Goodness Ngodigha | Programmer Analyst | Cognizant
Goodness is a ServiceNow Developer at Cognizant, Board Member at WILD digital, Master’s Degree holder in Data Science, and a public speaker. She uses her voice to advocate for Diversity and Inclusion within the digital tech industry.
Feeling lost as a new mom at the time and unfulfilled career-wise (despite being a Computer Science graduate), I embarked on the journey of finding myself and my purpose in life. That journey led me to the UK where I studied and obtained a master’s degree in data science. Highly optimistic that this would grant me the opportunity to kickstart my career in tech as a data scientist, I was met with the harsh reality of life. The struggle to land my dream job as an immigrant from Nigeria, with little to no work experience in the chosen field seemed unbearable. However, determination, hardwork, resilience and perseverance got me out of my rut.
Since breaking through in the world of technology starting out as a ServiceNow Developer, I have actively contributed to the industry by assisting clients in troubleshooting technical issues raised by their ServiceNow instance users, providing actionable resolutions to the issues raised. I have equally been involved in developing, maintaining, and enhancing applications on the ServiceNow platform. Additionally, I have represented my organisation in a panel discussion to share my experience with using the ServiceNow platform from the perspective of a junior ServiceNow developer and discuss the exciting developments happenings around IT helpdesk and Service Management in Health and Social Care.
In a way, I am grateful for all the struggles I experienced prior to kickstarting my career in tech. This is because the challenges I faced ushered me into my public speaking era. Being a passionate individual who cares so much about people, I have been fortunate to have the platform to share my journey with diverse audiences. I have had the opportunity to represent my organisation at several public facing events and internal fireside chats and panels where I have shared my story to emphasise the importance of diversity and inclusion within the digital tech industry. My advocacy for diversity and inclusion and career journey has opened doors for me and granted me a seat at the table as a Board member of WILD Digital, an organisation which was founded by two outstanding women to make the world of technology more equal and accessible to all.
I have been very fortunate to now have incredible mentors and supporters who have encouraged me, shone the spotlight on me and pushed me out of my comfort zone to unleash my potentials for excellence. I intend to continue to give back to the society by encouraging more young people, particularly women from under-represented ethnicities to pursue a career in tech and be the best version of themselves in whatever career path they choose.
Rebecca Varley | Business Director | Zone Digtal
Becky is a rare unicorn of a Business Director, combining a creative and strong commercial and operational mind, as well as consistent pastoral care and mentorship.
A passionate storyteller her career started in the TV industry at the BBC, before relocating to Germany where she became a TV producer. Back in the UK she took on challenging roles at Endemol, her segway into the digital realm, before making the move to a Mar-tech Agency inside Coty, one of the world’s largest beauty companies. Here she set up an in-house studio producing beauty content across the digital spectrum for over 30 FMCG and Luxury brands such as Rimmel, Max Factor, Hugo Boss, Cover girl, Clairol, and GHD.
Keen to transition into Client Services, Becky embraced the chance to move to digital agency, Zone (a Cognizant company), where she was soon promoted to Business Director on one of the largest and most prestigious automotive client groups within UK&IE DX. Here she oversees work across a complex mix of digital services and solutions in a time of huge change for the industry.
Clients value her support, flexibility and high energy, impact driven approach. She encourages honest and transparent relationships focused on long term development, with her team seen as an extension of the brands they collaborate with, all working to deliver excellence today and for the future.
Much respected by her peers, Becky has been identified as a future leader with an ambition to grow and help help others do the same.
Smaranda Camber | Management Consultant | Accenture
Coming from a small city in an under-developed area of Romania, from a single-household family, and a modest background, I believe excellence drives change.
Since being the only scholar in my county to achieve perfect score at my Baccalaureate (achievement congratulated by the President) , I then interned for the Government of Romania, Tesco Supply Chain, City Technology & start-ups before Accenture.
I am a Management Consultant in the Capital Markets practice of Accenture, working on projects such as 9-digit figures cost reduction, and large-scale M&A of investment banks. In addition to focusing on the client role, I have been focused on topics such as both Generative AI; and on bringing diversity of thought in Capital Markets (audience of 150+), then Financial Services (audience of 500-1,000+) throughout the past 3 years.
Saiba Ali | Management Consulting Analyst | Accenture
Saiba is currently a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture in their Manchester office.
Since joining Accenture Saiba has led the analyst Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) network in the North-West, putting together days to celebrate culture and communities alike for example the Black History Month paint and learn class. Alongside this, Saiba has introduced the first ever North-West quarterly awards, where she herself was chosen by Accenture leadership as the Best Newcomer. Prior to joining Accenture, Saiba worked in Audit at Grant Thornton where she partially completed the ACA. At university, Saiba studied and achieved top grades in BSc Business and International Relations and MSc Strategy and Leadership; with a focus on sustainable business practices and women in leadership. To date, although at the very beginning of her career, Saiba exemplifies as a keen learner, someone who brings fresh ideas to the table and an individual who thrives off boosting inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
Sherry Gardner | Conference & Events Co-ordinator, Capital Markets | Royal Bank of Canada
After earning a law degree, I embarked on a career corporate law firms in the City of London, which not only solidified my foundation in law and opened up the doors to various opportunities outside of the legal realm.
Seeking new challenges, I joined the world of investment banking and spent 8 years within the legal department of Goldman Sachs where I translated my legal knowledge into the financial services industry. However, after 8 years and driven by the need for a new environment I joined RBC in 2017 and have worked within different divisions of RBC, including Wealth Management, Risk and the Office of the CEO. Pivoting into the dynamic area of conferences and events within the capital markets platform of RBC. Drawing on my diverse skill set and passion for networking and relationship-building I enjoy my role within my team which organises large scale and bespoke events for the various stakeholders within RBC.
Gemma Walsh | Research Radiographer | City, University of London
Gemma is a CT/MRI lead radiographer at Wood Green NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in London.
She is also a research radiographer and prospective PhD student at City, University of London working to investigate the impact of AI implementation on radiographer roles and professional identity, and further explore AI leadership roles and competencies for radiographers.
Gabriella Zanzanaini | Global Organisational Effectiveness Consultant in Leadership, Talent & Culture | Macquarie Group
Powered by a passion for bringing people together to create positive change, I followed my purpose by choosing to work on a range of issues contributing to building a healthier and more inclusive society.
From a focus on advocating for the human right to water to supporting a shift to more sustainable agricultural systems, to engaging men in gender equity initiatives and now working with many to create more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces, it is a strong belief in what we can achieve Together that has been a key driver.
Fuelled by a deep curiosity about what resonates and what doesn`t depending on the context, it was a conscious choice to work in different industries, ranging from the corporate sector in financial services, to civil society in different countries and multi-stakeholder platforms with business and political/governmental institutions.
I leverage deep cross-regional expertise in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gender Equity, Leadership, Talent & Development, combined with strategic stakeholder management skills to build networks in highly matrix-ed organisations. I`ve coordinated and led groups at all levels, from national grassroots movements to cross-industry C-suite councils - to influence, listen and empower for behavioural change and put in place feedback and processes to measure impact and change.
As a social anthropologist with a multi-cultural background, my previous experience in Sustainable Development & International Relations within NGOs and European Institutions gives me the background and lens to approach People issues within an ESG framework and a broader cultural context.
Gina Patel | DAWN Co-chair | NHS England
Gina Patel is a south Asian female equality advocate and has dedicated more than 13 years of her life promoting the rights of disabled people from all backgrounds personally and professionally.
Her own experience of growing up and attending a disability segregated service has shaped her motivation and determination to accomplish thus far, among others.
Her professional career began with an advocacy organisation where she spoke out on behalf of individuals with disabilities on a local, regional, and national level. She also served on the West Midlands Young Combined Authority as an inaugural board member. At TEDxWolverhampton 2021, she gave a talk titled ”Disability and Ambitions,” focusing on the topic of disability segregation, her personal experience during the pandemic, and her career path.
She has supported underrepresented groups by appearing in local and national media, I.e. GB News, for her campaign #CPEverydayLife, which went viral and achieved 100,000 social media impressions. She also presented a petition letter on the steps of 10 Downing Street for Changing Places Awareness Day, raising awareness of the facilities available for all disabled people. During Loneliness Awareness Week, she was featured in the Daily Mirror, drawing attention and impact to her personal experience of loneliness.
She is currently proudly serving as trustee of a learning disability advocacy organisation as well as co-chair of a disability staff network. She also hosts the podcast ”Saying It As It Is,” which promotes awareness of all underrepresented groups and currently available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.
Kat Parsons | Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging | ISS UK & Ireland
Kat Parsons is the Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at ISS UK & Ireland, dedicated to creating an inclusive and progressive workforce.
But Kat`s career journey started in the construction industry where she was an environmental engineer for over 16 years working in challenging situations within a very male dominated industry. This experience was a solid foundation for the importance of psychological safety to create environments where everyone can thrive and feel safe. It also highlighted how tough it can be for a minority groups to excel and progress to reach their full potential with many roadblocks and barriers. As a proud gay woman, Kat felt held back in her career.
Since joining ISS Kat has unleashed a tidal wave of change by creating a highly supportive environment, putting the real life experiences of employees front and centre and ensuring the senior team leads by example. `People call it a soft skill but I’d argue it’s far harder to be empathetic and vulnerable with someone, in order for them to trust you and to speak out if something isn’t right, than it is to perform hard skills.’
Kat`s infectious energy and talent for storytelling make her a relatable and influential leader in the diversity and inclusion space.
Kat’s experience and innovations have earned her a reputation across both the Facilities Management industry and among Diversity & Inclusion experts.
Rebecca Porteous | Strategy Consultant | IBM Consulting
Since joining IBM Consulting in September 2022 as a Graduate Strategy Consultant, I have demonstrated a drive to innovate, accelerate growth, and promote inclusion.
My dedication to our consumer industries resulted in an internal award for my business development and delivery work, which are skills I’m now using to lead the Customer Experience Strategy for a major bank. I’ve also been commended for my innovation – establishing an internal strategic thought leadership team to produce new insights for clients on their most pressing issues.
My successes led to being accepted onto an internal female talent development programme, which I pay forward through the mentoring of young Consultants. I also commit myself to supporting students beginning their careers in consulting – including for LGBTQ+ and other minority groups.
Beyond clients, I’ve continued to drive IBM’s inclusion agenda – leading the Diversity & Inclusion Community for UKI Graduates before being elected to head up our broader UKI Consulting Graduate Community.
I see these roles as a real privilege, which have resulted in upskilling 300+ Consultants on allyship, raising money for charities, and representing 200+ Graduates to our most senior leaders. My perspectives on D&I have also been published by the Young Management Consultancies Association.
My leadership and impact on our organisation and wider community is reflective of my abilities. At the core, I truly believe our strength lies in getting inclusion right in everything we do. I will continue to push the boundaries in my career, whilst creating a space that people thrive in each day.