Sarah Slack | Homes England
After a brief spell working in retail when I left school at 16 I have always worked in the public sector and my desire to provide better public services that meet the needs of users and offer real value for money has kept me here for nearly 30 years.
I love learning and over the years I have always been the first to volunteer for new opportunities or to increase my skillset and that is how i came to move into the Digital sector back in 2012. This move saw me not only get closer to users but also start to progress my career as a leader. Sometimes i would find myself as the only woman in the room and this has ignited my passion for ensuring we have diverse and inclusive teams and ensuring I use my position to provide woman a platform to amplify their voices.
Georgia Mantzana | London Borough of Havering
When I came across human-centred design, back in my days working in product marketing, I thought I had discovered the best thing, and that was when I had 'my eureka moment'.
'This stuff is amazing!' 'It's all about people!' And it was. And it still is. And I never looked back. It became a way of life.
From product marketing manager leading organisations to establish brand equity and building, managing and implementing growth plans across FMCG, business intelligence, startup and education management sectors, to a User Experience (UX) Designer, I found my passion in human-centred design and technology. I am currently a Senior User Experience (UX) Designer, Consultant working for a leading local authority in the Transformation and Digital Portfolio team focusing on human-centred service design tying together human, digital, and physical interactions to create a truly differentiated experience for the public good. I am passionate about using systems and service design practices to unpack complex social problems and develop shared inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Originally from a small provincial town in Greece, my sisters and I were the first in our family to attend university; that resulted from our mother's determination and belief in our abilities to achieve our goals and create a better future. A strong leader figure, independent and influential woman, she became my role model and inspired me to strive for success in every aspect of life after losing my father at a very young age. Naturally, being someone with great ambition and big dreams, I was curious to explore the world, learn about other cultures and speak different languages. I had the opportunity to work and study across Greece, UK, Singapore and Switzerland and travelled to over 30 countries.
I earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of West Attica, Athens, Greece and a Master of Science degree from Aberystwyth University, UK. Also, I have completed specialised courses in Strategic Marketing at the National University of Singapore and a UX Design Immersive programme at the General Assembly in London.
I am a speaker at industry events, a mentor at WomenTech Network, ADPList and Women in Tech Global Movement, and a volunteer at Action for Children and Make A Wish. Through my story and experiences, I aim to empower women in design and technology regardless of their background. I believe in the humanisation of technology through design to generate security, naturalness, and transparency in people's lives and making a global impact.
Adetola Shasanya | PepsiCo
I’m a growth marketing strategist with functional expertise in eCommerce and performance marketing in tech.
I currently lead the eCommerce Performance marketing function in PepsiCo UK for the B2B business. Prior to this I led the Amazon growth strategy for PepsiCo and before that led marketing for the direct to consumer business.
Prior to joining PepsiCo, I worked at Amazon leading growth strategy for a machine learning led fashion shopping product – The first of its kind. I grew Fashion Fix in the UK and expanded its launch to Germany. Whilst at Amazon I also launched Amazon’s own clothing brand in 5 countries in the UK.
Before transitioning to working in tech, I began my career in Financial Services with a brief stint leading digital marketing at a London based start up.
Karamjot Jaswal | IBM
After achieving a First-Class Honours in Information Technology Management for Business at university, I joined IBM’s Consulting Graduate Programme in 2019, where I have grown my consulting skills as well as immerse myself in key IBM technologies such as Curam Social Programme Management and IBM Maximo which I can apply to client projects that I am a part of!
I rose to the challenge of upskilling myself in these applications and consequently have become a subject matter expert.
Outside of client work, I am a Strong Diversity & Inclusion Advocate and strive for an inclusive environment within IBM UK and my current project, analysing the diverse breakdown of the account to create new initiatives in order to grow the team and increase the skill set and creativity of the account with a wider range of backgrounds and views following my role within IBM UK's Diversity and Inclusion group, Emb(race) where I led the Talent Attract Workstream which contains over 700 members, including initiatives to attract a more diverse pipeline of talent to IBM such as recruiting and supplying IBM Mentors of diverse backgrounds to the award winning P-Tech Programme which helps students from low socio-economic backgrounds with extra-curricular subjects and learning about career paths.
Externally, I am passionate about raising awareness around mental health. After my personal trauma at the end of my university degree, I created a social media platform on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/transforming_trauma)to support those who have also experienced trauma and anxiety! It’s following has grown immensely, gaining over 1,400 followers and the attention from a Hollywood actor as well as helping a lot of people and breaking the stigma around mental health! Through my efforts and impact around mental health, I was awarded the ‘Wellbeing Award’ from IBM’s Graduate Programme.
Yvette Kemp | British Army
In 2008 (23 years old) I joined the British Army joining the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers as a vehicle mechanic.
In 2013 I deployed to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 18 fixing and maintaining armoured vehicles as part of a forward repair team in Afghanistan flying out to different locations fixing vehicles. Whilst deployed I received the REME sports personality of the year award which unfortunately I was unable to receive in person due to operational commitments.
Football is my main passion and I have played football since the age of 7, representing Gloucester city ladies (17 years) ,Glos County, Swindon Town FC, REME FA, and the Army Womens football team.
I currently still continue to represent the REME and I also coach the Army Womens Development football team with WO2 McDowell. I also have the role of the Army Womens Football Ambassador which involves promoting women's football within the Army.
In 2018-2019.
After completing the 1 weeks RAPTC selection process, I I transferred to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps where I deployed for 9 months on Operation Toral at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA) as a Sgt RAPTCI.
My role was to deliver Physical Training (PT) to the Female Afghan Officer cadets, and train / mentor a female afghan PTI. Whilst on this tour I set up a initiative for personnel in the UK and around the world to send sports attire ( trainers, sports bras,) to the academy to enable to Afghan males and females officer cadets to have sufficient footwear and clothing whilst conducting PT. This was very successful receiving over 400 pairs of trainers.
Just before I deployed i obtained over £4000 worth of football kit from Chelsea FC both men and women's (brand new) to take out to distribute to the Afghan men and women. I delivered several football events during my tenure, one at the officer academy where I organised a football match between the Afghan staff and cadets vs the coalition forces a/ force protection team. I also delivered 2 events at the BEK (British Embassy Kabul) where i took football coaching sessions for local female afghan women who didn't have a safe place to play football. The England FA donated a further £4000 whilst on my RnR which enabled me to deliver more events.
My role at ANAOA was to deliver Physical Training (PT) to the Female Afghan Officer cadets and train / mentor a female afghan PTI. Whilst on this tour I set up a initiative for personnel in the UK and around the world to send sports attire ( trainers, sports bras,) to the academy to enable to Afghan males and females officer cadets to have sufficient footwear and clothing whilst conducting PT.
I received a Chief Commanders Commendation for my work on Op Toral.
2019-2021.
I was posted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as a Sgt RAPTCI (Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor). This was a fantastic posting where i delivered PT to the future British Army Officer Cadets. Whilst at RMAS I coached the male cadet and permanent staff football teams. It was whilst coachig i recognised the need for more suitable sports pitches as the current ones were not fit for purpose. In June 2020 I initiated the implementation of 2 x 3G pitches (1x Rugby & 1 x Football) to be installed at RMAS. With the QMS support of my QM we received the approval of £1.8 million pounds from the Army Sports Control Board for these pitches to be installed providing much better sports facilities and improving the lived experience of the Officer Cadets.
Sept 2021 - Present.
I am currently based at 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery as the SSI RAPTC. Since arriving at the regiment I have worked hard to improve the delivery of the Physical Training Program and I've reinvigorated sport at the regiment. Whilst continuing my external roles playing, coaching and attending events as the Army Womens Ambassador I have conducted several sporting events for the Regiment including taking the regiment down to Surrey to partake in the 5km outdoor obstacle course called "The Nuts Challenge".
Over the past 12 months i have commentated live with Jon Knight on Forces news the UK Armed Forces Mens & Womens football matches and the Army Inter services men & women's football matches.
Chloe Mae Austin | Babcock Land Defence
To me, engineering has always seemed a dirty job, a man’s job, a boys club, which was only reinforced by being told throughout my education that STEM subjects were for boys.
It has only been since taking a risk & applying for an apprenticeship that I have learnt that there are so many different types of engineering. This has led to me feeling passionately that young girls should never be discouraged away from pursuing their passions, & that the engineering industry (in fact, all of STEM) needs more women. As one of only 3 women in my intake year, I have decided that it is my goal is to encourage more girls to apply. I create presentations on women in engineering to give to schools as part of the recruitment drive, participate in several zoom Q&A panels as both a panellist & a facilitator, one of which was for International Women in Engineering Day, another for the United Nations World Youth Skills day, as well as being a part of the Babcock Land Inclusivity and Diversity Action Group. I am currently the Chair of a fundraising campaign for the Princes Trust, with the hopes of raising £10,000 to help disadvantaged youths across the country gain the skills required to create a better future. After being shortlisted for the TechWomen100 awards 2021, it is an honour to have been nominated as a Rising Star.
Chloe Stephens | Ministry of Defence - Submarine Delivery Agency
I am a conscientious individual who has worked as a Submarine engineer for just over 4.5 years now.
I started as an engineering apprentice, completing mechanical and electrical units at Bridgwater and Taunton College. At this time, I was able to gain some key practical experience in elements like welding and use of hand tools. Upon completion of solely education element of my apprenticeship, placements within industry saw me entering the Submarine sector whilst simultaneously completing the remaining educational units. I completed various placements in both the Naval Authority Group (looking at Non-Destructive testing, material enquiries and policy amendments) and the In-Service Submarines Structures Team (completing structural assessments, reviewing non-destructive testing reports, providing repair requirements and methodology).
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, I formally started within the In-Service Submarine Design Authority, working through a number of different roles within the team, bringing me to my current position. My primary role of within this team is to maintain and improve the structural safety and availability of all in-service Royal Navy Submarine platforms across the three submarine classes by planning, scheduling and delivering survey and repair activities, assessing and sentencing defects and carrying out safety assurance on the design and material state. I've built knowledge and worked across both primary structures (including Pressure Hull, Nuclear Containment and structural castings such as Torpedo Tubes) and secondary structures (internal and external structural tanks, bulkheads and hull surveillance policy).
As well as working full time, I am currently studying for an FdSc in Naval Architecture part-time at the City College Plymouth to broaden my experience in Naval Architecture and fulfil my aspiration is to achieve RINA Chartership.
Kinjal Dave | BAE Systems
A dynamic and creative self-starter demonstrated through my proactive voluntary work.
I am highly motivated and constantly eager to take on new challenges being a former youth councillor elected by the local young people to represent their voices. I joined BAE Systems Applied Intelligence in November 2016. Prior to this I studied Nuclear Engineering at University of Cambridge and Aerospace Engineering at Queen Mary University of London. My seniors and colleagues describe me as efficient and motivated who is never happy with second best.
My engagements outside of work through being a STEM ambassador has always highlighted her commitment to the objective of Diversity and Inclusion in science. I am currently leading a project and is involved with all the aspects of technical engineering as well as project management. My positive attitude and inquisitive nature always goes down well with the team and I am delighted to recommend her for the Asian Women Achievement Award.
Kate Redfern | British Army
Kate commissioned into the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers (REME) in 2005. She has had a varied Army career, having worked in Land System and Aviation Engineering, and the training environment.
Her Land System Engineering experience has seen her command platoons, including those providing in-depth maintenance on various land systems equipment, metal fabrication and vehicle recovery in support of a Logistics Brigade. She also deployed as part of a programme to inspection and refurbish the British Army’s vehicle fleet in Canada, with her team completing 150 vehicles in 3-months. The highlight of her time in Land System Engineering was as Light Aid Detachment (LAD) Command, where she led an engineering detachment of 50 personnel, providing engineering support to an Armoured Engineer Regiment in preparation to deploy on operation in Afghanistan; she relished the challenge of the supporting the variety of equipment, including armoured vehicles, combat engineering vehicles and plant equipment. Kate was fortunate enough to perform the role of LAD Commander for the UK Crew Training School, who provided specialist driver training for troops deploying to Afghanistan.
Kate’s experience as an Aircraft Engineering Officer (AEO) is equally varied, spanning rotary, fixed-wing aircraft, and Un-crewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Starting her AEO career with the Army Lynx helicopter, she commanded a 60 strong aviation engineering platoon that supported operational flying training. A highlight as a Lynx AEO was the introduction Mark 9a Urgent Operation Requirement. Here, she led the engineering detachment supporting flying operation to prepare for the aircraft’s inaugural deployment, including environmental training in Kenya, before deploying with the detachment on operations in Afghanistan. She served as AEO for the Army’s UAS fleet, compromising of Watchkeeper and Desert Hawk 3. She has had the privilege to command an Apache Helicopter Workshop held at very high readiness. She supported the Apache’s first deployment in the artic environment and onboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Kate has performed the role of Deputy Continuing Airworthiness and was responsible and accountable for the Continuing Airworthiness for the Gazelle, Defender and Islander aircraft fleet. Currently, she is working in In-service Capability Management for the Army’s Military Register Civilian Owned Aircraft at Joint Helicopter Command.
Kate has been a Chartered Engineer with The Institute of Engineering and Technology since 2018 and aspires to gain fellowship membership level. Keen to encourage professional development, she has supported individuals in achieving professional engineering status, both civilian and military, and was a STEM ambassador for the Bloodhound Land Speed Record Project. Throughout her career, Kate organised and delivered training activities to augment core military activity, including mountaineering and skiing expedition.
Originally from Staffordshire, Kate has now adopted North Yorkshire as her home. Much of her spare time is spent putting her practical engineering skills to use in renovating her small cottage. When not engaging in DIY, she enjoys heading for the hills for trekking or rock climbing and has volunteered as an expedition supervisor for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme for 12 years. More recently, she has been involved with the Covid vaccine rollout as a Saint John Ambulance volunteer vaccine carer.
Preet Chandi | British Army
At age 19, I joined the Army Reserves as a private soldier where I eventually commissioned in 2012.
I went to university to study Physiotherapy and my appetite for greater and greater challenges started to grow, starting with my first half marathon at 20 years old.
After completing my first marathon, I decided to try an ultra-marathon. Dusk till Dawn (50 miles in the Peak District) left me feeling very achy and sick but I had already caught the bug. The scale of my adventures started to grow and my definition of what is normal changed.
Aged 27, I decided to join the Regular Army and I have not looked back since. I have completed large scale exercises/deployments in Nepal, Kenya and a 6 month UN peacekeeping tour to South Sudan. Whilst in South Sudan (in addition to my duties as task-force Physiotherapist), I organised a 30 hour endurance event to raise money for charity. I completed the full 30 hours and UK soldiers would join me for anything between 1 and 12 hours. I believe the more we do the more we realise we are capable of and I continued to push my boundaries.
“Nothing is impossible” I’ve always had this idea that I can achieve something great, something that allows me to be a role model. I want my 10 year old niece to grow up without boundaries, knowing the possibilities of what you can achieve in life are endless. I decided I wanted to do an expedition in Antarctica not only to push my own boundaries but also to inspire others to push their boundaries too. I didn’t know anything about Antarctica or the Polar world 3 years ago but anything ambitious can feel out of reach at the beginning. I wanted to show people that everybody starts somewhere and I became the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in Antarctica on 3 Jan 2022.
My primary role is as a physiotherapist, to rehabilitate soldiers and officers in the Army. I recently completing my MSc in Sports and Exercise Medicine, part time, at Queen Mary’s University. I have always been interested in pushing the human body to its limits and this allowed me to look at this from a research perspective too.