Maria Violaris | PhD student | University of Oxford
Maria Violaris is a PhD student researching the foundations of quantum information at the University of Oxford, where she works with Chiara Marletto and Vlatko Vedral, after previously graduating with a First Class MPhys degree from the University of Oxford.
Her research interests include quantum thermodynamics, quantum measurement paradoxes, and the locality of quantum theory. Alongside her PhD, Maria works part-time with the IBM Quantum community team. She created a 14-part Qiskit YouTube video series to demystify quantum paradoxes using quantum computing, alongside blogs and code tutorials; made 1-Minute-Qiskit videos; co-hosted the seminar series; and lectured for the Global Summer School. She also writes for Physics World magazine; created and ran the IOP QQQ group “Quantum on the Clock Schools Video Competition”; and founded Oxford University Quantum Information Society. Previously, she did an internship with quantum computing software company Riverlane, where she built a Raspberry Pi Quantum Computing Lab demonstration and video. Maria frequently gives talks for a range of audiences, including researchers, school students, general public and educators, and has run many quantum computing workshops for young female audiences. She has won multiple awards for her research and science communication, and has published research on quantum education.
Simona Aimar | Vice-Dean EDI and Lecturer of Philosophy | University College London
I come from a working class background in Italy.
Thanks to scholarships, I was able to study philosophy and eventually be awarded a D.Phil from Oxford in 2017 and become a Lecturer at UCL Philosophy, where I still teach and do research today. Throughout my studies and subsequent career, I have cultivated a diverse career spanning academia and activism.
My academic journey has been enriched by fellowships at institutions worldwide, including Columbia (Barnard), NYU, the Harvard Centre for Hellenic Studies, Princeton University, and the Free University of Berlin (Human Abilities Center). As an activist, I have I co-founded Living Voices, an NGO aiding ex-prisoners in Italy to transition back into society. I have also founded a summer school in Trento’s Prison (Italy), where I often teach political and social philosophy. Previously, I led projects at the Oxford Microfinance Initiative, harnessing microfinance for social impact.
At UCL, I champion equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as Vice-Dean EDI for Arts & Humanities. In this role, I initiated several peer-to-peer mentoring initiatives, started a collaboration with the charity Afghan Female Students Outreach to teach online courses for Afghan women, and launched a platform combating elitism in academia. My role also involves fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion, advancing race equity pledges, and organizing students-staff Townhalls on equity issues.
Furthermore, I serve as UCL Philosophy`s widening participation officer, fostering collaborations with organizations like Teaching Philosophy in Prison charity.
Overall, my dedication to philosophical inquiry intertwines with a fervent commitment to social justice.
Usha Kong | Careers & Social Mobility Manager | Tower Hamlets Council
As the Careers & Social Mobility Manager at Tower Hamlets Council, I am privileged to lead transformative initiatives aimed at enriching the lives and futures of young people.
With an unwavering commitment to amplifying social and cultural capital, enhancing employment prospects, and fostering diverse career opportunities, I strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Throughout my diverse 40-year career, I`ve navigated corporate environments, charitable organisations, social enterprises, and the public sector. My journey began in the city, working for the London Stock Exchange and Accenture. However, my true calling emerged in 2003 when I ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully establishing, and managing three businesses, including co-founding a social enterprise dedicated to empowering disengaged and disadvantaged youth.
Over the past two decades, my focus has centred on creating meaningful change and providing guidance to those facing obstacles. My own journey, marked by resilience and unique challenges, serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and determination. It is my passion to inspire and mentor others along similar paths, fostering enduring change and empowerment within our communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.