Georgina Warren | IHG Hotels and Resorts
I have spent my career focused on People and Culture establishing creative Resourcing and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Change solutions.
To date I have led the Diversity Equity & Inclusion and Wellbeing strategy across different industries establishing true change across organisations and creating spaces where individuals can thrive. My most proud moments have been creating and leveraging DE&I tech solutions to empower leaders to understand the diversity of their teams and establish the right interventions. Also delivering a robust Wellbeing package to my last organisation to support colleagues through the pandemic, and this was seen via achieving the largest improvement in the external benchmarking tool provided by City Mental Health Alliance.
Since joining the hospitality industry, and the world recovers from the pandemic, I have seen the incredible opportunity to ensure Diversity Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of our culture and business at IHG Hotels and Resorts and across our industry. To ensure that when we aim to attract individuals back into the industry, that candidates view hospitality as an industry that can foster cultures and careers where all individuals can thrive. Most recently, I have established a core Global DE&I calendar that helps us bring colleagues together and deepen their understanding of the value of inclusion around five key global celebrations: International Women’s Day, Global Inclusion and Wellbeing Week, Pride Month, World Mental Health Day and the International Day of People with Disabilities. We have aligned a new people leader and tailored HR sessions to each of these important events as we build the inclusive capabilities of our leaders and General Manager by empowering them to have the confidence and courage to have challenging conversations around DE&I.
Over the past year, I was also keen to start to share my knowledge with smaller organisations, charities and changemakers; and work as a partner and coach for these change agents via my platform InclusionCreates to lead the change that we need to see across our local communities.
Neha Malhotra | J.P. Morgan Chase
Neha is a senior cybersecurity leader and practitioner, with over 16 years of work experience across varied industries.
She currently works as Vice President in Cybersecurity Operational Risk management and Compliance with JP Morgan Chase bank, Singapore and has earlier worked with several large financial, technology and consulting organizations like Credit Suisse, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Accenture, Fujitsu, IBM, Crisil (a Standard & Poors Company), KPIT across Singapore, India and Malaysia.
She had started her career as a Software developer, and received many accolades and recognitions from her employers, but as she was always was on a search for her real calling. While she transitioned into project and program management roles; as soon as she found a role in the security domain, she realized it was the industry she belongs to and want to spend rest of her life working in. She worked hard to transition to a successful career in information & cyber security and loves her work and job to the core.
Neha holds coveted gold standard internationally recognized certifications including CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), PMP (Project Management Professional), PSM1 (Professional Scrum Master), CBSA(Certified Blockchain Systems Architect) and CBSP (Certified Blockchain Security Professional).
She shares her research and knowledge across the industry by speaking in conferences on various topics ranging from managing Cybersecurity risks & secure adoption of emerging technologies, software supply chain security, cyber risk quantification, women in cybersecurity and many more. One of her podcast – “Women in Cybersecurity” was widely admired and she received many testimonials for women who got inspired and benefited from the sharing.
Neha has been recognized with many global and regional awards for her work in cybersecurity including Top 100 Women in Technology in Singapore (recognized by Senior ministers and congratulatory speech by Honorable President of Singapore), Security Leader of the Year-Asia and two coveted (ISC)2 Global achievement awards in addition to numerous recognitions from her previous employers. She is also actively involved in a large number of community engagements, including mentoring numerous young professionals & students on a regular basis, being on the executive board of (ISC)2 Singapore Chapter, a co-opt member of Cybersecurity chapter of Singapore Computer Society, and many more. She also contributed to the AiSP (Association of Security Professionals) Singapore Information Security Book of Knowledge 2.0, and continues to inspire and motivate professionals across industries.
Jennifer Kent | Latham & Watkins
I am a senior associate in Latham’s Washington, D.C. office, representing private equity sponsors and company borrowers in secured lending and other financing transactions, including acquisition financings, asset-based loans and debt restructurings.
During my legal career, I have developed extensive experience with complex cross-border financings, advising on over US$10 billion worth of international transactions. I also previously spent 13 months in London working on European-based financings with multi-jurisdictional components.
My thought leadership in the finance field includes co-authoring the U.S. section of the International Financial Law Review 2018 Cross-Border Financing Report and leading a presentation on cross-border guarantees and security for Lawline’s 2020 Banking and Financial Services Curriculum.
I maintain an active pro bono practice, including advising low income and minority business owners and entrepreneurs and assisting people on US voter rights issues through the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline.
I am passionate about advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession – my personal motto is “lift as you climb,” which emphasizes the importance of creating pathways to allow others in the Black community and in other underrepresented groups to grow, develop, and succeed. As the first lawyer in my family, I benefitted immensely from mentors who guided and counseled me throughout my career, and accordingly actively work to pay that forward to younger lawyers.
Anna Radulovski | WomenTech Network
Originally from Ukraine, Anna began her diversity in tech empowerment journey in 2017 when she started Coding Girls.
Followed the launch of WomenTech Network, a women-led and women-focused organization to empower women globally through mentorship, career development, and networking. She’s the organizer of the WomenTech Global Conference uniting 100 000 women in tech, minorities, and allies, growing the community to 60K members since 2019. Her leadership inspired and empowered +6000 Ambassadors from 172 countries to join and unite women in tech in times of uncertainty.
As a Regional Director at the Founder Institute, her mission is to enable talented and aspiring female founders to become innovators and leaders and start and launch impactful companies. Ever since she joined the Founder institute the percentage of female graduates increased to 65% in 2021.
She is a regular speaker at large conferences in tech and business (Webit, EBAN, WeAreDevelopers) and a startup jury for girls and women contests and competitions like Enterpregirl. She views other women-focused organizations and startups as partners rather than competitors and due date WomenTech Network has over 200+ community members. (We'd be happy to have WeAreTheCity as a community as well)
As an organizer of WomenTech Global Awards, she put the highest priority on making sure women are seen, heard, and recognized. More than 2000+ women were recognized during the WomenTech Global Awards in 2022, with 60 winners in 22 categories including Women-Led Startup of the Year, Diversity in Tech Initiative, Diversity & Inclusion Officer of the Year, LGBTG+ AI Inclusion.
Patrizia Capogreco | 3M
Patrizia is a Senior Application Engineer, supporting EMEA Adhesive Solutions for Transportation Industry at 3M and a STEM role model for the next generation
A Material Scientist, a patent applicant who recently achieved the exclusive European Adhesive Engineer (EAE) certification, granted by the European Welding Federation.
Patrizia was born and raised in Italy. She was full of curiosity, enthusiasm, supported and encouraged in her learning and her aspirations by her family.
She studied materials science at university in Milan and Strasburg in France, specializing in composite materials and soon started working closely with both customers in the transportation market and the 3M Research and Development labs to develop new applications
Following 3M vision, Science needs to approach real applications to solve materials, products, equipment, process related issues and Application engineers play a critical role connecting technologies with the needs of customers, with women typically underrepresented on this career path.
Being part of a multicultural team Patrizia strongly believes in the power of comparison and collaboration of technical teams with different experiences and skills: the creativity that derives from it in solving a problem she thinks is the real key to scientific innovation. And that is how she has been named as an inventor on a patent relating to a high-profile customer project.
Patrizia is a STEM Ambassador encouraging and inspiring young people to consider a career in science, technology, engineering and maths with the mission to support kids to see themselves reflected in the science community, no matter their gender, ethnicity, or ability.
She also advocates for diversity in STEM being Lean In Circle leader and Gold facilitator of #IamRemarkable initiative, empowering women and other underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. Her daughter, Beatrice, has been an inspiration for Patrizia to continue her drive to give those who are underrepresented in STEM a voice so they can reach their full potential.
Aparna Saroagi | NatWest
Aparna Saroagi, Vice-President & Head, Credit Risk, India, Natwest Group.
She has been spearheading inclusive workplace practices by advancing organization women's engagement; going beyond, as a key driver in propagating women empowerment across industry sectors by mentoring and guiding women at all levels to achieve their potential to fulfil professional and personal goals.
On inclusive leadership, in her own words, “a diverse and an inclusive society starts with leader’s personal actions and advocacy, to bring clarity to where we (women) are as a gender and the capability required for tomorrow. That journey is by itself a motivation to bring our best selves to work."
Over her 9 years in RBS, Aparna has been instrumental in setting up various teams in RHI, and leading initiatives to ensure a safe and secure customer proposition. She has been committed on achieving business priorities by driving the people agenda (Career Fairs, Women’s leadership mentoring), defining effective Target operating models and driving consolidation of the various controls function.
She has led from the front, supporting teams with opportunities to develop with positive Our View D&I scores and conscious effort to build an inclusive team.
Aparna has made a significant impact in India as the Co-Founder of Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Foundation (WEE) which is fully supported by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and Government of India to strengthen the global Women eco-system. Under Aparna's leadership, WEE Foundation has remarkable achievements till date:
- Mentored 5200 Indian women entrepreneurs in start-ups including AI, Beehiving, Menstrual Hygiene, Tactile technology for differently abled etc;
- Facilitated GBP 125,000 grant as venture capital support
- Drive sustainable environment initiatives on smokeless cooking stoves.
Aparna's achievements continue as a regular TedX and keynote speaker; on behalf of Government of India as a Chair/ Presenter of round-table conferences on women empowerment hosting overseas high-level Government delegations from:
- UK (Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Member of Parliament & Virendra Kumar Sharma, Member of Parliament),
- Canada ( Naveen Bains, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation)
- Israel (Ofir Akunis, Minister of Science, Technology and Space)
She is the winner of the prestigious "Social: India Women entrepreneurship Leadership award 2017". In recognition of her Gender diversity contribution, she has earned an honorary appointment in the Standing committee for Promoting Women in Science, Government of India.
Aparna has been recognized as Young Innovator and Leader by Israel embassy in India.
Aparna has demonstrated that achieving equality is about more than just creating ‘opportunities for women’ – it’s about creating a positive work environment, encouraging colleagues on the importance of diversity and enabling a great workplace resulting in brilliant outcomes for customers, colleagues and the community.
Aparna's work has been covered by leading medias Bloomberg, BBC, Business World, Government of India portal. ( Please feel free to search my name on internet, almost 5 pages talks about our work on women empowerment)
Victoria Riess | Riess Consulting
Victoria is a Founder in the technology industry, Cambridge MBA, and an award-winning Women in Tech.
She has a track record as a women leader in tech and over twelve years of leadership experience in general management, digital strategy consulting, and corporate strategy on digital transformation. She leads strategy consulting programs across the EMEA region in over two industries (IT and fintech, intelligent transportation, etc.). She has experience in business strategy, digital transformation, Cloud DevOps Engineering, data science, and leadership.
Victoria builds and leads digital functions with high performing global teams. She demonstrates leadership in technology by combining business acumen with innovative strategies to attract and develop top talent. She is a known thought leader in technology, showcasing value of digital capabilities to a wider audience. She collaborates with different senior stakeholders to enable digital experience across her organizations, digital ecosystems, and products. She encourages digital innovation to further positive impact solutions, sustainable practices, and more inclusive working environment.
Chloe Brooke | RBC
I am currently working as a Corporate Communications Manager for the Royal Bank of Canada, based in our New York office covering the U.S. business.
I moved to New York with the company in September last year. In my role I develop and execute on a communications strategy for the firm’s global markets business, with responsibility for managing the internal and external communications for our fixed income, equities and research teams. I am a strategic advisor and partner to the business, supporting the priorities and goals of the firm whilst managing relationships with key journalists and producers working for international and national financial publications and networks.
I joined RBC in London in 2017, starting as a Communications Advisor covering predominantly internal communications. I joined RBC’s RFuture employee network for young employees, leading on a range of major initiatives to improve networking and development opportunities, and managed to become co-Chair of the group in 2018. In the same year I also became one of the youngest, most junior people to ever sit on the UK Diversity Committee.
Since 2017 I have also volunteered for the Samaritans, a suicide crisis helpline, as a listening volunteer logging over 200 hours of calls, and assisting with training and mentoring of other Samaritans. I have also worked with the charity Bloody Good Period to arrange donation events, starting out with a small event with just 10 people in my flat, to the following year hosting an event at a bar in London with over 80 guests to raise funds and awareness, and organize donations of much-needed women’s menstrual health products.
In 2020, I won RBC’s Global Citizen Award for services to the community and donated my prize fund to the Bloody Good Period.
Prior to joining RBC and the banking industry, I worked in Healthcare, in a communications role for the Global HealthCare company, Abbott.
I studied Spanish and International Media Communications at the University of Nottingham, and I also studied at Valencia university for one year. I worked as a journalist in Malaga, Spain, for the Spanish newspaper Diario Sur. I started out translating articles, but ended up reporting on and writing my own articles – both in Spanish and English for the English version of the paper – Sur in English.
Eleonore Hinlopen | Mastercard
With my study background in Social Sciences and Business Administration (which I studied in Amsterdam, Netherlands), I considered starting working in a completely different field, which was Finance.
I always like to learn things in which I am not experienced yet. I started as Finance Consultant after I graduated in 2016, and my first assignment was implementation testmanager for a new financial core system at a Healthcare company. This was where I learned the aspects of IT, functional acceptance tests and solving technical issues. After this assignment of 10 months, I started within ING Group, as Finance Analyst within Performance and Technology. After only 3 months in, one of the managers came to me that he wanted to start a new team with me joining: the Global Transformation & Change Finance team. And so we did - I have been working with ING Group on this team for 2.5 years in Amsterdam, before I decided that I wanted to expand my career abroad. In 2019 fall, I moved to Stockholm, Sweden, to experience working in the Nordic region, where innovation is very advanced, and the startup scene as well. This is where I started my current job back in 2020: as Program Manager of Mastercard Lighthouse, a social impact program helping startups scale globally through partnerships. I was very delighted that I found my Social Sciences background back here, since I missed this in my previous role with ING. I am truly inspired by working with startups, especially in the sustainability and social impact field as I do now. My ambition is to become more known with impact investing, and to do more with the effective altruistic side of supporting impact tech startups.
Ashley Scott | PepsiCo
Ashley M. Scott is a Digital Product Senior Analyst at PepsiCo, responsible for designing, building, and implementing enterprise-wide, platform-based data solutions.
Outside of her role, Scott is the founder and CEO of Data Girl Ash, a training and coaching company that empowers the number of individuals who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds, especially women, to pursue careers in data and technology. Scott has trained over 100 people across 10+ states and 3+ countries in backgrounds ranging from healthcare, education, and business. Scott is a first-generation college graduate from the State University at Albany (SUNY), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health magna cum laude. Scott obtained her Master in Business Administration with distinction from Mercy College and a Women's Entrepreneurship Certificate from the Bank of America Institute at Cornell University. Scott enjoys candidly sharing her experience working in the data industry, highlighting the importance of representation, and has worked with organizations such as Olay, IBM Developer, and Grow with Google on the unique ways to navigate career opportunities and accelerate to the next phase. Since completing an internship supporting government officials in Tanzania, East Africa, to create a tertiary healthcare facility, Scott has successfully leveraged her previous work experience in public health to work autonomously and transition into an in-demand data career.