Rachel Arthur | Head of Computing | Teach First
Rachel has a strong background in education, technology, and innovation.
As the current Head of Computing at Teach First, she is responsible for developing and implementing the training program for ITE. Rachel has a deep understanding of the latest trends and best practices in digital learning and is committed to using educational technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Prior to her role in education, Rachel gained valuable experience in the field of cyber security while working at PwC, which has contributed to her technical knowledge and understanding. Rachel is dedicated to driving positive change through innovative and evidence-informed approaches.
Hannah Evans | Senior Software Engineer | SiXworks
I have always had an affinity towards STEM subjects from early education when I studied GCSE maths, physics, biology and chemistry.
At college the theme continued, I obtained A-Level mathematics, biology and geology. When it came to university I did not have a career in mind, so decided to follow my interests and study BSc (Hons) Mathematics & Statistics. However, it did not help to clarify what career path to follow. So after graduation, I chose what I saw as the next logical step… MSc Exploration Geophysics of course! My rational was that Geophysics was essentially a combination of my two main interests, Mathematics and Geology, so perhaps it could be the answer to my big career question mark. I guess I was right in some respect… during my MSc, I took a Computational Inverse module which is where my curiosity in programming first ignited!
I was both intrigued and excited around the concept of Computer Science. So I enrolled on BAE System’s National Security Academy, a 3 month intensive training program to retrain as a Software Engineer. I then stayed with BAE for two years, my internal engineering fire fuelled as I navigated through the complex world of software delivery and development for the Defence industry.
I then joined SiXworks in 2020. Just after completing my first year, I was promoted to Technical Team Lead on one of their high profile projects. Since then I have taken on a second project and am line manager for our six graduates.
Hannah Green | Data and Navy Applications CTO | BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Originally with an Engineering degree, upon graduation Hannah pursued a career in Data Science with a particular focus on Big Data technologies and how to best exploit large datasets to deliver value.
Hannah joined BAE Systems Digital Intelligence as an intern, before returning as a graduate. Joining a consultancy to have the opportunity to be involved in lots of different things, Hannah has so far been involved in two long term projects. Both offered huge development opportunity and are genuinely important and help to protect people which is important to her.
Currently Hannah is acting as Chief Technical Officer for Data and Navy Applications, part of Navy Digital within the Royal Navy. In this role she provides strategic technical direction and advises on a wide range of technical issues to deliver a technical ecosystem that allows the Navy to exploit its many kinds of data. Hannah enjoys the challenge of combining the latest data techniques and technologies with the limitations large grey things that float bring. There is a strong focus on improving the capability of the Royal Navy and the lived experience of Royal Navy Sailors which Hannah is proud to be a part of.
Prior to her work with the Royal Navy, Hannah led the Cyber Threat Detection Analytics team within BAE Systems Digital Intelligence’s Managed Security Service, where she was responsible for developing algorithms to detect threats in network and host data to protect a range of organisations from threats ranging from cyber criminals to nation states.
Isabella Curtis | Systems Engineer | Boeing UK
My passion for engineering stems from an interest in solving complex problems - breaking them down into manageable blocks that, together, deliver an elegant solution.
I studied General Engineering at the University of Warwick, specializing in Systems Engineering. I have a range of cross-industry experiences that have enabled me to explore the breadth of engineering. This has included civil engineering at High Speed 2, high performance automotive engineering at Hyundai, and manufacturing and quality engineering at Tesla.
I am currently a Systems Engineer at Boeing, working in the Phantom Works Global UK team. Phantom Works is the applied research and development arm of Boeing where future concepts are developed by engineers across air, sea and space domains. I joined the Engineering Graduate scheme at Boeing in 2020 and have worked across the development of aircraft training simulators, modelling and simulation of new concepts and capabilities, and systems engineering for evaluation of those new concepts. This has involved the design, development and test of prototypes to showcase autonomous capabilities.
Beyond my day-to-day role, I am passionate about engaging young people in STEM. I am part of the STEM Strategy Committee for Boeing UK where I contribute to decision making that expands the impact of our outreach activities. Outside of work, I am also a volunteer member of the Women’s Engineering Society Early Careers Board where I lead the competitions project that aims to support aspiring students with their professional development.
Lauren Thompson | Deputy Account Manager | BAE Systems
After graduating Liverpool John Moores University in 2014 with a 1st Class Degree in Marketing, I joined BAE Systems on the Business Development Graduate Scheme where I undertook four business winning placements over the course of 2 years.
After completing the scheme in 2016, I joined the Strategy Team in the Air Sector, in a role that focused on developing a future fighter programme for the UK.
Over the proceeding 4 years, I undertook a variety of Strategic, Campaign Management and Project Management roles and saw the programme through various stages - from being a strategic concept, to the announcement of Team Tempest, to contract award for the initial phases of the Global Combat Air Programme (formerly FCAS). During this time I worked collaboratively with MoD and industry teams from across the UK and internationally and I am incredibly proud to have played a part in what is now a strategically important programme for the UK and its allies.
In mid 2020 I moved into the Digital Intelligence business (formerly Defence Information), which focuses on delivering cyber, digital and data products and services. I am Deputy Account Manager for one of our key Customers and I work with our teams to deliver important capabilities to our Armed Forces today, as well as looking ahead to ensure that we are developing technologies that meet future requirements for our Customers.
I am passionate about championing authentic leadership, diversity of thought, and creating a working environment that allows everyone to perform at their best.
Zeba Khanam | Specialist Research Professional | BT Group
Dr. Zeba Khanam received her PhD degree in Nuclear Robotics from University of Essex in 2022 where she was a recipient of the University of Essex's Embedded and Intelligent Systems Scholarship.
During her PhD, she had explored the research area of making robots resilient during nuclear decommissioning and had worked closely with NASA JPL, Sellafield ltd., UK's National Nuclear Laboratory, and Open Innovation Team, Government of UK. Her research was also identified as UK's top PhD for deep tech startup by Conception X, a top venture builder firm in London. Apart from her PhD, she has worked on UKRI, EPRSC sponsored research projects like National Centre for Nuclear Robotics, Liverpool Multi Vector Energy Exchange Market and UN's Global Challenge Research Project. She has published more than 14 academic research papers in top IEEE and NASA defence journals and conferences. These papers have already accumulated an unusual number of citations (96) for this early career stage. Her research on modelling behaviour of sensors in nuclear radiation zone resulted in additional grant funding £600k from UKRI. She has joined our Emerging Defence Technology team at BT recently and within short span of time, her research has consequential impact on our stakeholders. Beyond BT, Zeba is an advocate of increase representation of women in STEM and is associated with organisations like Women in Product and AnitaB.org as a mentor to many young girls across the globe.
Abbey Wong | Director | Voice ESEA
At 25, Abbey is a director at VoiceESEA, an alumni trustee at upReach, and an Associate Data Science consultant at Capgemini Invent.
Wherever she contributes, her drive to create top-down change is evident. Throughout her projects, she enjoys uplifting systems using her quantitative data and tech skills, and insight into social mobility.
At Voice ESEA, an educational non-profit organisation focussed on tackling racism against East and Southeast Asians (ESEAs), she leads a 10-person team, creating resources and events for the public to learn about the ESEA community.
At Capgemini Invent, she organises the Women in Analytics and AI team, enabling social change through community events and collaborative, educational networks.
Abimbola Ajala | Lead vol | Lahafrica
Abimbola is a Social Enterprenur with over Eight years experience, spanning Education, development, Non profit management and community engagement.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English language from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile ife Nigeria, she proceeded to Lagos business school for her Mini MBA in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.
Abimbola is currently the Executive Director of Lend a hand for the development of Africa, a Non profit organization in Lagos Nigeria dedicated to supporting families in underserved communities in Africa, starting with Nigeria her immediate community with Educational scholarships and a blend of supplementary initiatives which includes the food drive and padforagirl drive.
The various projects from the organization encourages children to go and stay in school thereby reducing poverty and illiteracy in local communities.
Through fund raising and partnerships she has promoted the Girl child Education, through her Pad for a girl drive over Fifteen thousand girls across Nigeria have gotten access to sanitary pads and counseling. Her documentary #ibleeddifferent on YouTube further discusses period poverty. Presently close to Fifty beneficiaries are on the Scholarship scheme fully funded.
Also monthly beneficiaries in various communities get access to food supplies thereby improving the learning outcomes of these beneficiaries.
Anita Marinelli | Founder & Trustee | My Shining Star Childrens Cancer Charity
In 2014, I raised 600,000 in 9 months for a child diagnosed with cancer.
As a result of this, I decided to start My Shining Star Childrens Cancer Charity in 2016 and have raised 1.5 million to day for children affected by the hardship of cancer along with their families.
The charity's purpose to support with financial stability for families during the worst time of their lives. It became clear that while there is help out there for treatment, no one is going to help the families when a child needs extra care or when a parent has to give up their job to do this and keep the family together.
I have helped to fulfil many wishes for cancer in my spare time, including those for dying children, sending Disney and Marvel to a terminal child's home for a private showing of an unfinished film (we later found out it was End Game), as well as wishes with Premier League football players, You Tubers and other famous stars.
Celia Warrender | Scrum master | whg
I am passionate about the role that the public and third sector have to play in building stronger communities and have dedicated my career to date, to work across this sector in a variety of roles.
My early career started in offender rehabilitation at HMP, working in education and employment before moving into accredited programme delivery, first as a Psychological Assistant and later as Deputy Treatment Manager.
Following this, I worked for many years in community substance misuse and floating support services, again specialising in work related to offender rehabilitation, as well as working to form better partnerships between substance misuse and other public and third sector organisations to improve outcomes. During this time I also completed a secondment at Birmingham City Council as lead for Domestic Violence, within their new homeless gateway service.
On my return from the council to substance misuse services, I worked as a performance improvement and implementation manager, supporting the transfer and increase in performance of new services into our organisation, finishing as team leader of a new floating support service for people with life-long illnesses.
On deciding to move on from front-line services and progress into a career of project management and agile transformation, I still wanted to be able to contribute to these services, taking my first role as an associate project manager with West Midlands Police and then moving across to social and affordable housing first at Midland Heart and subsequently to my current role of Scrum Master in IT at whg.