Ciara Riordan | BBC News
Ciara Riordan is the Assistant editor of BBC News's social news team.
Ciara is based in the BBC News headquarters in London and oversees some of the largest social media accounts in the world. This includes the BBC News Facebook page which has 49 million followers, the biggest breaking news Twitter accounts @BBCBreaking, @BBCNews and @BBCWorld, and the BBC News Instagram account. She manages a global social news team with BBC hubs in Washington DC, Toronto and Singapore.
Originally from Ireland, the Cork native is an award-winning producer, presenter and reporter. She has presented many BBC News Facebook lives which have had millions of views including her interview with Sir David Attenborough which went viral. She has also reported live from major breaking news stories including the Westminster and Manchester attacks.
Before her current digital role, she was a reporter with BBC World TV News and a producer on BBC Breakfast TV. Ciara’s first gig in the UK was with LBC Radio but has been with the BBC since July 2012.
Her career started in Newstalk radio in Dublin producing the Moncrieff radio programme but after four years she got an itch to go travelling and that itch brought her to ABC in Sydney, Australia.
After her year out, she returned to Ireland to work for an Irish NGO ‘Haven’ which saw her lead a volunteer team out to Haiti after the deadly earthquake in 2010. Ciara visited Haiti twice and saw the devastation that the earthquake brought to its capital Port Au Prince.
Ciara has also worked for RTE television and Radio Kerry in Ireland.
Helier Cheung | BBC News
Helier Cheung is a senior journalist and news editor with a passion for digital storytelling, championing minority voices, and involving younger audiences.
She has covered several breaking news stories abroad, including the Thai cave rescue, the Trump Kim summit in Singapore, and political protests in Hong Kong. She has a track record of finding compelling stories that make an impact online, including the story of a Norwegian murder mystery cold case that had over 1.7 million hits and inspired one of the BBC’s most popular podcasts: “Death in Ice Valley”.
Within the BBC, she has led initiatives to diversify the website and make its hard news coverage relevant to young and underserved readers. She helped set up a buddy network for trainee journalists at the BBC, mentors new journalists, and regularly attends careers talks at schools as part of the Inspiring the Future Network. She also volunteers as a school governor.
Alice Pelton | News UK / The Lowdown
Alice currently works as the Head of Strategic Programmes at News UK, where she coordinates strategic programmes central to the future growth of the organisation and supports and advises News UK's Chief Operating Officer and his Executive leadership team.
Alice started her career in marketing and business development, launching a new e-commerce pet food business www.bobandlush.com in 2011. A year later she was selected from over 500 candidates to join News UK on the Marketing & Sales graduate scheme. She has quickly risen through the ranks at News, working in a variety of digital product and programme delivery roles, in which she has built and monetised multi-million pound news and gaming products for some of the UK’s biggest media brands including The Sun, Dream Team, The Times & The Sunday Times.
Recently Alice has founded The Lowdown www.thelowdown.com - the world’s first peer to peer review platform for contraception. It enables men and women to submit and compare reviews forcontraceptives that they have tried or are using. The Lowdown platform analyses this data, and produces trends and statistics on every type, showing what the most common side effects are, and how it impacted reviewers' weight, sex drive, periods and mental health.
Alice created The Lowdown because she is passionate about empowering women with better information on contraception. She hopes the platform will help to force society take these side effects seriously, and shortcut the trial and error approach many women have to finding the right contraception for them.
Tara Annison | PR9 Network
After completing her BSc in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of York, Tara started her career in banking.
She joined the HSBC Commercial Graduate program and completed two placements, one in Manchester and one in London before joining the newly formed Corporate and Institutional Digital team as a Product Owner.
In this role she led the ideation, creation and deployment of a new internal website for the bank, teaching staff about digital trends and new technology. The website launched to all 230,000 staff members globally and was the recipient of 3 external awards.
Tara was also a vocal advocate of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies within the bank, and left to pursue a full-time career in the industry, joining Lendingblock as the Product Manager.
In 2019 she was named as the ‘Young Leader of the Year’ by the Women in IT Awards.
Anna Somaiya | KPMG
Anna joined KPMG from Honda where she was head of technology; her previous roles within Honda included many senior tech roles in manufacturing and a stint running the technology for the Honda F1 team.
Since joining KPMG as a senior manager, she has made a huge impact on every client project she has worked and consistently thinks about different approaches and solutions to client challenges. Anna was promoted to Director in 2017 and has been an important member of Solutions and Digital leadership team, leading on our firms technology and data strategy.
At KPMG:
- Worked across multiple industries and sectors within KPMG, leading clients’ IT Strategies and Business Transformation.
- Leading KPMG’s Digital Technology & Data Strategy (development and implementation)
- Expanded and leads the IT's Her Future programme she founded 3 years ago. The programme has gone from strength to strength, impacting technology teams across KPMG UK and globally, partnering with external organisations to deliver the best results for women in technology, and speaking with FTSE 100 clients to assist with their transformations. Anna has obtained buy-in from senior leaders by boasting real results, e.g. reducing the attrition of KPMG women in Technology Consulting by 10%, increasing female technology headcount from 26% to 36%, female experienced hire applications from 15% to 25%, and joiners from 26% to 33%.
- Nominated internally for "Advocate of the Year" - Women in IT Awards 2018.
- Shortlisted externally - WIBF awards and Women in IT Awards 2017.
Previously:
- 17 year career in the automotive industry, culminating as CIO in a male-dominated environment.
- Founded and championed Honda’s D&I agenda.
Anahita Mahmoudi | Capgemini
Anahita is a digital consultant and activist with the energy and drive for helping individuals and organisations become more educated, ethical, and aware of their potential for change in the workplace and in life.
Born and raised in Iran, Anahita called England home in 2009.
In 2012 she started her career as an application consultant in Sogeti UK – Part of Capgemini, with a drive for design and innovation in the technology sector. Here Anahita showed exceptional performance in delivering Sogeti’s client engagements, as well as proving to be a strong asset to their internal company operations. Her approach to technology, customers and services were perceived as a compelling combination, which lead to her being the fastest promoted graduate to the role of Managing Consultant in the company.
She is now a digital consultant in Capgemini UK, where she used her innovation skills to create important changes in the workplace. In this new role Anahita mediates between client teams and people who have conflicting information and opinions, gaining successful and positive outcomes for both. Here at Capgemini she also created a training roadmap for junior talents within the Digital Customer Experience, providing a viable route for advancement, especially for women. She also promotes cultural transformation using modern training and coaching methods.
Anahita discovered leadership at an early stage in her career when she was involved in a youth leadership programme at St.Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace which later on inspired her to start her coaching career as a young professional. In 2014 she was elected the rising young talent of Sogeti Group UK and led a youth leadership initiative entitled “Meet the Future’ calling for young employees from all backgrounds and roles to get involved in the Sogeti’s Group mission to initiate a new kind of leadership. In 2016 she was involved in The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, helping exceptional young people transform their lives. (Her ethos and approach always considering the potential and energy of the younger generations.) And by 2017 she had published and presented a revolutionary youth leadership theory in the International Leadership Association’s 19th Annual Global Conference in Brussels, Belgium.
Anahita supports Capgemini’s recent partnership with Code Your Future, a not-for-profit developer course to create a Digital Academy, providing digital skills training and employment opportunities for refugees and others from disadvantaged backgrounds. This comes after her success on a project called Change the Future which she co-founded, a volunteer campaign to enable technology to educate displaced children in refugee camps. As an associate fellow of St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, Anahita is working on a project that aims to bring together peace ethos and social change.
Anahita has a BSc (First Class Hons) in computer science, MSc in advanced methods in computer science and a coaching certificate from the University of Cambridge.
Jem Collins | Journo Resources
Jem Collins is the founder of Journo Resources, a digital start-up which helps and supports those both breaking into and progressing within the journalism industry with a range unique tools and resources.
Founded in 2016, it is now viewed more than 30,000 times every month, with a newsletter going to more than 2,500 people, and a robust business plan to support growth and sustainability. Current industry partners and clients involve major industry players such as Cision Jobs, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail.
Initially from a small village in rural Devon, Jem graduated from a journalism degree at the University of Kent in 2014. She went straight into work as a full-time digital journalist, initially producing online video for local TV station KMTV, before progressing to politics.co.uk and then becoming a full-time freelancer in 2016. Her bylines include the i Paper, Metro.co.uk, the Sun, PinkNews, Debut Careers and others. This was also the year she founded Journo Resources, frustrated by the lack of transparency and accessibility in the profession, while at the same time feeling a lack of support as a freelancer new to the game. Additionally, as a long term trustee for the Student Publication Association, the UK’s biggest non-profit body to support student journalists, she found the same questions coming up over and over.
Jem decided to rethink careers education and support for those in journalism, producing unique, practical tools which could not be found elsewhere online. For example, the website is the only place you can find details on salary levels for hundreds of journalism jobs, has the only full list of graduate schemes, awards and mentoring within the media industry, and is the only journalism advice publisher to distill our insight onto Instagram as native content.
In 2018 Jem was awarded the Georgina Henry Award for Digital Innovation at the Press Awards for her work on Journo Resources, complete with a £3,000 prize. This allowed her to leave the full-time job she had accepted in 2017 as news editor of RightsInfo, a small digital charity which aims to inspire people to think again about human rights.
She now works on Journo Resources for three days a week, as well as freelancing for a range of national and specialist outlets. As well as developing Journo Resources’ innovative digital output, she also manages business, impact, and strategy, with income now supporting her time and a number of freelancers. She is a frequent face at events across the country, having been commissioned to deliver workshops on digital journalism skills at universities including Oxford, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, London Met and Cork and is a regular commentator on industry issues, appearing on platforms such as the BBC and LBC.
Laura Chung | PayPal
Laura Chung is an International Marketing Manager at PayPal leading the merchant lifecycle engagement & retention campaigns for the Small & Medium Business across 20+ markets.
With experience working across global corporate organisations to small start ups, Laura has worked on leading product marketing functions and scaling global marketing programmes across tech companies including Microsoft, comScore and Testbirds.
Laura is also a Co-founder and board member of DevelopHer, a non-for-profit women's network community in the UK, actively encouraging women in tech, digital and entrepreneurship to develop their confidence and careers via community based learning opportunities. As part of her involvement, Laura has helped grow the online community and membership base significantly, whilst also been integral in developing coaching programmes and mentoring workshops. A highlight includes bringing together 100 of the DevelopHer members to 10 Downing Street. Since joining PayPal, Laura also leads the women's UK affinity group PayPal Unity, building a team that works towards creating equal opportunities at the UK workforce as well as actively trying to make strides to the existing company benefits and policies.
During her career, Laura has also been recognised and nominated as The Drum's 50 under 30 Women in digital in 2017, spoken at various events on work/life balance and helped mentored a number of entry level women in their early careers.
Nordia Masters | British Army
My name is Nordia Masters and I am a Senior Non Commissioned Officer in the rank of Sergeant.
I was born in Jamaica in the 1980s. I commenced playing Netball at age tender age of 9 at Little London Primary School. During High School Championships islandwide 1998 I was selected and represented Jamaica under 21. Growing up in Jamaica playing Netball was most young girls dream.
I migrated from Jamaica in June 2002 to pursue a different path in life, which lead me to join the British Army a year later. During my time in the Army I have been worked in different countries such as Northern Ireland and Germany. I deployed on Operations to Iraq in 2003 and this tour was truly a baptism of fire as my camp was bombed.
Whilst serving in NI, I was scouted at club netball by Norma Plummer ex Australian Netball coach and current South African Coach. She invited me for a training weekend and this kickstarted my International Netball journey for NI. Through Army Netball I have visited countries on tour such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Trinidad, Jamaica, Dubai, Malta and Gibraltar.
I represented NI for 3 years and competed in the 2014 CommonWealth Games, where we entered in 11th place and finished 7th. This was highest ranking NI have ever received.
I was Army sports woman runner up in 2015 and 2016, additionally I was Adjutant General Corp runner up in 2015. I coached army defence under Maggie Jackson in 2018 and played and coach defence in 2019. I have actively played army netball since Jan 2008 and Captained the team in 2017 and 2019.
Kelly Caswell-Treen | British Army
WO2 Caswell-Treen was born in Burton Upon Trent and attended Thomas Alleyne’s High School and Portsmouth University.
In addition to sport and outdoor pursuits, she developed a love of the military through her time in the Army Cadet Force.
WO2 Caswell-Treen successfully enlisted into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 2003 and served in several junior appointments at 5GS Medical Regiment. She served as a Combat Medical Technician on Op Telic 5, 8 and Op Herrick 7 providing 1st line battlefield medical care throughout Basra and Helmand provinces. As a Junior and SNCO she then served at the Army Training Centre Pirbright as a Section Commander and Platoon Sergeant Instructor delivering Common Military Syllabus to potential recruits. WO2 Caswell-Treen completed Instructor selection at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where she would coach, mentor and shape British officers of the future. On assignment from the Academy WO2 Caswell-Treen moved to 4 Armoured Medical Regiment and took post as the Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant for an Armoured Sqn. She was successfully selected for promotion and was appointed as the role of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Technical).
The Army Servicewomen’s Network (ASN) is a professional network that supports women of all ranks across the Army, both Regular and Reserve. Servicemen are a welcome and a necessary part of the Network, especially those wishing to demonstrate their support for gender diversity. Working collaboratively with the chain of command, the Network seeks to engage, inspire and empower Servicewomen to meet their full potential. If the Army is to increase, retain and progress capable and talented women, it is important that every Servicewoman feels supported to realise their goals. The ASN provides a platform for Servicewomen to succeed both professionally and personally, and where change is required, a collective voice into Army policy. WO2 Caswell-Treen was the Sub-Network Lead over the last four years supporting 33 networks in the UK and overseas, she has recently been appointed Co-Chair of the ASN.
WO2 Caswell-Treen is passionate about the delivery of healthcare, coaching, support and maximising talent to the British military. She is currently studying a BA (Hons) Degree in Leadership & Management, and holds an abundance of awards and certification in coaching and mentoring.
In January 2019 WO2 Caswell-Treen was appointed the first female Company Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and will assume the post in the summer.
WO2 Caswell-Treen has been married to Gemma a serving Army Officer and is the Officer Commanding (OC) Real-Life Support, 12 Brigade Headquarters for 7 years and is proud mother to their daughter Emelia-Florence (2), her hobbies include outdoor family activities, football, CrossFit and reading.