woman in IT, Code First: Girls started as a not-for-profit organisation that offered female Amali de Alwis graduates part-time coding courses to give them a better understanding of the modern working world. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Its CEO, Amali de Alwis, was hired to run the social enterprise when it was made into a company, and Code First: Girls now teaches more women in the Most Influential Women in UK UK to code than the UK’s university system. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame After four years at the firm, de Alwis says she is most excited about the impact the role has helped her to make on people’s lives. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity “When the opportunity came up to run Code First: Girls, to me it seemed like in the tech industry such a perfect fit, an amazing opportunity,” she says, adding that the programme is “truly impactful and genuinely changes people’s lives”.
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De Alwis has found her career in technology “fulfilling”, having spent time as a In this e-guide quantitative researcher at TNS and then working in research and thought leadership at PwC, and wants to help others feel the same about their careers. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in But before entering the world of tech, de Alwis studied for two degrees – the first UK IT 2018 in manufacturing and engineering and the second in shoe design.
It was during the second of those that she realised she had “done the same Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 degree twice”. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis “Whether you’re manufacturing shoes or aeroplane propellers, you’re going through the same process,” she says.
Most Influential Women in UK Drawing on this experience later in her career, de Alwis realised that through IT 2018: Rising Stars Code First: Girls, it is more “impactful” to get people excited about technology concepts than to just teach people a skill. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall “Even if I could teach someone everything they needed to know today, it would of Fame be out of date tomorrow,” she says.
Why we need to focus on De Alwis also emphasises the importance of creativity in technology and the inclusivity as well as diversity necessity for life-long learning in the modern tech-driven world. in the tech industry “Creativity and tech are practically the same thing,” she says. “They are two sides of the same coin – you can’t really pull them apart.”
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This includes skills such as creative thinking, problem solving and In this e-guide communication, which are becoming increasingly important as automation takes over some of the more mundane jobs in the industry. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in But there are many stereotypes surrounding the tech industry that make people UK IT 2018 overlook what is required for technology roles, and de Alwis says it is a misconception that men or women are more or less suited to roles that require Creativity and tech ‘two sides more creative skills. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, “Those kinds of skills, whether you’re male or female, that’s for all of us,” she Amali de Alwis says. “This idea that women are more creative than men – I think you’re doing men a disservice.” Most Influential Women in UK “It’s never too early to start mentoring someone – there will be someone out there who IT 2018: Rising Stars can benefit from your experience”
Most Influential Women in UK Amali de Alwis IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame But on the flipside, she adds, you are also doing women a disservice by saying that men are better in roles such as software engineering because of the Why we need to focus on difference in skillsets. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Although de Alwis had an “inkling” during her manufacturing and engineering degree that the tech industry was male-dominated, she found it “bonkers” that the fashion industry should be so female-dominated when those two industries
“have so much in common”. This led her to conclude that women “still have the
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skills and mindset to do [tech] jobs – they’re just applying this mindset to other In this e-guide industries”.
Computer Weekly announces She adds: “Actually, you really need to be creative, you need to be a good the Most Influential Women in problem-solver, to be in tech.” UK IT 2018 But there is an under-representation of the need for these skills in the technology industry, and because of misconceptions surrounding the type of Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 people who take up tech roles and the skills needed for tech roles, some people Most Influential Woman in IT, tend to get excluded from the industry. Amali de Alwis De Alwis says that because of the “opaque” nature of the industry, including what roles are available and the skills needed for them, people also give up on Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) early and miss out on opportunities in the sector.
Most Influential Women in UK Ways to encourage more women into the tech industry include ensuring there IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall are visible role models and mentoring younger people, says de Alwis, who has of Fame been mentoring others at all stages of her career.
Why we need to focus on Although this can be helpful at every stage of the career pipeline, de Alwis says inclusivity as well as diversity young people should be encouraged to consider technology roles. She urges in the tech industry the industry to “roll your sleeves up and get involved” with organisations that encourage industry members to mentor young people and act as role models.
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“It’s never too early to start mentoring someone – there will be someone out In this e-guide there who can benefit from your experience,” she says.
Computer Weekly announces Parents and teachers, and other people in positions of influence, such as scout the Most Influential Women in leaders, can also play an important part in encouraging young people to UK IT 2018 consider particular careers, she says. They should do what they can to “share some of those experiences with those young people” regardless of whether they Creativity and tech ‘two sides are part of the sector or not, she adds. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, This could simply be something like taking children to the Science Museum, or Amali de Alwis asking organisations such as Founders4Schools to bring role models into the classroom, says de Alwis. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars “There is real power in exposing kids to what these things are,” she says. “It’s never too late to learn, either. We really need to start looking at proper lifelong Most Influential Women in UK learning. It’s never too late to understand more about tech.” IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame De Alwis tells the story of an intern she worked with who was teaching her 82- year-old grandmother how to code. Basic digital skills are becoming increasingly important for even the most basic of everyday tasks, so those who don’t Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity understand tech don’t understand the world they live in, and this can be in the tech industry “disconcerting”, she says.
A large number of adults in the UK don’t have the digital skills to perform tasks
such as applying for jobs, says de Alwis, and if you don’t have these skills, “you
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are automatically discounting yourself from all of these other opportunities out In this e-guide there”.
Computer Weekly announces She adds: “Tech is wonderful and amazing. It’s also easy to take for granted for the Most Influential Women in those of us who are comfortable with IT.” UK IT 2018 “The tech to date has been very selective and it serves some of us, but not all of us”
Creativity and tech ‘two sides Amali de Alwis of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, But along with the knowledge of technology comes the responsibility to support Amali de Alwis those who are currently excluded, she says. The industry is growing rapidly, and those in the sector are making technology advancements that are “building the Most Influential Women in UK foundation for the future”. IT 2018: Rising Stars “This is the industrial age,” says de Alwis. “There is a point of discussion around Most Influential Women in UK this being a time where we’ve gone from a ‘no computer’ childhood, to go from IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall that to being a society where the vast majority carry around super com in our of Fame pocket every day. That’s an extraordinary change in the space of a generation.”
Why we need to focus on The government has tried to adapt to the pace of technology adoption, inclusivity as well as diversity implementing a new computing curriculum to try to ensure the UK has the digital in the tech industry skills it needs, but the government is slow to change, and some are being left behind.
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“The cycle of innovation and iteration has to feed into culture and has to be In this e-guide reflective of the culture it supports,” says de Alwis.
Computer Weekly announces “The tech to date has been very selective and it serves some of us, but not all of the Most Influential Women in us. We need to make sure that the people who are building products are UK IT 2018 reflective of the people who are using them as well. We need to do better than we are at the moment because, at the minute, it isn’t reflective of the people Creativity and tech ‘two sides who are using our products and services.” of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Ensuring diverse technology teams and increasing the amount of diversity in the Amali de Alwis tech industry is one of the ways to ensure the sector is more reflective of the people it serves, she says. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars But although the pace of change in the industry is slow, de Alwis is optimistic.“It’s very easy to feel pessimistic sometimes,” she says. “I personally think things are getting better. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall “There’s lots to do, but there’s lots being done as well.” of Fame
Why we need to focus on Next Article inclusivity as well as diversity
in the tech industry
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In this e-guide
Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Clare McDonald, business editor Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Computer Weekly has revealed the five Rising Stars for 2018 as part of its list of the Most Influential Women in UK technology. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Each year, the judges who help Computer Weekly decide the winner and order of the list of the 50 top women in UK tech also choose five women who are Most Influential Women in UK working to make their mark on the sector. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame The five Rising Stars for 2018 were selected because their growing influence in the industry is likely to make them candidates for the 50 Most Influential Women
Why we need to focus on in UK IT list in the future. inclusivity as well as diversity Computer Weekly hopes that by shining a light on these women, it can add to in the tech industry the number of visible role models in the technology industry, in turn helping to encourage other women into the sector.
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The Rising Stars category was added to the Most Influential Women in UK IT in In this e-guide 2014 to increase the number of women honoured for their contribution to the tech sector. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in The 2018 Rising Stars are: UK IT 2018 Emily Brooke, founder and CEO, Beryl
Creativity and tech ‘two sides Emily Brooke launched Beryl, formerly Blaze, in 2012 with the Blaze Laserlight, of same coin’, says 2018 which is now used on every Santander Cycles bike in London. Brooke originally Most Influential Woman in IT, launched Beryl to encourage more people in cities to use bicycles and “build a Amali de Alwis better world”. Funded by Kickstarter, the Blaze Laserlight is now sold in more than 65 countries and has been trialled by New York Citi Bikes. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars In 2017, Brooke won the Everywoman Woman of the Year Award.
Most Influential Women in UK Melinda Nicci, founder and CEO, Baby2Body IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame In 2015, Melinda Nicci founded Baby2Body, an application driven by artificial intelligence (AI) which helps pregnant women to be as healthy as possible throughout their pregnancy. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity After taking part in the 500 Start Ups Programme in Silicon Valley in August in the tech industry 2016, the app now has almost one million users and is part of the Wayra and Velocity Health Accelerator.
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Rav Bumbra, founder, Structur3dpeople In this e-guide Rav Bumbra founded Structur3dpeople in 2015 to help organisations to recruit a Computer Weekly announces more diverse workforce for technology, digital and leadership roles. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 As well as helping firms set up diversity strategies, retention programmes and career development programmes for women, the firm also runs mentoring programmes for women who are considering a career in tech. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Suki Fuller, founder, Miribure Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Suki Fuller founded Miribure in 2015. The company uses data gathering and analytics to promote strategic decision-making in firms. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars She is also a founding ambassador of the FiftyFiftyPledge and is co-founder and CEO of incubator and accelerator Salaam Ventures, which focuses on Most Influential Women in UK assisting ethical startups. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame Kriti Sharma, vice-president for AI, Sage
Kriti Sharma has been vice-president for AI at Sage for two years, during which Why we need to focus on time she founded Messaging Bots London, a community of chatbot developers. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Named one of the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2017, Sharma is a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
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Before joining Sage, Sharma was vice-president, head of product, real-time big In this e-guide data analytics at Barclays.
Computer Weekly announces Hall of Fame the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 As well as supporting up-and-coming women in the tech industry, each year Computer Weekly also announces new members to the Hall of Fame – women who have dedicated years to the technology industry. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Next Article Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis
Most Influential Women in UK
IT 2018: Rising Stars
Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame
Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry
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In this e-guide
Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: UK IT 2018 Entrants to the Hall of Fame
Creativity and tech ‘two sides Clare McDonald, business editor of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Computer Weekly is pleased to announce the 2018 additions to its Most Amali de Alwis Influential Women in UK IT Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame was introduced in 2015 to showcase the lifetime efforts and Most Influential Women in UK achievements of some of the women who have been nominated for Computer IT 2018: Rising Stars Weekly’s annual list of the most influential women in the UK technology sector.
Most Influential Women in UK As well as shine a light on the women who appear in the most influential list IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall every year, the Hall of Fame aims to honour the commitment of these women to of Fame encouraging more diverse candidates into the tech industry.
Why we need to focus on The Hall of Fame offers the judges the opportunity to introduce entrants to the inclusivity as well as diversity top 50 list as emerging role models. Previous winners of the Most Influential in the tech industry Women in UK IT list also earn a place in the Hall of Fame.
We are proud to recognise the lifelong achievements of the four additions to the Hall of Fame:
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Chi Onwurah, shadow industrial strategy minister, Labour MP for In this e-guide Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Computer Weekly announces Chinyelu Onwurah is shadow minister for industrial strategy, science and the Most Influential Women in innovation, who led Labour’s pre-2015 election review of digital government UK IT 2018 policy. She was first elected at the 2010 general election as member of Parliament (MP) for Newcastle upon Tyne Central. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 A chartered engineer and former head of telecoms technology at UK telecoms Most Influential Woman in IT, regulator Ofcom, Onwurah is co-chair of the Parliamentary ICT Forum (Pictfor) Amali de Alwis and former board member of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (Post). She is an advocate for digital skills and digital enablement. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars Hannah Dee, senior lecturer at Aberystwyth University and founder of the BCSWomen Lovelace Colloquium
Most Influential Women in UK Hannah Dee set up the BCSWomen Lovelace Colloquium, the UK’s main IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall conference for female undergraduates, in 2008, and ran it for the first 10 years. of Fame She's now deputy chair of the Colloquium, which welcomed over 200 attendees in Sheffield in 2018. She was also instrumental in BCSWomen's "Appathon" Why we need to focus on world record attempt, writing the materials and training the trainers so that over inclusivity as well as diversity 1000 people in over 30 locations learned how to build Android apps at the same in the tech industry time, with every session led by a woman trainer. In 2018 she helped run the first Women in Tech Cymru summer conference, managing the local organisation
and tech stream.
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She now works at Aberystwyth University as a senior lecturer, teaching In this e-guide computer vision and databases, and researching in computer vision. As well as being an active researcher, she has five teaching awards and is a senior fellow Computer Weekly announces of the Higher Education Academy. Hannah also works hard to enthuse younger the Most Influential Women in people about computing, particularly as a creative subject, helping to run the UK IT 2018 award-winning Aberystwyth Robotics Club, working with local schools through the Playful Coding initiative, and contributing to sessions for women students Creativity and tech ‘two sides from local secondary schools. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, She has been on the committee of BCSWomen for more than a decade, Amali de Alwis and is deputy chair of BCS Mid Wales.
Most Influential Women in UK Sarah Wood, co-founder and CEO, Unruly Media IT 2018: Rising Stars Wood is the co-founder and CEO of data-centric media promotion company Unruly Media, which was acquired by News Corp in 2015. Unruly uses Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall emotional audience data and user-friendly video formats to massively increase of Fame viewer engagement, brand performance and publisher revenues across the web.
Why we need to focus on Previously a lecturer in American studies at the University of Sussex, Wood is inclusivity as well as diversity now an associate lecturer and course convenor for the University of Cambridge, in the tech industry focusing on devising and delivering the Creation, Consumption, Revolution: Online Video Culture module as part of the Screen Cultures MPhil course.
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Sherry Coutu, angel investor, founder of ScaleUp Institute, founder of In this e-guide Founders4Schools
Computer Weekly announces The 2017 winner of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Woman in UK IT the Most Influential Women in Award, Sherry Coutu is one of Britain’s most successful angel investors, UK IT 2018 working and investing with entrepreneurs to use digital to develop marketplaces as well as working with students and teachers in education technology. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 She advises and serves on the boards of companies, charities and institutions Most Influential Woman in IT, such as the London Stock Exchange, Cambridge University, Raspberry Pi and Amali de Alwis Zoopla.
As an angel investor, she has made direct angel investments in more than 50 Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars companies and holds investments in three venture capital firms. She founded and chairs the not-for-profit Founders4schools.org.uk, and co-founded Silicon Valley Comes to the UK. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Coutu told Computer Weekly that providing people with accessible and visible of Fame role models is the best way of addressing the diversity imbalance across the technology industry, something she tries to achieve through Founders4schools. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Existing members of the Hall of Fame in the tech industry The previous entrants into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK
IT Hall of Fame are:
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Gillian Arnold In this e-guide Previous chair of BCSWomen, the specialist group in the BCS that supports Computer Weekly announces women in the IT industry, Gillian Arnold has been in the tech sector for more the Most Influential Women in than 30 years. UK IT 2018 Now a non-executive director of the BCS, Arnold has spent time as chair of the European Women in IT taskforce aimed at developing best practices and Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Europe-wide activities to increase the number of women in the tech industry. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Before beginning her consultancy business Tectre in 2010, Arnold spent 22 years at IBM. In her career, she has undertaken customer-facing, technical, sales, business development, strategic marketing and consultancy roles. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars During her time in the industry, she has managed and established teams for new products, and built teams with cross-industry and cross-platform Most Influential Women in UK experience across Europe and the UK. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame As well as having chaired a forum for IT trade body Intellect (now TechUK), Arnold is a board member at Wise, which supports women in science, Why we need to focus on technology, engineering and maths (Stem). inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry Her continual efforts to increase diversity in the technology industry have led to her winning several awards, including the Everywoman in tech Inspiration of the Year award 2012.
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Arnold has been a regular on Computer Weekly’s list of the Most Influential In this e-guide Women in UK IT for the past five years.
Computer Weekly announces Maggie Philbin the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 The 2016 winner of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Woman in UK IT award, Maggie Philbin has worked in radio and television for more than 30 years on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 She is co-founder and CEO of TeenTech, an award-winning organisation Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis helping young people, their parents and teachers to understand more about the real opportunities in science and technology.
Most Influential Women in UK Reporting on science and technology for the BBC’s Bang goes the theory, IT 2018: Rising Stars providing analysis and comment on technology for BBC WebWise and a regular reporter on BBC 1’s Inside out, Philbin has a unique resonance with audiences, Most Influential Women in UK having grown up with them on much-loved shows such as Swap IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall shop and Tomorrow’s world. of Fame Philbin is a strong believer in focusing on encouraging diversity in tech rather Why we need to focus on than just gender, and began the TeenTech Awards to encourage children from inclusivity as well as diversity all backgrounds to consider Stem careers. in the tech industry
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Jacqueline De Rojas In this e-guide Until March 2016, Jacqueline De Rojas spent a year as the UK and Ireland Computer Weekly announces managing director of Sage before becoming a business mentor at Bird & Co. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 In 2015, De Rojas, president of TechUK and former area vice-president of Citrix, was voted as the most influential woman in UK IT after appearing on the list in 2014 and 2013. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 De Rojas was chosen in 2015 due to her constant work promoting women in IT. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis She said she was “surprised” to have won, and promised to use the title as a platform to encourage other women to enter the tech sector.
Most Influential Women in UK De Rojas went from deputy president to president of industry body TechUK in IT 2018: Rising Stars 2015, where she acts as a champion for women in the IT industry.
Most Influential Women in UK She has a long history of working for software companies, including roles as IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall vice-president and UK and Ireland general manager for CA Technologies, vice- of Fame president of UK and Ireland for McAfee, and executive consultant for Novell.
Why we need to focus on Held up as a leader and influencer, De Rojas has led many transformation inclusivity as well as diversity projects among the teams she has worked in. She promotes women in the IT in the tech industry industry by acting in roles such as non-executive director for the Home Retail Group, advisor to the board of Digital Leaders, and is an Everywoman Club member.
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De Rojas has also appeared in Computer Weekly’s UKTech50 list of the Most In this e-guide Influential People in UK IT.
Computer Weekly announces Joanna Shields the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Joanna Shields appeared on the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK IT list every year since its launch, and won the title in 2013.
Creativity and tech ‘two sides In May 2015, Shields was appointed parliamentary under-secretary of state at of same coin’, says 2018 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) due to her background Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis advising startups and promoting digital adoption, and until early 2018 acted as the UK minister for internet safety and security.
Most Influential Women in UK From December 2016, Shields acted as the prime minister’s special IT 2018: Rising Stars representative on internet crime and harms to drive a more international approach to internet safety and security. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Formerly the CEO of accelerator programme Tech City, Shields founded not- of Fame for-profit WeProtect.org in 2013 to wipe out online child abuse and exploitation.
Why we need to focus on She is currently the Group CEO of artificial intelligence company BenevolentAI, inclusivity as well as diversity and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. in the tech industry Formerly European chief of Facebook, Shields has worked in several roles as an advisor on digital. She believes the UK must properly address digital
transformation if it is to stay as a leader in digital development.
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Jane Moran In this e-guide Jane Moran, global CIO at Unilever, was the first winner of the Computer Computer Weekly announces Weekly Most Influential Woman in UK IT list when it was launched in 2012. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 At the time, Moran was the CIO for Thomson Reuters, where she actively participated in the Thomson Reuters Women’s Network, Women in Technology International and the National Center for Women in Technology. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Alongside her duties as CIO of Unilever, Moran participates in the Anita Borg Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Institute and Brown University’s Advisory Committee for Computer Science and IT.
Most Influential Women in UK Moran also sits on the CIO council for Salesforce.com, Workday and SAP, is a IT 2018: Rising Stars non-executive director for J.P Morgan Securities and Institutional Cash Distributors, actively participating in the IT community, and is an advocate for Most Influential Women in UK leadership skills and ensuring more women consider a technology career. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame In 2014, Moran placed first on the annual Computer Weekly UKTech50 list, a showcase of the top movers and shakers in the UK IT industry. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Martha Lane Fox in the tech industry Co-founder of Lastminute.com, serial entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox continues to promote the cause of women and diversity in the IT industry.
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Lane Fox also works for digital skills parity and believes more should be done In this e-guide to ensure the 12 million adults who cannot use the internet can achieve even the most basic tasks involved in a digital future. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in She intends for her Doteveryone project – which she launched during her UK IT 2018 speech at the 2015 Dimbleby Lecture – to act as a platform to fuel the discussion around startups, governments, gender and skills. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 A firm believer that the internet should be used as an enabler for change, Lane Most Influential Woman in IT, Fox has used her position as chancellor for the Open University, a member of Amali de Alwis the board of advisors for the Government Digital Service (GDS), and crossbench peer in the House of Lords, to speak out about the need for Most Influential Women in UK diversity and digital enablement. IT 2018: Rising Stars Lane Fox, who is now a director at Twitter, joined the firm’s board in 2016 and was also appointed a distinguished fellow by the BCS, The Chartered Institute Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall for IT alongside Wendy Hall. of Fame Stephanie Shirley
Why we need to focus on Stephanie “Steve” Shirley took it upon herself to challenge the male-focused inclusivity as well as diversity world of business in the 1960s, when she began signing her name as Steve to in the tech industry overcome male preconceptions of women when starting her software development firm FI Group.
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Shirley paved the way for flexible working after offering flexibility and job sharing In this e-guide for her female IT professionals in the 1960s, and started her business with a cohort of 300 programmers, only three of which were male. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in Shirley told Computer Weekly that entrepreneurs do not necessarily do well UK IT 2018 straight away, but instead learn from their mistakes. She now takes a wider focus on diversity in the IT industry, focusing on those with disabilities, as well Creativity and tech ‘two sides as gender and age diversity in the sector. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Sue Black Amali de Alwis Sue Black hit the ground running in 2016, as her book Saving Bletchley Park reached the shelves. The book details not only her campaign to stop the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars historic Bletchley Park from falling into disrepair, but also acts as a guide on how to fully utilise social media.
Most Influential Women in UK In 2015, Black was awarded an OBE for her services to technology, and is an IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall outspoken advocate for ensuring more women and girls take an interest in of Fame technology.
Why we need to focus on Black currently acts at the founder and chief evangelist of the TechMums inclusivity as well as diversity initiative, which aims to encourage more children into technology by ensuring in the tech industry mothers gain confidence and skills in using IT.
Black also acts as a mentor for startups at Google Campus for Mums, and is part of the Foreign Secretary’s Advisory Group on Freedom of Expression.
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Acting as an advisor for GDS, and as honorary professor in computer science In this e-guide for University College London, Black uses her knowledge of technology and digital to assist organisations where needed. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in Black is outspoken about the need for more people, especially women, to show UK IT 2018 an interest in technology and is a frequent writer and public speaker on the subject. Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 Wendy Hall Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Wendy Hall was initially added to the Hall of Fame due to her lifelong commitment to promoting the women in technology agenda. Hall topped the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK IT list in 2014, after Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars encouraging women into the IT industry for more than 30 years.
As a professor of computer science at the University of Southampton, Hall was Most Influential Women in UK the first female professor of engineering at the university after being appointed IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall in 1994. of Fame Having cowritten the paper Where have all the girls gone? at Southampton Why we need to focus on University in 1987, Hall has always been an advocate for women in IT. She inclusivity as well as diversity went on to launch the Institute of Web Science, a major research initiative to in the tech industry understand the effect the web has on society, culture and the economy.
Hall was invited to join the Global Commission on Internet Governance in 2014 to determine how to ensure the internet stays free and open to everyone.
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She has appeared repeatedly on the Computer Weekly list of the Most In this e-guide Influential Women in UK IT, and featured regularly on the Computer Weekly UKTech50 list of the Most Influential People in UK IT. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in In early 2016, Hall was made a distinguished fellow by the BCS, The Chartered UK IT 2018 Institute for IT, and took up a three-month residency at the John W. Kluge Center at the US Library of Congress as the Kluge Chair in Technology and Creativity and tech ‘two sides Society. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Selecting the most influential women in IT Amali de Alwis This year, Computer Weekly is working in partnership with Mortimer Spinks to deliver an event focused on diversity in tech where attendees will discuss how Most Influential Women in UK building an inclusive environment in the workplace can help to promote diversity IT 2018: Rising Stars in the technology industry and retain diverse candidates.
Most Influential Women in UK During the event, which is due to take place on 26 September, the 2018 winner IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of the Most Influential Women in UK IT title will be announced. of Fame Thank you to our judges Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity The judges for the 2018 Most Influential Women in UK IT award, who selected in the tech industry this year’s entrants to the Hall of Fame, are:
Maggie Berry, founder of Women in Technology. Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates.
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Robin Beattie, director at Mortimer Spinks. In this e-guide Andrea Palmer, business change manager in IT and services at BP and treasurer of BCSWomen. Antony Walker, deputy CEO of TechUK. Computer Weekly announces Cheryl Martin, partner of cyber security at Ernst and Young (EY). the Most Influential Women in Clare McDonald, business editor of Computer Weekly. UK IT 2018 Bryan Glick, editor-in-chief of Computer Weekly.
Creativity and tech ‘two sides Thank you to our sponsors EY. of same coin’, says 2018 1. Amali de Alwis, CEO, Code First: Girls Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis This year's winner, Amali de Alwis, is the CEO for coding education initiative Code First: Girls which teaches women of all backgrounds how to code. De Most Influential Women in UK Alwis also acts as a CommonwealthFirst Mentor for the Commonwealth IT 2018: Rising Stars Enterprise and Investment Council, providing mentorship and encouragement to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall Working to align education, skills and employment, De Alwis is also on the of Fame membership committee for working women's club AllBright, and acts as a mentor for many startups. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity 2. Sarah Wilkinson, CEO, NHS Digital in the tech industry In 2017 Sarah Wilkinson was appointed the new CEO of NHS Digital. Prior to this, Wilkinson was the chief technology officer at the Home Office where she
led many of the most critical IT systems supporting UK borders and policing.
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Previously, Wilkinson was managing director and head of corporate systems In this e-guide technology at Credit Suisse for over two years, having previously worked at HSBC, UBS and Deutsche Bank in various senior IT roles. She also acts as a Computer Weekly announces non-executive director for both NatWest Markets and King's College London. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 3. Debbie Forster, CEO of Tech Talent Charter
Debbie Forster is CEO of government-backed initiative Tech Talent Charter Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 which aims to boost diversity and address gender imbalance in technology Most Influential Woman in IT, roles. She is also director at consultancy Novel Design, and director for Amali de Alwis international development at NCSSS.
During her time as co-CEO at Apps for Good, Forster inspired hundreds of Most Influential Women in UK students, teachers, industry experts and sponsors to engage with the IT 2018: Rising Stars organisation. As well as scaling at an impressive rate under Forster's leadership, Apps for Good is working hard to tackle diversity in Stem education. Most Influential Women in UK The course has achieved and maintained a gender balance of close to 50/50. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame Over 50% of apps which have won at the organisation's annual awards have been developed by all girl or mixed teams. Forster recently received an MBE for Why we need to focus on digital innovation, and was named WISE woman of the year in 2016. She has inclusivity as well as diversity regularly featured in the Most Influential Women in IT list by Computer Weekly. in the tech industry
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4. Elizabeth Denham, information commissioner In this e-guide As information commissioner for the UK, Elizabeth Denham is responsible for Computer Weekly announces ensuring information rights are in the public interest and leads the office dealing the Most Influential Women in with the Data Protection Act 2018 - the UK's implementation of the EU's GDPR UK IT 2018 law.
Prior to becoming information commissioner, Denham was the information and Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 privacy commissioner for British Columbia responsible for compliance with Most Influential Woman in IT, public and private sector privacy legislation and access to information law. Amali de Alwis 5. Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO, Stemettes
Most Influential Women in UK Imafidon founded volunteer organisation Stemettes to inspire the next IT 2018: Rising Stars generation of women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics via a series of panel events, hackathons and through the media. She is also a Most Influential Women in UK board member at Inspirational You, a fellow of the RSA and a DCMS digital IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall skills partnership board member. of Fame She won the FDM Everywoman Rising Star of the Year award 2014 and has Why we need to focus on featured in Computer Weekly's list of the Most Influential Women in UK IT after inclusivity as well as diversity being marked as a Rising Star in previous years. Prior to Stemettes, Imafidon in the tech industry started her career in IT as a business analyst intern and web designer before becoming an enterprise collaboration strategist at Deutsche Bank.
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6. Alice Bentinck, co-founder of Entrepreneur First In this e-guide Bentinck is the co-founder of Entrepreneur First, a firm focused on supporting Computer Weekly announces technology startups from around Europe. As part of the Entrepreneur First the Most Influential Women in initiative, Bentinck also co-founded Code First: Girls, an organisation which UK IT 2018 provides part-time coding courses across university campuses.
Bentinck was on the advisory board of Founders4Schools for two years, and is Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 on the Computer Science Department Industrial Liaison Board for Imperial Most Influential Woman in IT, College London. Amali de Alwis 7. Jeni Tennison, CEO of the Open Data Institute
Most Influential Women in UK Tennison is CEO of not-for-profit the Open Data Institute, and was awarded an IT 2018: Rising Stars OBE for services to technology and open data in 2014. Previously Tennison was technical architect and lead developer for Legislation.gov.uk and acts as Most Influential Women in UK executive director for Open Addresses UK. IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame Until 2015, Tennison was a member of the Open Data User Group, an independent ministerial advisory group for the Cabinet Office. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity 8. Carrie Anne Philbin, director of education, Raspberry Pi Foundation in the tech industry Named as one of Computer Weekly's 2016 women in tech rising stars, Carrie Anne Philbin leads strategy, CPD programmes and learning resources at the
Raspberry Pi Foundation.
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Philbin has worked to advance technology education in schools, acting as a In this e-guide board member for the Python Software Foundation and Computing At School (CAS) and chair of CAS #include to make computer science education Computer Weekly announces accessible to all. the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Philbin is also a YouTuber, writer and secondary computing and ICT teacher and creates a number of online resources for teenagers to help them get started Creativity and tech ‘two sides with Raspberry Pi technology. She has a YouTube series dedicated to making of same coin’, says 2018 role models within the IT industry more visible to teenage girls. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis 9. Anne Marie Neatham, COO, Ocado Technology
Anne Marie Neatham began her career as a software engineer in software and Most Influential Women in UK retail firms around the world. After joining Ocado as a software engineer in IT 2018: Rising Stars 2001, Neatham worked to become the head of Ocado Technology in Poland in 2012 where she set up the firm's Polish arm from scratch. Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall In 2014, Neatham became the chief operating officer of Ocado Technology of Fame where she looks after infrastructure and operations for the UK and Poland. Neatham believes that to get young girls into technology careers Why we need to focus on the encouragement needs to start early in the education system. inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry
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10. Jacky Wright, chief digital and information officer, HM Revenue & In this e-guide Customs
Computer Weekly announces Jacky Wright joined HMRC in October 2017 where she leads the department’s the Most Influential Women in digital transformation programme – one of the biggest in the public sector in UK IT 2018 Europe. Wright joined the department following several years at Microsoft, where she served as corporate vice-president. Creativity and tech ‘two sides Previously, she was a CIO at BP for three years, and a CIO at GE for eight of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, years. She is also an advocate for women in technology.
Amali de Alwis
Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars
Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall of Fame
Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry
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In this e-guide Why we need to focus on inclusivity as Computer Weekly announces well as diversity in the tech industry the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 Clare McDonald, business editor
This year's Computer Weekly diversity in technology event focused on the Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 importance of inclusivity in attracting and retaining diverse talent. Inclusivity can Most Influential Woman in IT, mean many things to many people, and creating an environment that makes Amali de Alwis everyone feel welcome can be easier said than done.
But why is inclusivity such an important topic in relation to attracting and Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars retaining diverse talent in the technology industry?
It has already been proven that diverse teams are more innovative, but part of Most Influential Women in UK the point of introducing diversity into an organisation is to reap the benefit of IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall different mindsets, coming up with ideas a team of the same type of people of Fame wouldn't have thought of and ultimately better reflecting the diverse customer base the technology industry has. Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity Without inclusivity, however, it can be difficult to retain people when they don't in the tech industry feel like they can be themselves in the workplace, and if people have to put on a persona at work it defeats the point of having a diverse workforce.
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For people who fit the stereotypical "IT guy" mould, inclusivity is already built in In this e-guide – they have been the only people in the industry up until this point who needed to be catered to. Computer Weekly announces the Most Influential Women in This is obviously a massive generalisation, but workplace culture in the UK IT 2018 technology industry is weighted towards a particular group of people.
That's why I wanted to tackle the importance of inclusion in attracting and Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 retaining a diverse workforce as part of Computer Weekly's annual diversity in Most Influential Woman in IT, technology event, in partnership with Mortimer Spinks. Amali de Alwis To make it easier for organisations and individuals to understand how they can contribute to an inclusive environment, a number of industry experts and Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars noteworthy women in IT gathered to talk about what inclusion means to them.
Creating a network of likeminded people, making sure people feel comfortable Most Influential Women in UK discussing inclusion topics and shutting down any negative-self-talk were all IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall suggestions given to make the technology industry a better place to work for of Fame people who don't match the usual IT stereotype.
Why we need to focus on But of all the topics covered throughout the day, acting as a role model and inclusivity as well as diversity seeking out roles models was by far the most popular suggestion. in the tech industry Joshy Uwadiae, who appeared on one of the day's panels, has spoken to Computer Weekly before about how positive role models helped to encourage him into his career in IT, and this year's Most Influential Woman in UK
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technology Amali de Alwis emphasised that everyone should feel they are a role In this e-guide model – there will always be someone who can benefit from your experience.
Computer Weekly announces Computer Weekly's annual list of the 50 Most Influential Women in UK the Most Influential Women in technology aims to make industry role models more visible and accessible for UK IT 2018 those who feel they are standing outside of the industry looking in.
In 2018 the longlist reached more than 200, and several of the women who Creativity and tech ‘two sides of same coin’, says 2018 made it through to the next round of judging were new to the shortlist. Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Represented among the top 50 were more small businesses and social enterprises than ever before, pushing aside some of the larger corporates and highlighting the number of entrepreneurial women who are contributing a large Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018: Rising Stars amount of time and effort to making the industry more diverse.
Alongside the top 50 are Hall of Famers and Rising Stars, representing the two Most Influential Women in UK ends of the role model spectrum, and all are important in ensuring more people IT 2018: Entrants to the Hall from outside of the techie stereotype consider a career in technology. of Fame So what does inclusion mean to me? It means feeling comfortable enough to be Why we need to focus on myself in the workplace and giving the company the benefit of me as an inclusivity as well as diversity individual. It seems to be working so far... in the tech industry
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In this e-guide Getting more CW+ exclusive content Computer Weekly announces As a CW+ member, you have access to TechTarget’s entire portfolio of 140+ the Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018 websites. CW+ access directs you to previously unavailable “platinum members- only resources” that are guaranteed to save you the time and effort of having to track such premium content down on your own, ultimately helping you to solve Creativity and tech ‘two sides your toughest IT challenges more effectively—and faster—than ever before. of same coin’, says 2018 Most Influential Woman in IT, Amali de Alwis Take full advantage of your membership by visiting
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Why we need to focus on inclusivity as well as diversity in the tech industry
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