Navreet Kaur | IT Audit Associate | Northern Trust
Navreet Kaur is a dynamic IT Audit Associate with a strong foundation in data analytics, business intelligence, and risk management.
Born in Punjab, India, raised in Italy, and now based in London, she brings a global perspective and a deep passion for technology and finance. A graduate of University College London with a BSc in Information Management for Business, Navreet has been involved in improving the IT risk and control environment, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging data analytics tools like Power BI and Tableau to drive efficiency and implementing data driven solutions. Beyond her professional achievements, Navreet is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in tech. As a committee member of the Asian Leadership Council at Northern Trust, she organizes initiatives that promote diversity and cultural awareness. She has also mentored students, led programming workshops, and collaborated on AI-driven research projects, contributing to innovation and knowledge-sharing. With a track record of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and continuously learning, Navreet is committed to making a lasting impact at the intersection of technology and finance.
Orla Dunlop | DevOps Engineer | DWP Digital
As a teenager, I thought the idea of finding a job you loved was a myth. I’d simply resolved myself to finding a job I could tolerate.
But that all changed when I joined the Digital industry at the end of 2021 when I took the leap to completely switch up my career by applying for a DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship which has since made me the confident, career-driven woman that I am today, working in a job that I find enjoyment in and have an immense passion for. In under three years I went from not knowing how to write a line of code to writing code for a product which underpins critical national infrastructure, managing hundreds of APIs and on target to surpass 9.5 billion API calls annually. Fostering a collaborate community is at the heart of my work – whether that be demoing a new tool to other engineers, helping to debug an issue or refining development workflows and documentation – my main driver in work is to create a space where engineers feel empowered to be creative, to fail and learn, and above all to feel proud of the work they’ve done (me included!). I believe this is the core of unlocking a truly brilliant engineering community.
Charlotte Hanson | Service Delivery Manager | BAE Systems
Charlotte is an APM PMQ qualified Project Manager who has for the last 4 years been working as a Service Delivery Manager in Maritime Services.
This role involves managing multiple fleetwide equipment contracts delivering both routine and urgent, spares and repairs for the Royal Navy. Alongside this role, Charlotte is the Maritime and Land Sector Representative for the Employee Resource Group, the Gender Equity Network (GEN). This group ensures employees have equal access to tools and opportunities regardless of gender. Through her role in GEN and her personal enduring experience with endometriosis and adenomyosis, she identified a need for additional workplace support and advocacy in this area and created the Reproductive Health and Fertility Group. She has chaired this group since its inception in 2024, running monthly sessions for hundreds of engaged attendees, inviting both internal and external speakers to share their personal lived experiences with reproductive health and fertility. She has created a safe and inclusive space to educate, inform and advocate for the needs of her colleagues. Charlotte is engaged in ongoing policy discussions within the business to improve workplace support, taking steps to close the gender health gap and support women to thrive professionally. In the near future, she is looking to explore a new role in Employee Experience, marrying her core project management skills with her unwavering drive to improve the workplace for her colleagues both current and future.
Emma-Louise Elgar | Managing Consultant | Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd
Born in Chatham in 1988, I grew up and was educated in Whitby, North Yorkshire. I joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service in 2010, training at Britannia Royal Naval College and Fleetwood Nautical College.
After a three-year cadetship, I was appointed to RFA CARDIGAN BAY as a Third Officer for Operation KIPION. I gained experience across various ship classes as an Officer of the Watch, Point Defence Officer, and Navigator’s assistant. In 2016, I became Navigator on RFA WAVE KNIGHT, conducting Atlantic Patrol Tasking North. I earned my Chief Mates Unlimited Certificate in October 2016. In 2018, I joined the new tanker project as Navigator and Operations Officer of RFA TIDEFORCE, delivering the ship from South Korea to the UK. I later served on RFA TIDERACE and RFA TIDEFORCE, conducting Operational Sea Training and other missions. I earned my Master’s Unlimited Certificate in 2019. In early 2020, while pregnant with my first child, I worked in Navy Command Headquarters on special projects. After a brief maternity leave, I returned to complete my work. In mid-2022, while pregnant with my second child, I returned to Navy Command Headquarters as SO1 Force Generation and Future Capability Manager. After another short maternity leave, I continued in this role until my resignation in May 2024. I currently work as a managing consultant for Frazer-Nash Consultancy and remaining in Defence I lead the Outreach Team on a Navy Digital Portfolio Office Contract I enjoy hill walking, outdoor pursuits with my family, and exploring new cultures.
Hannah Riekemann-Wood | Defence Maritime Consultant | Frazer-Nash Consultancy
All the World’s a Stage and all the men and women merely players” as it takes a team to get the show on the road.
A former drama student, I changed one stage for another, starting my maritime journey in 2014 and cadetship in 2015 before qualifying in 2018 and serving on ships deployed on global operations in support of counter narcotics, counter piracy and humanitarian assistance disaster relief. Actively striving to shape my career beyond my core role, I volunteered on the steamship SS Shieldhall as a deck officer enhancing skillsets. It was the birth of my son that started me on my path of advocacy, fighting for the rights of parents, and women in particular, in the maritime defence sector. I gained my Chief Mates Unlimited qualification 3 months to the day after giving birth: a significant achievement.
There is a huge gulf between what we expect as a modern society and the policies in force and the people who stick rigidly to the status quo. Defence is better when we support our people, striving to retain those passionate about their careers wanting to balance those with family life. I now work on projects pan-Navy, developing the next strategic policies and capabilities, continuing to advocate for parents in maritime and raise awareness of areas where we are lack.
My journey is a testament to resilience, determination and never giving up despite resistance. I am proud of the incredible individuals who try to shape Defence for the better and hope my son will be proud of his Mommy for what I’m doing.
Jessica Manson | Assistant Director | Joint Maritime Security Centre
I began my career as a Deck Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), serving for 13 years across the globe in support of UK defence.
Throughout my time in the RFA, I actively shaped my own career, seeking out opportunities beyond my core role to broaden my experience and make a meaningful impact. After a four-month deployment at sea, I took on a secondment with Border Force, conducting migrant rescue operations in the Aegean. It was both harrowing and rewarding, reinforcing my commitment to maritime security and humanitarian efforts. Later, I was seconded to the Royal Navy, first working in maritime enterprise engagement before securing a highly sought-after role in outreach and engagement within the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre—positions I proactively pursued to develop my expertise. However, balancing my career with family life became unsustainable, leaving me with no real choice but to resign. Refusing to let circumstances define me, I backed myself, applied for a role with greater responsibility and a significantly higher salary—and secured it. I am now an Assistant Director in the UK’s Joint Maritime Security Centre, where I feel more valued than ever. My journey is a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the power of forging my own path. I am incredibly proud of how far I have come, and I hope my children will be proud of their Mum too.
Alexia Williams | Through Life Technical Lead | Defense Organisation
Alexia is a Through Life Technical Lead at a Defence organisation, where her career has spanned the entire Defence Portfolio.
Starting as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, she progressed to a Master's Degree Apprenticeship in Through-Life System Sustainment, driving innovation in the maintenance and availability of long-life assets. Her projects include reducing turnaround times for military engine repairs and using data analytics to enhance Navy asset availability. Beyond her technical role, Alexia is a Non-Executive Director at EAL and a Trustee on the Board of Enginuity, supporting education and skills development in engineering. Passionate about promoting STEM careers and apprenticeships, she has contributed over 200 hours in the past year to outreach activities. She also serves as Chair of the IfATE Apprentice Panel, an Apprentice Representative for the UCAS Apprenticeship Stakeholder Group, and a member of the IET Young Professionals Committee and IMechE Bath and Bristol Young Members Panel. Alexia's dedication and leadership have earned her multiple awards as an apprentice and engineer. Rising from Apprentice to Technical Lead in under six years, she exemplifies the values of trust, integrity, and safety. Through her work and advocacy, Alexia is not only driving engineering excellence but also inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.
Julia Barr | Commercial Manager, Nuclear - Defence & Civil | Mott MacDonald
Having studied Law at university, I spent 4.5 years in legal publishing at a small Oxford firm before moving to London to take on a PA/editorial role at Westminster Abbey.
I moved up to Scotland and found a role as an executive assistant at a private school; unfortunately, some restructuring and reduced hours meant that role was no longer tenable and I was lucky to find a role as a programme office coordinator with Mott MacDonald. I have been with Mott MacDonald ever since: I went from the programme office of a £1.6B defence infrastructure programme to working on one of its projects. A few months in, I was promoted to Assistant Project Manager, looking after multiple workstreams and coordinating on-site working, which had to move from 9/5 to 24/7 to keep workers safe during the Covid pandemic. A mentoring opportunity led to the offer of a commercial management role, which I thought I’d be terrible at but in fact really suited me. I have since progressed to offering our project teams management and support on contracts, governance, dispute resolution, finances and audit, as well as taking on a compliance manager role on a confidential project. As a mum of three children who works full time and whose partner works away from home in the Forces, I am passionate about promoting and realising the employment potential in the military community. I am the Families Lead on Mott MacDonald’s Armed Forces Steering Group, representing military family employees’ views to senior management.
Kim Wyche | Cryptologic Technician | Royal Navy
I was born in Dundee and following time in sea cadets at school, enlisted as soon as I could following my exams.
Now just passing the 26-year mark, I can honestly say it has been the best decision I ever made, and I have not looked back !. I am currently the Senior Warrant Officer of the Cryptologic Technician Warfare specialisation, where I make key decisions and am the project lead for all changes to personnel, capability, and doctrine across the community. I have served in various RN platforms over the years, including HMS Cornwall, HMS Campbeltown, and HMS Lancaster; as well as having completed multiple Joint deployments to Cyprus and the Falkland Islands. Additionally, I have supported various Operations in the Mediterranean with NATO and spent many months in the Gulf regions during the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.
Lisa Rawlings | Senior Talent Acquisition | Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK
Lisa Rawlings is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning military and civilian sectors.
Currently serving as Senior Talent Acquisition at SNC MS UK, Lisa drives strategic recruitment initiatives within the defence sector, including the development of a Military Pathway Programme that enhances diversity and retention by supporting veterans’ transitions to civilian careers. Lisa is the Chair of the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee (Wales), where she advocates for veterans’ rights, influencing policy changes and improving access to services. She is also the Co-founder of the Female Veterans Alliance, a pioneering network providing support, mentorship, and community for women transitioning from military to civilian life. Additionally, she has co-founded three Veterans Support Hubs, offering essential services for veterans and their families, addressing issues such as mental health, isolation, and employment. Lisa’s academic achievements include a Master of Science in Global Governance and ongoing studies for a second master’s in Human Resource Management, showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development. Recognised with several honours, including Role Model of the Year at the Welsh Veteran Awards, Lisa’s work is a testament to her passion for making a positive impact on individuals and communities.