Cara Swain | Medical Officer | Royal Navy
I studied medicine at the University of Bristol, joining the Royal Navy as a medical officer cadet in 2009.
After graduating in 2012, I worked as a Foundation Doctor for two years at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, before deploying as a ship’s doctor (General Duties Medical Officer) on four different ships to locations including the Arabian Gulf, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the South Atlantic from 2014-2017. During this time, I used my experiences to complete a postgraduate diploma in Global & Remote Healthcare, and discovered my passion for education and training through the provision of medical training to military personnel.
In 2017, I commenced surgical training in Southwest England, with the aim to qualify as a Trauma & Emergency general surgeon. During the last three years, I have been undertaking a PhD in the field of medical education at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. My research explores the use of live animal simulation in relation to learning to manage complex surgical trauma, and has involved a novel international multi-sited study of surgical simulation training with military and civilian medical professionals.
I established the Royaumont Forum in 2022, an organisation designed to foster collegiality and provide networking and informal mentoring opportunities to Royal Navy Medical Officers, particularly those who are in training.
I advocate for using education as a catalyst for change in areas including harm reduction in trauma medicine, professional sociocultural improvement and gender equality.
Gwyneth Sotuminu | Delivery Manager | BAE Systems
Gwyneth joined the delivery management graduate scheme in September 2022 and is currently a Scrum Master on a project delivering Critical UK National Technical Infrastructure.
Gwyneth graduated with a first-class honours in BSc Business Management from King’s College London and started her career early, tutoring in Psychology, English literature and Economics throughout university. Previous roles also include junior project manager, business analyst and finance manager across sectors such as Lifesciences, FMCG, Management consulting and now Defence and Technology. She also founded a Digital Marketing Consultancy in 2021 which aims to help start-ups and small businesses reach their customers.
Although she was born in the UK, she has had the privilege of growing up in a few different countries, spending most of her teens in France, Ghana and Sierra Leone. These diverse cultural exposures instilled in her a profound passion for understanding and connecting with people and fostering adaptability amidst constant change. She speaks English, French, and Korean, and maintains a genuine interest in bridging communication gaps and cultivate meaningful relationships.
An interest she has carried throughout her career, currently serving as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion representative on her account and initially chairing the Future Talent Council upon joining her graduate scheme. A council she grew to act as a safety net for the early careers community.
Gwyneth is most passionate about making sure people have equal opportunities and a safe space for to operate in. She enjoys dancing, karaoke and watching Korean dramas in her free time.
Marzia Bolpagni | Associate Director | Mace
Marzia is Civil Engineer specialised in digital technologies. She is a champion in service excellence and innovation where she supports clients on digital strategy and applications.
She does not just deliver excellence in her company: her work has an impact at international level. Lead author of the EU standard BSEN17412-1:2020 on the use of digital engineering to define digital requirements: the only EU standard in this field lead by a woman. Thanks to the popularity of the work, the standard is now under adoption at international level under her guidance. She is the youngest leader of a 30+experts from 16 countries at CENTC442 and ISO.
She coordinates 150+international volunteers in translating complex STEM concepts. She is the youngest ambassador of Nima, promoting the adoption of technologies in the UK Construction. She is Honorary Associate Professor at UCL, Visiting Professor at Northumbria University. She co-authored a relevant UK BIM Framework national guidance. Marzia is Founder of Italians in Digital Transformations UK, a community of 700+ Italian professionals working in the UK.
She gave lectures to 27 international universities so far, supervises dissertations and she mentors 20+ a year students to inspire the new generation on STEM career. She is keynote speaker in 200+events in 27countries, author of 25+scientific articles, a book, included in magazines/journals, podcasts and videos.
Georgina Snape | Analyst | Accenture
I am a Business Development Lead Analyst with over 5 years of cross-industry experience, specializing in Programme Management, Data, and Business Analysis across diverse functions, including sales, marketing and technology.
My enthusiasm for transitioning into a career that seamlessly integrates creativity and technology is reflected in my can-do attitude and leadership skills. Recognition of my contributions came in the form of the 2023 TechWomen100 Champion Award, and I also received internal accolades for overseeing the North West Accenture People Agenda, engaging over 1,000 employees.
Community engagement is a fundamental aspect of my ethos. Actively collaborating with charities, I engage in initiatives like TechSheCan Sessions within our office, with a focus on inspiring high school girls to pursue careers in technology. Being selected by Digi Learning, I had the privilege of attending the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, immersing myself in marketing and networking with global leaders over five days.
Before my Accenture journey, I graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Visual Merchandising and Retail Branding from the London College of Fashion. During this period, I won industry-level competitions with ASOS but also earned accolades including the PRO.DIP.BDS AWARD from The British Display Society. My experience includes roles as a Visual Merchandiser at Happy Socks and an 18-month tenure at Christian Dior`s London Flagship store. My commitment to continuous learning led me to complete courses in Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies at Bocconi and a marketing course at Central St Martins (UAL), further enhancing my skill set.
Lauren Smith | Design Squad Lead | Lloyds Banking Group
I’m a Lead UX Designer with experience designing and delivering inclusive digital experiences for clients and colleagues across asset management, wealth, and retail.
I enjoy collaborating across functions and teams to solve complex problems and strike a balance between personal relationships and technology to meet client needs.
After graduating with a First Class Honours in MA International Business with Marketing I joined M&G’s Technology graduate scheme, interested in the role technology could play to reduce the wealth advice gap and improve client outcomes across the financial services industry. I rolled off the scheme early to permanently join the Distribution project I had been supporting, becoming UX Lead for a £20m three-year strategic transformation project which aimed to generate downstream client benefits from improving our in-house colleague experience.
I moved into Aegon as a Senior UX Designer, a role which focused on acting as a consultant for our strategic delivery partner ensuring digital products designed and released met accessibility, branding and usability expectations across all audience types. Through my work encourage knowledge sharing within our team and co-leading digital accessibility advocacy initiatives, I stepped up to become a Lead UX Designer in 2023. This role alongside my role on the Women in Banking and Finance Future Leaders Shadow Board has enabled me to champion inclusivity across teams and organisations – opportunities I’ve relished and look forward to building upon within my career.
Libby Patten | Broadcast Mux Specialist & Scrum Master | BT
I’m Libby, 26 and I work in the Media & Broadcast industry.
I have been working in the technology industry for over 7 years now, starting with a degree apprenticeship in Digital & Technology Solutions to currently being in a dual role as a Broadcast Mux Specialist & Scrum Master. I am responsible for managing, maintaining & leading the end-to-end product for the world’s largest & maybe most complicated Micro Serviced Platform on UK TV for Freeview channels for Digital 3&4 who are a partnership of ITV, Channel 4 and 5 for their TV services on PSB2 Multiplex. Recently we have also launched a new project for British Forces Broadcast Services (BFBS) that provides TV, live sports, radio, cinema, news, live events and much more for the HM British forces and their families all over the world. I am extremely excited for what is to come next & I hope to inspire and help as many people as I can along my journey.
Lilymae Prescott | UX Designer | Sky
Lilymae’s journey as a UX designer started at Loughborough University, where she obtained a Master’s in User Experience Design in 2021.
After graduating, she joined Publicis Sapient as a UX Designer on their graduate programme, working with clients across different industries to deliver innovative and accessible digital solutions. She is now working at Sky Sports where she is accelerating her impact through creating memorable experiences for millions of sports fans across the country.
Beyond her full time role, she has dedicated her time and skills towards a number of side projects and initiatives to drive positive impact. Her digital design work for Hazaar has helped facilitating a circular economy on university campuses through the UK’s first zero-waste student marketplace. She has also worked with the charity The Survivor Project to evolve their digital strategy to raise awareness of domestic abuse and provide meaningful and actionable support for survivors.
She also mentors young people who are at risk of becoming NEET, and actively engages in events and initiatives that aim to empower young people and women who want to pursue a role in tech. She is also a comms associate in the multi-culture network at her organisation.
Maria Tsotalou | Data Analyst | Oliver Wyman
I am a Data Scientist, with a background in Engineering and Software Development, currently working in consulting.
My passion lies in the application of analytics in the fields of Healthcare and Social Good. I am equally enthusiastic about the mathematical intricacies of a model and the tangible benefits its implementation brings.
My academic journey began with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, I worked as a software developer in a computational software company, where I delved into mathematical modelling. Additionally, I gained valuable knowledge working in an engineering company focused on heavy industry, further solidifying my understanding of real-world applications.
Gradually, I realized that my passion for statistics, programming, and real-world practical application could be effectively combined in data science. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in analytics and afterwards to embark on a research-oriented degree focusing on the application of analytics in Healthcare Operations Management.
Currently, I work as a data analyst for a consulting firm, where I have the privilege of applying my knowledge and experience to highly impactful projects. This role not only allows me to contribute to meaningful work but also provides opportunities for continuous growth and skill development.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteering. I am particularly passionate about promoting equal opportunities for everyone, especially in STEM fields. When I am not immersed in data, you can find me hiking or exploring museums and art galleries, preferably abroad.
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.