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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lauren Smith | Lead UX Designer | Aegon
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.