Alison Kwan

I began my career as an English teacher, spending three years in the classroom before transitioning into the charity sector.

There, I gained experience in environmental work and later focused on youth homelessness. My passion for education led me back into the field in a project role within Further Education, where I worked in the Innovation and Development Team. In this role, I successfully led and secured funding for a range of educational projects across a group of FE colleges, spanning community outreach projects, skills programmes to EDI initiatives, and inclusive sport provision. Currently, I serve as Head of Operations at The Coders Guild, where I oversee the day-to-day running of our skills and training programmes. A key achievement in this role has been the conception and launch of a Women’s Leadership Skills Bootcamp, designed to upskill and empower women in male-dominated industries. The programme’s first pilot, launched in September, brought together women from North Yorkshire to develop leadership skills and confidence—resulting in direct career progression, including promotions and new roles for participants. Beyond my professional work, I am committed to driving diversity and inclusion in tech. I volunteer as an ambassador for Women in Tech York and contribute to the Women Pivoting to Digital Task Force, a national coalition of businesses, training providers, and government agencies working to increase female representation in the tech industry.