Subarna Bhattacharya | Vice President : Head of DEC execution IT Amer | BNP Paribas
Subarna Bhattacharya is a dynamic leader in the IT industry, known for her pioneering work and dedication to advancing womens careers in technology.
With a Masters degree in Computer Science from a prestigious University of Southern California university, Subarna began her career as a software engineer at a leading IT firm.
Currently , Subarna is a Senior Vice President with 15+ years of experience leading teams and delivering products in the Financial Services industry. She has ample exposure in Banking (including commodities derivatives, Derivative and clearing business, equity derivatives, and portfolio management), and is a highly Motivated Technologist with excellent analytical and organization skills.
Driven by her passion for innovation and problem-solving, Subarna quickly rose through the ranks, leveraging her technical expertise and leadership skills to take on increasingly challenging roles. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to foster collaboration led to her appointment as a Head of Dec Execution IT at BNP Paribas , USA.
In her current role as IT Manager at BNP Paribas, Subarna plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and overseeing key projects within the organization. Her exceptional leadership qualities and strategic vision have earned her recognition as a key player in the IT industry.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Subarna is a vocal advocate for gender diversity in the workplace and actively mentors young women pursuing careers in technology. She is also involved in various community outreach programs aimed at empowering women and promoting STEM education. Subarna is an active member of Women in IT.
Pelin Turkmen | ESG Graduate Analyst | Cambridge & Counties Bank
Pelin Turkmen is a young professional with a strong academic background and dedication to sustainable finance and climate change economics.
She earned her degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in July 2023, where she focused on Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Economics. Currently working as the ESG Graduate Analyst at Cambridge & Counties Bank, Pelin leverages her diverse experience gained from international financial institutions and research institutes across multiple continents. Highly skilled in navigating the complex intersection of finance and sustainability, she adeptly tackles both risks and opportunities associated with addressing the economic dimensions of climate change.
Namita Gupta | Technical Product Owner | MUFG
Namita Gupta is a Technical Product Owner for Trade Finance at MUFG. She is an ESG enthusiast, working parent, mentor, role model and public speaker.
In her role Namita leads on onboarding, complex technical integration and security clearances for Trade Finance technology products.
Namita started her career 18 years ago in India where she obtained Bachelors of Engineering qualification in Electronics and Telecommunications. She worked at Larsen & Toubro Infotech and Royal Bank of Scotland before moving to the UK with her family, where she worked at Barclays before joining MUFG in 2022. Namita was awarded Achiever of the Month twice; for build and test automation, and for delivering Angular JS training the new front end technology at the time. She has been the recipient of the prestigious Excellence Values Award at Barclays, and her latest achievement includes Top Green Team Member 2023 Award at MUFG.
As a keen ESG enthusiast Namita has delivered many MyCo2 workshops to raise climate risk awareness and help reduce personal carbon emissions. She takes pride in the importance of giving back, helping others and is an advocate for personal development. Namita has taken active part in CSR ‘Young Minds Brighter Futures’ programme, where she co-delivered Future Opportunities and The Hour of Code workshops to low socio-economic background students. She mentors early careers tech talent and fellow female professionals to encourage growth mindset. She invests in personal and professional self-development.
Outside of work, Namita practices yoga and enjoys spending time in nature.
Micaela Spencer-Rogers | Business Manager, Barclays UK Sustainable Finance & Social Purpose | Barclays
Micaela joined Barclays in 2019 on the Risk graduate scheme, holding a number of roles across Risk before joining Operational Risk in a Business Management, Strategy and Governance role.
In 2023 Micaela joined the Barclays UK Sustainable Finance & Social Purpose team, driven by a desire to greater align her values and professional aspirations. In her current role, Micaela embraces the challenge of capturing opportunities from the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Prior to joining Barclays, Micaela completed a degree in Economics & Politics at the University of Exeter.
Lauren Palmer | Sustainability Delivery Manager | Barclays
I started my career within the branch network at the age of 19 following completion of my A Levels.
I achieved the grades required to attend university, however I have always found the typical student life rather challenging due to my condition and instead decided to enter the world of work.
I currently work within Sustainable Finance as a Delivery Manager, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy and am extremely passionate around both the Social and Environmental aspects of ESG.
Jasmina Negrini | VP Chief Operating Office | Barclays
Jasmina has a career in the financial services spanning over 25 years. She has lived in five countries across continents and has travelled extensively developing strong cultural awareness.
Jasmina is passionate about bringing DE&I and Sustainability together to address climate change and societal injustice as she believes that we can only achieve a better world if we value diverse contributions, achieve inclusion and create a level playing field.
As a side of desk job, she chaired the Gender Network at J P Morgan pioneering intersectionality through collaboration and partnership across different diversity networks and currently co-chairs the London Environment Network at Barclays. Jasmina dedicates her spare time and expertise to business development programmes including mentoring of charities, helping social businesses addressing strategic challenges and coaching entrepreneurs tackling social and environmental challenges.
Her passion for stewardship and her talent in finding scalable solutions were acknowledged in the 2021 ‘Micro Tyco for Leaders’ entrepreneurial challenge championing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in recognition of designing and implementing an inclusive ‘Menopause Strategy’ that provides tools and resources for all colleagues.
She is also a Board Trustee, a Climate Reality Leader, a Climate Safe Lending Fellow 2023 and a UN Women CSW 68 UK delegate. Jasmina is focusing on mindset shift and system change to accelerate the transition to net 0 and considers gender equality a pre requisite as women are more heavily affected by climate change and can also significantly contribute to identifying the solutions needed.
Gina Panayiotou | Founder & CEO | Oceans Arena
Founder & CEO of ESG Consultancy, Oceans Arena and Founder & Chair of the World ESG Forum, a think tank created with an aim of achieving a level-playing blueprint for ESG within maritime and across the wider transport sector.
Having studied maritime law, with an MBA focused on change management and ethical leadership, I have worked with organisations such as the Hartmann Shipping Group, MSC Cruises and acted as a communications consultant the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO), United Nations body for maritime.
Based in London, I have been appointed UK Ambassador of the Seatrade Maritime Club, sit on the Board of WISTA UK as Secretary, Co-Chair the WISTA International Environmental Committee and I am the G100 UK Chair for Sustainable Brand Creation. Additionally, I supports the World Ocean Council as an associate on Law & Ocean Sustainable Development and is an Associate Tutor at MLA College.
Furthermore, I have been featured among the “Top Maritime Influencers you should follow” by Marine Traffic, made the Seatrade 20under40 list, shortlisted for the Inspirational Influencer Awards, Global Impact, for my work on youth and female empowerment, have been ranked by Legal 500, GC Powerlist, featured in the Top 100 Women in Shipping list for 45 consecutive years and founded and host the “Oceans Arena” broadcast.
Cathy Yitong Li | Climate Commission Deputy Chair | IUCN
Cathy Yitong Li has been focusing on multilateral climate processes and civil society advocacy since she was a teenager, including serving advisory and governance roles across 7 UN bodies and various international organisations.
Passionate about the synergies between climate and nature, Cathy is the IUCN Climate Commission Deputy Chair and by profession, the Nature Programme Manager of the High Level Climate Champions Team.
Besides working with IGOs and NGOs, Cathy has experience advising governments and businesses, including as a Young Leader of IKEA and previously with Deloitte and JP Morgan.
Aisling Connaughton | Co-founder & Sustainability Solutionist | Cyd Connects
Aisling is co-founder of Cyd Connects, a women-led sustainability consultancy helping business become a force for good.
We are participants of the UN Global Compact and specialises in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals via B Corp and sustainability roadmaps that make navigating the journey fun and inspiring.
Now is the time for every business to become a force for good.
Through Cyd Connects, Aisling turns social and environmental responsibility into competitive business advantage.
As a TEDx speaker and guest lecturer at Goldsmiths University, Imperial College and EADA Barcelona, Aisling’s skill is in taking what can seem like a dry and overwhelming subject like sustainability, and making it simple, innovative and fun.
Aisling’s 19-year global career in PR spans sustainability, marketing, and communications. She has worked for Huawei Technologies holding posts in Shenzhen and San Francisco. Aisling began her career in the beauty industry, working for L’Oreal, Aveda and Clarins before taking the Global Head of PR role with leading sustainable British brand Liz Earle Beauty Co.
Aisling is a proud member of the University of Cambridge Wo+Men Leadership Centre. She has a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths University of London and received a scholarship to the Cambridge Judge Business School Rising Women Leaders Programme.
In her role as a certified B Leader, Aisling is working to raise awareness of how the B Corp framework can act as a catalyst for better business and accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Zinet Kemal | Cloud Security Engineer | Best Buy
Zinet Kemal, is an immigrant from Ethiopia, a mother of four, a career changer from the legal field, a multi-award-winning cybersecurity advocate, a TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, & 3 x award-winning children’s book author.
Zinet is a Georgia Tech University graduate with a M.S. degree in Cybersecurity. She earned a B.S. degree in Computer Science & LLB degree in Law. She currently works for a Fortune 500 organization as a Cloud Security Engineer. Her children’s books, `Proud in Her Hijab`, champions girls’ empowerment, and “Oh, No … Hacked Again!” teaches children about the importance of online safety & sparks interest in young readers to consider cybersecurity as a meaningful career option. ‘See Yourself in Cybersecurity’ a 2 times award winner highlights the various cybersecurity careers that await the next generation of trailblazers.
Through her words, Zinet empowers young minds to envision themselves as the cyber heroes of tomorrow.
Zinet is also the co-author of “Securing Our Future” with black women in the cyber collective. Zinet is the recipient of the 2024 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber, 2023 40 under 40, the CS Hub Top 25 cybersecurity leader for 2024, the 2023 Ivan Allen Legacy Award from Graduate school, the 2023 SANS Difference Makers Award for Best Book of the Year, Women Who Code Applaud Her Awards in Security, 2022 SC media women in IT Security Cyber Advocate, CyberScoop Most Inspiring Up & Comer, Team Women’s WaveMakers Award.
She was featured on Good Morning America, 11Alive, BBC, Yahoo! News, Abc news, WCCO, & AFROTECH.