IWD - THE UNSUNG HEROINES OF THE EDTECH WORLD

By Rachel Arthur and Joe Arday

As we approach International Women’s Day 2023, it’s crucial to highlight the achievements of women in tech and inspire the next generation of women leaders in this field. In this blog, Joe Arday and I have collaborated to showcase the journeys of exceptional women in the tech industry, providing insights and lessons that can inspire students and professionals alike.

While there are already numerous lists out there highlighting the achievements of successful women in tech, these often focus solely on CEOs of international corporations with hefty turnovers. Our aim is to provide something di erent and showcase women at all stages of their careers, sharing the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a compilation of inspiring stories that demonstrate the remarkable impact women are having in the tech industry. Additionally, we’ve created a slide deck that you can easily incorporate into your lessons throughout the year.

So, let’s delve into this inspiring compilation and celebrate the incredible women who have helped to shape the tech landscape.

@404AbbiNotFound

Walmsley

Commercial Director

Akua Opong Senior Analyst, Service Management

As the Course Leader for A level Computer Science, my main responsibility is to ensure that the course is well-structured and organised. This involves planning the curriculum, communicating with exam board professionals, and collaborating with external tech organisations to incorporate real-world industry experience into the course. Additionally, I am also a Lead Professional Development Leader for STEM Learning, where I deliver training to Computer Science teachers and provide coaching and mentoring support.

My passion for technology began at a young age, and I built my first website when I was just nine years old. Throughout my teens, I continued to develop my interest in technology, exploring di erent aspects like robotics and embedded systems. Although computing technology has always been an essential part of my life, I pursued an undergraduate degree in Politics and Sociology at The University of Warwick and a Masters degree at Exeter University, where I studied the incorporation of non-human elements into the human body and its impact on identity.

To the next generation of young women interested in the tech industry, I would say that you are welcome in the STEM community, and your contributions are much needed and valued. Don’t hesitate to use your mentors as resources to help you achieve your goals. Also, check out the Modern Muse website, which provides access to successful female role models

As a Commercial Director in the property technology space, I help tenants find easier and more a ordable renting options. I work with letting agents across the UK to enable them to o er deposit-free renting to as many tenants and landlords as possible. I manage a team of Business Development Managers and Account Managers to create a positive rental experience for all.

My journey into tech began when I started my career as a nursery nurse and pursued teaching for three years before relocating to York to work in an insurance company. I later joined a property company and eventually moved into prop-tech as an Operations Manager, then as Business Development Manager, and finally as Regional Sales Manager for a start-up business. Currently, I work as a Commercial Director at Flatfair, leading a team that looks at new ways to innovate and ensuring we have the best product.

My advice for young women looking to get into the tech industry is to believe in themselves and their abilities. Although it may appear male-dominated, there are many senior women in property and tech, and women bring unique skill sets to the industry. I prefer to describe myself as an individual in tech, not just a woman in tech, and I make significant contributions on a daily basis.

As a Senior Analyst, I work in the Desktop Services Team at the London Stock Exchange Group. My job is to make sure that all the IT hardware, software and services are working properly, and to help people when they have problems. I work hard to fix issues quickly and make sure everyone is happy with the service they are receiving.

I started my journey in tech by studying Business Studies with Sociology and Religious Studies/Philosophy at university. After that, I completed a BSc in Computing and IT and worked part-time in retail while studying. I have over 8 years of experience in IT, working in di erent industries from hospitality to consulting to financial services.

My advice for young women who want to work in tech is to network, keep learning and don’t be afraid of the unknown. Dream big and challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself. It’s important to celebrate women in the tech industry because we can empower and inspire each other to achieve great things. across various STEM-related jobs. is crucial in breaking down gender goals.

Celebrating women in the tech industry stereotypes and making young women feel welcome in STEM. Engaging with strong female role models allows young girls to feel empowered to strive towards their

It is important to celebrate women in the tech industry because research shows that gender bias is still shaping the career choices of young people today. Women were once more often found in administrative or support roles in tech, but this is no longer the case. Recognising and celebrating women’s achievements in tech can inspire the next generation of women leaders in this field.

Outside of work, I am passionate about promoting diversity, mental health awareness, and volunteering for various charities. I’m proud to be part of the UK Wellbeing Committee, WIN Community, WIN Tech Network, and STEM Ambassador. I’m also a Team London Ambassador and use technology to drive sustainable development goals and social impact.

Avye Couloute

Maker, Coder, Workshop Leader, Social Entrepreneur, Female Tech Advocate @girlsintocoding

I am a female tech advocate, social entrepreneur, maker, coder, and workshop leader. I founded Girls Into Coding to empower girls to embark on their own tech journeys and benefit from similar experiences. My role is to encourage more girls to get involved in STEM by providing free hands-on physical computing, robotics, and coding workshops. I believe that all girls should have access to opportunities to learn how to code and develop their making and digital skills, regardless of where they come from.

My journey into tech began when I started attending coding and physical computing

Head of Education and Learning at Tech She Can @BeckyPatel86

Education Consultant, Coach and Author @msBclarke

workshops at just seven years old, and I started co-running coding workshops to share my skills.

My advice to the next generation of young women looking to get into the tech industry is to not be afraid of being afraid and to take your seat at the table, as you deserve it. I believe it is important to celebrate women in the tech industry because it helps to break down the barriers that prevent girls and women from pursuing careers in this field.

Remember, sometimes you have to be the one to take the lead.

As the Head of Education and Learning at Tech She Can, my role is to lead a team that creates and delivers exciting lessons to inspire both boys and girls to consider careers in technology.

My journey into tech began when I was a teacher who was passionate about making sure that gender did not limit what my students thought they could achieve.

To the next generation of young women looking to get into the tech industry, I would say: be yourself! There are tech roles that suit people with many di erent hobbies and passions.

Celebrating women in the tech industry is crucial because you can’t be what you can’t see. By recognising the achievements of women in tech, we encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

As an education consultant, I help schools and other organisations improve the way they teach and support students. As a coach and mentor, I work one-on-one with people to help them achieve their goals and develop their skills. And as an author, I write books and articles about education and technology.

My interest in tech started in school when I studied computing. I went on to work in corporate IT before transitioning to teaching in schools and colleges. Through my work in education, I became involved in promoting STEM education and developing computing education regionally and nationally.

To young women interested in tech, I would recommend finding a coach or mentor to guide you through your career, and building a professional network to stay informed about developments in the industry.

It’s important to celebrate women in tech because they are currently underrepresented in the field. By highlighting the achievements of women in tech, we can encourage more women to consider careers in this exciting and growing industry.

I wish you all the best in your future tech career!

PhD

researcher Data Science / Teacher @KA81

As a PhD researcher in data science and a teacher, my role involves teaching young people how to use technology to create things they want, while also researching ways to improve education using tech. I work in a “geek lab” at Uclan, just like in the movie “Big Hero Six.”

My journey into tech began when I was very young and started taking things apart to see how they worked. I’ve always enjoyed building things and being a “Maker,” and I encourage others to join their local maker communities and attend events to learn from others.

It’s important to celebrate women in the tech industry because we bring di erent perspectives and ideas, which are crucial to creating technology that works for everyone. Girls often think tech is all about robots and coding, but it’s so much more, including art, healthcare, education, and wellbeing.

My advice to young women is to dream big, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to bring your unique view to tech. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Dawn Hallybone

Chief Strategy O cer @dawnhallybone