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From code to leadership: Celebrating women in tech

Breen and Kate McAleenan, 12 Joan DailyPay Belfast: What inspired us to pursue a career in tech and why you should too

NI's Alison Ballard: Nothing 48 Allstate can prepare you better for a career in technology than a willingness to learn

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Welcome to the summer 2025 edition of the Sync NI magazine Foreword

Professor Helen McCarthy Chief Scientific & Technology Adviser (CSTA) | The Executive Office | Stormont Castle

very woman has a journey, and it starts in childhood. Imagine, for example …

The two-year-old with yellow paint dripping from her eyelashes – she wanted to see what would happen if she put the paint tin on her head. The eight-year-old who breaks a window at her Granda’s house with her ball. His response? “I guess we’re learning how to replace a window today”, followed by a trip to the hardware shop. Window fixed, and her Granny never knew. The 12-year-old who invented ‘stoneball’ when girls were forbidden from playing football at school. Yes, a Health & Safety timebomb apparently preferable to allowing girls to play perceived ‘boys’ sports’, she and her friends kicked stones at one another. The 15-year-old whose Chemistry teacher threw a bottle of Tippex at her head in frustration at her constant questions. The 32-year-old asked by a senior Professor, “Why are you researching mRNA vaccines? It’s too difficult to teach to students, and it’ll never be needed.” Fast forward to 2020 and a global pandemic – the spread of Covid is finally slowed by a mRNA vaccine. A golden thread links these vignettes… the toddler’s early experiment, the opportunity to turn exuberance into learning with a grandparent, the stoneball workaround at an all-girls school, the teacher unable to handle a need to understand ‘why’, and the refusal to deviate from a programme of research that the lecturer believed in. That thread is

a relentless questioning and a tendency to step outside the usual parameters in search of answers and solutions. Some have seen this as problematic and sought to quell it, but others have nurtured it. Curiosity is not always rewarded. Disruptive thinking is a phrase often bandied around as a positive attribute, but it is less commonly embraced when encountered in practice. Yet innovation, in whatever field, comes only from a defiant spirit of enquiry, a refusal to settle for the status quo, and a genuine willingness to drive and embrace change when the evidence leads you there. That is what pioneers in science and technology, and indeed in any discipline, do. Notwithstanding improvements in gender equality, unconscious bias persists. The child who questions, the teenager who is not quiet and compliant, the young woman who refuses to depart from the path that they believe is the future, are judged differently depending on their sex; and in a world that some (prematurely) describe as postfeminist, girls’ and women’s voices are not yet accepted in the same way as those of boys and men. Strong women with strong opinions still make people feel awkward. This fantastic issue is about encouraging girls to consider science and technology and to become future disruptors and innovators. That starts with encouraging girls to ask questions and to use their voices. So, to the girls reading this, “With all the noise around you, discover your own instincts and trust them”; and to those around them – both men and women – “Encourage girls to speak”. All the women you will read about in this issue have used their voices for positive change – they are your champions.

About Sync NI Sync NI is proud to be the voice of Northern Ireland’s vibrant technology and business sector. The Sync NI website and magazine brings readers the latest tech and business news, views, jobs and events in Belfast and beyond. Sync NI Contacts Editorial Kathryn McKenna Phone: 028 9082 0947 Email: kathryn@syncni.com Advertising & Partnerships Louis Kingston Phone: 028 9082 0947 Email: louis@syncni.com Digital Content Patricia Rodrigues Email: patricia@syncni.com General Enquiries Sync NI Rochester Building 28 Adelaide street Belfast BT2 8GD Phone: 028 9082 0947 Email: team@syncni.com Online: www.syncni.com Copyright No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyholder and publisher. Sync NI accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Sync NI, unless otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress associated to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this magazine can be accepted by the authors, contributors, editors or publishers. Sync NI does not endorse any goods or services advertised, nor any claims or representations made in any advertisement in this magazine.

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Inside this edition 06 Fourth Women in Tech Awards sees nine women and one male advocate celebrated as Lorraine Acheson hails NI’s status as focal point for industry innovation 08 Meet Northern Ireland's Tech Trailblazers 12 Joan Breen and Kate McAleenan, DailyPay Belfast: What inspired us to pursue a career in tech and why you should too 14 How women embracing tech can help shape our digital tomorrow 16 The changing face of Northern Ireland’s tech workforce 18 Lorna McAdoo: We need to widen the entire talent pool diversity and open up opportunities for everyone in society 20 EY Partner Katie Burns on the importance of technology: “I didn’t particularly consider myself a ‘woman in tech’ but I am, it is in everything we do – every profession should embrace it”

24 “In a world where women face competing demands, remember success rarely follows a straight line” 25 Lisa Stevenson on the moment she felt inspired to make tech a more welcoming environment for everyone 26 “We are committed to playing a key role in the talent of the future” 28 Emma Pollock, FinTrU CTO, on her organic introduction to software engineering, the importance of backing yourself, and why technology is a team sport 30 Data Scientist Emma Patton on why life is too short not to find the right job for you 32 “Male or female, people are at ESO for a bigger reason, it is not just to pick up a wage” 34 “Women must not allow incorrect perceptions about working in tech to stand in their way”

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36 SistersIN: Empowering future female leaders across Northern Ireland 37 Skills + technology = the perfect combination for success 38 Q&A with Kathryn Harkin, Executive Director, Head of AI, FinTrU and Chair, AI Collaboration Centre 40 Empower Girls event returns to Belfast for second year, inspiring 600 young women to remember "tech is for everyone – not just for boys" 42 Michaela Black, Principal Investigator for the AI Collaboration Centre, urges young girls to ‘aim high’ with a career in ICT

46 Victoria Hogg, Integrity360: Why young girls should not be afraid of pursuing a career in technology and our plans for expansion in Northern Ireland 48 Alison Ballard: Nothing can prepare you better for a career in technology than a willingness to learn 50 Lisa Shields: “My advice for women in tech and beyond is to never under-value what you have to offer” 52 Bridging the digital gender gap: championing girls in tech from the classroom up 53 Fostering inclusive innovation in Belfast

44 Turning the dial: How Agio Belfast is promoting inclusive hiring and equal pay to empower women in tech and provide opportunities for all

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Fourth Women in Tech Awards sees nine women and one male advocate celebrated as Lorraine Acheson hails NI’s status as focal point for industry innovation

orraine Acheson, Managing Director of Women in Business and Deputy CEO of The WiB Group, has praised women in tech – alongside male advocates – for their progress in righting the current gender imbalance in tech.

Speaking with Sync NI, Lorraine also points to the importance of apprenticeships in helping to further address the need for gender parity within the thriving sector. This is addition to the power of seeing females in senior leadership positions, which adds to the saying ‘you can’t be what you don’t see.’ Lorraine speaks with Sync NI as Northern Ireland’s digital innovators were recognised and celebrated at the 2025 Women in Tech Awards recently in an impactful awards evening in Belfast recently. Delivered by Women in Business NI and sponsored by VANRATH, the annual event welcomed over 300 guests from across Northern Ireland’s thriving tech sector to the Europa Hotel for a gala evening which showcased the sector’s best-in-class and their continued positive impact on the local economy. With Northern Ireland’s rising status as a major technology hub and Belfast recognised recently as the UK’s second fastest-growing knowledge economy, the 2025 Women in Tech Awards honoured nine women and one male advocate who together have challenged and embraced technology.

Lorraine says the evening comes as Northern Ireland continues to cement its status as a focal point for industry innovation. She explains: “Poised on the cutting-edge of digital technology, Northern Ireland has much to look forward to. “A high concentration of global tech powerhouses and earlystage companies, combined with a talented and thriving workforce, have cemented NI’s status as a focal point for industry innovation.

Lorraine Acheson Managing Director of Women in Business and Deputy CEO of The WiB Group

“Last year alone, more than 1,800 new technology businesses were launched on these shores. According to Instant Offices research, that puts NI in fourth place among the top UK tech hotspots. Perhaps what’s more impressive is that this figure represents a year-on-year growth of 86 per cent, buoyed by a sector that refuses to stand still.” This significant figure is driven mostly by young entrepreneurs, tech founders who are fuelling growth and innovation right across the industry. However, such statistics come with a “familiar and frustrating footnote” with just 155 out of the 1,818 tech companies

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launched, founded by women. “This figure represents only nine per cent in a sector that has long been shackled by gender inequality in that the balance of opportunities, access to finance, mentors, and general career progression have for too long been titled away from women,” Lorraine comments. Such a disparity only serves to reinforce the importance of events like Northern Ireland’s annual Women in Tech Awards and it has been positive to see the number of applications continue to rise. Lorraine states: “A night where we showcase those best-in-class individuals working day in, day out to create a more inclusive and forwardthinking industry. Opening doors so others may follow. “This being the fourth ceremony, at Women in Business we were thrilled to see a record number of entries for 2025. And it’s not just the calibre, but the variety of applications that continues to impress. “In today’s digital age, technology is central to all business activity, and every year we’re seeing more women

excelling in tech roles within non-tech organisations. Case in point: our C Level Woman of the Year is from law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. “Then there’s the entrepreneurs, which is always an exciting awards category filled with blue-sky ingenuity. Choosing a winner from a field of fantastic finalists was a real challenge for our judges, however it was heartening to see women business owners represented across other categories, too, including finalists within the Green Impact Award and Digital Transformation Leader.

“Apprenticeships, too, are another vital entry point while the crucial role of academic organisations in rewriting the sector’s gender imbalance cannot be overstated. What we need is an environment conducive to focused digital learning to ultimately bridge age-old gaps between young women and their digital capabilities. To pierce persistent gender norms through collaborative networking, mentoring and the elevation of industry role models.

“It's a testament to the breadth of opportunities made available by the tech industry, while for Women in Business it is our privilege to champion those women who embody the positive impact of the sector locally at every level, from apprentice to C-suite.”

“Innovation at the expense of inclusion will only get us so far; the two must be accelerated together as a dynamic digital duo to propel our industry to new heights. This pursuit of progress is ingrained into the very DNA of our Women in Tech Awards, which has grown year-on-year into a positive reinforcement of Northern Ireland’s thriving tech sector.”

Speaking of future talent, the raw potential simmering within this year’s One to Watch category was simply incredible, says Lorraine. “Together they represent the pipeline of future women leaders, and it is critical that we don’t lose these women from the industry as they progress.

Lorraine concludes: “A night of celebration and reward, the showpiece event is the culmination of our yearround commitment at Women in Business to amplify the tech industry’s incredible women and their continued positive impact in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

The Women in Tech 2025 award winners are: C Level Woman of the Year Sponsored by IQ&Co

Lyn Harris Herbert Smith Freehills

Digital Transformation Leader of the Year Sponsored by Sync NI

Edel Madden Xsell

Entrepreneur of the Year

Tech Team of the Year

One to Watch in the Future

Sponsored by Version 1

Emma McKenna

Judith Millar

Jonathan Sinclair

Laurie Montgomery

Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

CSIT / NI CYBER

Inclutech

Danske Bank

Outstanding Woman in Tech 2025 Sponsored by VANRATH

Dr Aislinn Rice Analytic Engines and Software NI

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Meet Northern Ireland's Tech Trailblazers With a lot of focus on how to engage females in STEM and on the gender gap in the tech industry – it’s important to remember that it’s not all doom, gloom and disheartening statistics! That’s why Sync NI wanted the world to know about the female tech trailblazers who are paving the way in Northern Ireland’s booming tech scene. If she can’t see it, she can’t be it. So here’s a hall of fame for some of our country’s top STEM role models of the moment. For full profiles on all the inspirational women below, visit syncni.com today.

Rachel Gawley

Bronagh Lanigan

Derbhile Kennedy

Whitespace

AI Collaboration Centre

CGI

Caoimhe Mc Geough

Maisy Sinclair

Agio, now part of Netrio

Apex Fintech Solutions

Chief Innovation and Technology Officer

Service Transition Manager

Research Fellow

Software Engineer

NI Delivery Director

Angela Byrne

Director of Engineering

ESO

Romita Pandita

Technology Programme Lead

Caitlín Magee

Full Stack Software Engineer

PwC

Allstate Northern Ireland

Rachael Aluko

Preeya Shyam

Liberty IT

Aflac Northern Ireland

Senior Product Designer

Scrum Master

The tech industry is far more diverse than many people realize. Beyond coding, there are roles in agile delivery (such as mine), product management, UX/UI, data analysis, technical writing, marketing, and more. There’s something for everybody. I’ve worked with amazing people from all kinds of backgrounds like teachers, marketers, designers, who’ve brought fresh insights into the tech world. The key is a willingness to learn and adapt. If you’re a problem solver or a creative thinker, there’s a role for you here.

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Dr. Leigh Johnston Applied Researcher

AI Collaboration Centre

Claudia Scott Data Analyst

PwC

Gemma Weir

Social Value & Engagement Officer

CGI

Alexis Russell

Sevvy Yousef

Aflac Northern Ireland

Rapid7

Software Engineer

The world of technology changes rapidly and every day is different. By embarking on a career in technology, you will have the opportunity to play a significant part in peoples’ lives and change them for the greater good.

I’m very lucky to be part of a team made up of very smart and driven individuals, who are also incredibly supportive of each other and all round good people.

My advice would be to find an area of technology YOU enjoy, find a community in relation to this field, and attend events to ‘network’ with others who also share the same interest you do. And one thing to remember is, ‘if at first you don’t succeed try, try, try again’.

As cliche as it sounds, I also love the kick you get from finally cracking a tough problem. That moment when everything clicks is hard to beat.

Alana Hodman

Business Development Representative

Integrity360

Victoria Johnston

Machine Learning IT Analyst

Allstate Northern Ireland

Nicole Costello

Natalie McCorkell-Walsh

AI Collaboration Centre

Apex Financial Solutions

Marketing Officer

I love programming. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle; you try different approaches, most likely encounter some errors, but it’s very rewarding to complete a project and to have solved that puzzle in the end. Especially in Allstate, our projects have a direct impact on millions across the globe and improving our company.

Senior Platform Engineer

Victoria Jenkins Data Strategy Lead

FinTrU

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Lauren Vallely Software Engineer II

Apex Fintech Solutions

Laura Kelly

Software Engineer II

Rapid7

Dr Debbie Rankin

Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

AI Collaboration Centre

Jade Truffitt

Security Risk Manager

ESO

Danielle Nelson

Service Management Analyst

Agio, now part of Netrio

Mentor support is massively impactful – I have been lucky in the past to have had the opportunity to act as both a mentor and also a mentee and firmly believe that if you're given the opportunity either way you should definitely avail of it. Mentors can help build your confidence in new skills such as public speaking and they don’t always have to come from the same sector as you. For example, I have acted as a mentor before to a doctor of law, and whilst I experienced imposter syndrome wondering what I could possibly teach them, we were able to achieve the end goal of increasing their social confidence in attending industry events and be able to network in a self-assured way. I ended up learning just as much as the mentee did during this experience and strongly believe mentorship benefits everyone involved.

Edel Madden CEO & Co-Founder

Xsell

Isabel Gregory Engineering Manager

Aflac Northern Ireland

Louise Doyle CEO & Co-Founder

needi

Lucy McCague Senior Marketing & Communications Consultant

Allstate Northern Ireland

For me in my journey, it wasn't necessarily the tech itself - it was the problem-solving it brought with it. It was the ability to apply technology to solve real business problems. The ability to streamline, automate, repeat. Using technology to keep your business competitive and helping growth. I’ve had 25 years working in the sector at all levels before co-founding a digital marketing agency specialised in marketing for tech. So whatever you're passionate about - whether it's solving climate change, improving healthcare, building businesses, or creating art - technology amplifies your impact. Technology is the ultimate enabler.

Louise McAteer Site Lead

ASOS

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Priyanka Lingegowda Principal Software Engineer

Liberty IT

Cat Martin

Senior Technical Product Manager

Apex Fintech Solutions

Susan Stewart

Digital Product Manager

Allstate Northern Ireland

Steph Maher

Technical Programme Manager

ESO

Tierna McConnell Enablement & Revenue Operations Analyst

Agio, now part of Netrio

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned on my career journey is the importance of maintaining a continuous learning mindset. Embrace new opportunities and don’t let fear hold you back - every challenge is a chance to grow. Alongside this, building a strong network and advocating for yourself is essential. Don't shy away from showcasing your skills and experiences. The tech industry is rapidly growing and provides opportunities for innovation, creativity, and meaningful impact. A career in tech is not only a path to a lucrative future but also an opportunity to make an impact and empower yourself and others.

Shannon Reaney Systems Security Admin

Aflac Northern Ireland

Michelle Sherrard

Jana Hoferkova

CGI

PwC

Director, Consulting Services

Technology Consultant

Kathryn Nelson

Associate Software Engineer

ASOS

Aline Duarte

Business Development Representative

Integrity360

There are exceptional women working in tech, along with great allies helping to close the gender gap, making the prospect much less daunting than it might initially seem. If there are no women (or people from diverse backgrounds) in a particular area of tech yet, let's strive to become the trailblazers who change that.

Saoirse Murphy

Natalie Smith

FinTrU

ASOS

Senior Staff Engineer

Associate Engineer

For full profiles on these inspirational women, visit syncni.com today

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

By Kathryn McKenna

Joan Breen and Kate McAleenan, DailyPay Belfast: What inspired us to pursue a career in tech and why you should too

s Director of Engineering at DailyPay, one could be forgiven for presuming Joan Breen always aspired to a career in software engineering, believing from an early age that this was her goal.

However, having grown up on her family’s farm surrounded by animals in a rural setting, Joan was at one stage torn between pursuing a career in tech and becoming a vet. “One of my earliest childhood memories is watching a vet come to our family farm to treat our very sick pet calf. The vet miraculously made her better with medicine, and I thought, ‘That is what I want to do,'” Joan explains to Sync NI. Growing up with three brothers and keen not to be ‘outdone,’ Joan had a passion for dismantling and rebuilding new toys that came into the family home, as well as fixing things with her dad on the farm. It was clear from an early age that Joan had an inquisitive mind and was already honing the skills that would lead to her successful career in software engineering. “I was always very curious about the way things worked,” she explains. “I would ask: Why does it do that? How does

that work? We had the ABC computers at school, and I was mesmerised by them. When the mouse was moved and it showed up on the computer screen, I was absolutely fascinated and wanted to know exactly how that was able to happen.” When Joan received her GCSE results, she realised she was just one grade away from achieving the grades necessary for studying to become a vet and pivoted to study Computer Science at Jordanstown University and was determined to succeed in a career in tech. Although Joan did not have any close personal ‘real-life’ aspirational figures to encourage her to adopt a career in technology she did admit to being inspired by the prolific computer coder, Grace Hopper, who featured in one of Joan’s favourite television series ‘Triumph of the Nerds’ when she was growing up. “I broke trail in this way because I was the only girl in my school who went on to a career in tech.” Joan’s career has spanned a number of leading local tech companies gaining experience in software engineering and consulting for FTSE 100 companies before moving into

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management. When DailyPay Belfast was launched, Joan instantly felt compelled by the company’s mission statement and wanted to get on board. Having initially joined the team as Senior Manager in November 2021, Joan was promoted to the role of Director of Software Engineering as of November 2023. Joan Breen Director of Engineering at DailyPay

“It is a huge drive to be working at DailyPay knowing people want our products because the things we are building make people’s lives easier. “DailyPay is focused on helping those workers who are living month-tomonth to not have to rely on credit cards, overdrafts or loans to make ends meet. The innovative financial solutions on our platform aim to help people break this cycle and help protect and boost their credit health. A lot of the products are about helping people to escape stressful financial situations which everyone can end up in, particularly due to the cost of living we find ourselves in today.” If there was one thing Joan would eradicate in order to continue moving the dial in the right direction and inspire more females into tech careers, it is the perception that working in tech is not “fun.” “Building software is amazing, it gives you power to be able to do anything, including building your own website and more. It is very cool to be able to pull out your phone and show your friends the different things you helped build.” Another rewarding aspect of management for Joan is watching the individual career trajectories of her team take off. She says: “As a manager

I particularly enjoy witnessing the growth and development of my team members – Kate being a prime example of someone who is a joy to watch excel.” Kate McAleenan is a Senior Software Engineer and will have been a part of the DailyPay Belfast team for three years this August. Similarly to Joan, Kate’s career pathway was influenced by her childhood interest in solving challenges and building things. Having grown up with an older brother, Kate describes the joy they derived from having similar interests growing up: “I am by nature a hands-on person and enjoy getting stuck into projects and building things. I grew up surrounded by technology – especially when it came to two-player computer games which naturally, I had to get involved in! Refreshingly, Kate reveals that her personal experience of attending an all-girls school meant that she did not feel intimidated when it came to picking “stereotypically male-dominated subjects.” Whilst there were only four pupils in the classes altogether, Kate enjoyed studying ICT and Computer Science and felt inspired by her older brother who also worked in tech. Kate chose to study Interactive Multimedia Design in Jordanstown University, which she describes as a “hands on” course which was particularly well-suited to her skills-set as it covered front-end development and design. The course also involved a placement year, which offered Kate invaluable real-world experience as she explains: “The industry is so vast with so many different areas and opportunities. Finding your strengths can take a lot of trial and error and placement year is vital in helping you achieve this.” Kate joined DailyPay having also been attracted to the company’s values. “I strongly related to the fact I would be

working on something which would be impacting its users directly in a positive way,” Kate explains. Hard work truly pays off at DailyPay, as Kate has quickly risen through the ranks. After initially joining the team as a Software Engineer, just seven months later Kate was promoted to Software Engineer II and a year later became a Senior Software Engineer. “Joan and Paul Hill, Managing Director and VP of Engineering at DailyPay, are a massive source of inspiration. They want to see you do well and get the best from you. Johnny McFadden is also a massive asset in terms of helping you to succeed in your career. There is a real sense of network and community in the DailyPay office - people want to bring you up. The opportunities and ethos shine through.” Kate McAleenan Senior Software Engineer at DailyPay

Similarly to Joan, Kate says one of the most enjoyable aspects of her job is being able to work on a tangible product which she can explain she worked on to her parents. “It is an incredible experience to show them something I have worked on and have them understand what it is.” Citing her brother for being her driving force and inspiration behind her successful career in tech, Kate commends his work ethic as well as his drive and motivation. “I have reaped the rewards of him going before me and also our shared interests have allowed us to become even closer since leaving university and embarking upon our respective careers.” Kate’s advice for young girls and women starting off in their tech careers is to attend as many industry events as possible. “Use the opportunities to network and meet like-minded individuals. Who knows what a chance meeting or introduction could lead to.”

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How women embracing tech can help shape our digital tomorrow B

elfast is a city transformed. Once known for heavy industry, today we are establishing ourselves as a global innovation hub, recognised for excellence in cybersecurity, fintech, medtech and advanced manufacturing.

At the heart of this evolution is talent brilliant people driving change, developing solutions, and creating the future. However, to sustain this momentum, we need more diversity. More women in tech. More girls choosing STEM subjects. More voices shaping our digital tomorrow. Despite the growing tech industry, female representation in technical and leadership roles remains disproportionately low, with women constituting approximately 26-29 per cent of the tech workforce in Northern Ireland. Indeed, the representation of women in tech leadership roles is even lower, with only 5-6 per cent holding senior roles, further highlighting the ongoing gender disparity within our tech sector. As someone who didn’t start their career in tech, but whose current role as CEO of Belfast Chamber focuses on promoting innovation and economic development, I know first-hand how rewarding this space can be. During my time with the Strategic Investment Board in Innovation City Belfast, I had the privilege of helping position Belfast as a world-class destination for technology and enterprise. That experience provided me with an insight into the city’s innovative capability and potential and uncovered the huge opportunities for, whether in school, university, or already in the workplace, to be part of something bigger. There is a myriad of highly paid, flexible and rewarding jobs in tech to which females

should aspire. The world is changing, fast. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science are no longer just buzz words, they are integral elements of modern life. Technology is one of Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing industries. We are home to global leaders in tech and a thriving start-up scene, with the sector contributing significantly to our economy and offering some of the highest-paid jobs in the region. By choosing STEM subjects, young women can open the door to an incredible array of careers. Indeed, many of our 600-strong Belfast Chamber membership are doing great things in this space in a bid to address the imbalance, and we continue to provide them with as much support as possible. For example, the recent ‘Empower Girls’ event, hosted by CyberFirst in partnership with Aflac Northern Ireland and over 50 leading organisations, brought together 600 Year 8 girls from 22 schools across Northern Ireland to inspire early interest in cybersecurity and tech careers. The presence, meanwhile, of prominent tech companies such as Allstate, Version 1, FinTrU and Kainos has boosted Belfast’s growing emergence as a significant hub for technology and innovation. Strong tech capability is sector agnostic, thereby underpinning highly productive companies and providing a clear pathway for better paid jobs and economic growth, all of which is included in the Department for the Economy’s Economic Vision. Whilst we have sound credentials, there does need to be a relentless focus on our schools and tertiary education providers

to ensure they have adequate funding to grow the skills pipeline. The cap on university places for our local students only serves to hinder our potential. Too many girls drop STEM subjects in secondary school, too few women reach leadership roles in tech, and, across the board, companies are reporting a shortage of qualified candidates. Schools need to be properly equipped to encourage and stimulate increased demand. It is for this reason that a coordinated effort is needed. We must focus on creating stronger links between schools and industry, making female role models more visible in the media, delivering more targeted mentoring programmes, and providing accessible upskilling routes for those changing careers. We also need to support women to consider and pivot into tech roles. There are some shining examples of this amongst our membership with companies such as Options IT and Danske Bank running specific female programmes to being those from a nontech background into tech roles. I also can’t overstate the importance of industry networks, something that Belfast Chamber has an active role in promoting. Shaping career paths, sharing challenges and signposting opportunities form part of encouraging and helping more women consider the new pathways into tech. Northern Ireland has all the ingredients to be a world leader in innovation, but we need to bring everyone on the journey. My message to women and girls is simple - the tech world needs your ideas, your perspective, and your passion. Go for it.

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

By Clare Guinness, CEO at Belfast Chamber

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 By Barbara McKiernan, Managing Director at VANRATH

The changing face of Northern Ireland’s tech workforce

or a long time, the tech world has been seen as a space dominated by men – a reputation built on years of a certain image: male developers coding away in dark offices, building the digital future one line of code at a time. It’s a stereotype that has stuck around, even as the industry itself has started to evolve. But that image is well overdue an update – especially here in Northern Ireland. The old idea of tech being a 'man's world' no longer tells the full story. Today’s tech industry is much more diverse, much more dynamic, and much more representative of the world it serves. As someone who’s been lucky enough to work alongside some of the most exciting tech companies in Northern Ireland, I can say with full confidence: the face of tech is changing. And increasingly, that face is female. We are seeing more women entering the tech sector in Northern Ireland than ever before. And it’s not just in the traditional tech spaces you might think of – it’s right across the board. Software development may seem like the most visible or familiar tech role for women across NI, but we’re also seeing rising numbers in areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, business intelligence, IT support, and tech project management – roles that are every bit as vital to the success

of a business as the developers writing the code. These roles need creativity, problem-solving, communication, empathy, strategic thinking, and leadership – qualities that women across Northern Ireland are bringing to the table in spades. And the companies who are embracing this shift are the ones reaping the rewards. They’re seeing stronger, more agile teams, better project outcomes, and healthier workplace cultures. Yet despite the progress, we know we’re not there… yet. It’s no secret that women are still underrepresented in the industry. While progress is being made, we need to keep the momentum going. And that means creating clearer routes into the sector, shining a spotlight on the full range of roles available, and celebrating the women already doing great things in tech across NI. One of the biggest myths we come across when speaking to jobseekers – especially women considering a career pivot – is this idea that you need a computer science degree, or years of experience coding, to get your foot in the door. For some roles, that might be true. But for many others, it’s not. There are multiple ways into a tech career that don’t start

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and end with coding. A positive trend we’re seeing is the variety of backgrounds people are coming from before making the move into tech. At VANRATH, we’ve helped women transition from roles in finance, customer service, education, retail – even healthcare – into new careers in IT and tech. Why? Because they had the transferable skills, the curiosity, and the confidence to take that step. The skills they bring with them – critical thinking, communication, managing deadlines, working with stakeholders – are exactly what many tech teams are looking for. They understand that while technical expertise can often be trained, qualities like leadership, resilience and collaboration are priceless. Northern Ireland is in a brilliant position compared to many regions because there’s a strong support network for people wanting to transition into tech careers. Between coding bootcamps like Code First Girls, reskilling programmes sponsored by employers who are looking for fresh talent, apprenticeships designed for adults, not just school leavers, and other initiatives, there are now more accessible routes into tech than ever before. Organisations like Belfast Met, South Eastern Regional College and Queen’s University offer training programmes designed for career changers. Many employers are also offering paid training and support for people coming into junior IT roles, business analysis, QA testing, or project coordination. And from what we’re seeing in the market – companies are ready and willing to invest in people with potential, not just people with an extensive technical CV. It’s not a perfect system – there’s still more that could be done to widen access further – but the foundations are strong. And it’s only getting better. Encouraging more

women into tech is good for the whole economy, not just for the industry. Having a more balanced team brings different viewpoints to the table – which leads to better ideas, stronger collaboration, and more inclusive products. Diverse teams are proven to outperform less diverse ones, and that holds just as true in Northern Ireland. They build better products, make better decisions, and create better workplaces. I’ve seen firsthand how women in project leadership roles can drive major digital transformation projects, how female data analysts have helped uncover key trends that change business strategy, and how women leading service desks have helped improve entire company cultures by simply making systems work better for the people who use them. In Northern Ireland, where the tech sector is growing, it makes zero sense to ignore half the population. Encouraging more women into tech is the right thing to do and it’s smart business. There are hundreds of brilliant women working across Northern Ireland’s tech landscape. Some names you might know; others you might not – yet. At VANRATH, we’ve placed women into roles where they’ve gone on to lead major projects, deliver groundbreaking products, and transform how businesses use technology day-to-day. We’re passionate about helping women step into these opportunities. Part of that is about changing the conversation – showing that tech isn’t one narrow path but a whole world of possibilities. There’s no magic wand for fixing underrepresentation overnight. But there are clear, practical steps we can all take. My advice to anyone thinking about a move into tech – whether you’re

fresh out of university or considering a mid-career pivot – is simple: explore your options. Talk to someone in the industry. Ask questions. Be nosy. Most people will be more than happy to share advice and guidance – you might be surprised at how many doors are actually open. And for employers: think about where you’re advertising, what your job descriptions sound like, and how accessible your interview processes are. Are job ads worded in a way that welcomes a wide range of applicants? Are interviews designed to spot potential, not just specific experience? Are training opportunities open to everyone? Take a closer look at your hiring practices, career development pathways, and internal cultures. If you want to attract more diverse talent, you have to make people feel like they belong. For policymakers and educators – keep investing in accessible training programmes, spotlight role models and success stories from diverse backgrounds, and support initiatives that get girls interested in tech from an early age. Change happens when everybody plays their part. Women can be, and are, great leaders and innovators and they raise the bar for everyone – this starts with helping them feel welcome in the tech industry. If we open the door wider – and actively welcome more women into the sector – the benefits will ripple out far beyond tech. They’ll touch every part of our economy, our communities, and our future. Northern Ireland has so much going for it. A thriving tech ecosystem. Worldclass universities. A collaborative, community-driven spirit. We have the talent. We have the ambition. Now we need to make sure everyone has a fair shot at success.

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Lorna McAdoo - Group Director Environment, Social & Governance and Version 1 NI Lead

Lorna McAdoo: We need to widen the entire talent pool diversity and open up opportunities for everyone in society

orna McAdoo, Group Director Environment, Social & Governance and Version 1 Northern Ireland Lead talks to Sync NI about ‘falling into’ computing, how important it is to celebrate talented women, and why young girls should get into the tech sector.

Lorna also addresses the need to widen the talent pool, not just by addressing the gender imbalance in tech, but by ensuring roles are accessible to everyone in society.

What or who first inspired you to study Computing at University of Ulster in 1986 and what was your first impressions of working in tech upon graduation?

I fell into Computing to be honest. It was my third university choice at A-Level stage. I did a two-year course and then got a job as a trainee analyst/programmer in Short Brothers. My first impression was how cool it was – the teams in Shorts were so friendly and supportive to me.

Shortly after commencing your first job, you transitioned from software engineering into project management, a role you remained in for over 20 years before taking on more senior management positions. Can you tell us more about this?

Yes, I very quickly moved from coding to Internal Project Lead at Shorts and then into a commercial project management role in DEC / Digital. I loved project management because every project was different, and I was always learning new skills. The biggest lesson I learnt was the importance of listening and regular communication. When I moved into the Delivery Management role in Kainos I was able to develop my sales skills but still keep the relationship with the customer at the forefront of everything. The customer is the one that gives us opportunity, so putting them first was always so important.

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As a prominent senior leader in the tech sector what do you attribute as being the key factors behind your success? I always smile when someone says the word leader – I don’t see myself as a leader and certainly not prominent, but I am fortunate to be in a position where I can take my learnings from my career and help guide people through theirs. I’m not an expert in anything but I have experience where I have failed or succeeded, and I want others to have the best career possible - because I have. Over the years, I have also become more passionate about people not getting the same opportunities as I and others have.

As the senior leader in one of NI’s largest technology companies, what initiatives do you believe have had the greatest impact on helping to support and promote women in their careers?

I believe the support networks that are in place across the tech sector give women the greatest support. We now have many organisations all running meet ups and roundtables and even conferences like the annual Women in Business one. We also now have the annual Women in Tech awards by Women in Business to showcase all the great women in the sector. All of these show women what can be achieved. It grows connections across the sector which is so incredibly important. In Version 1 we have a very strong Women in Tech network. The network is run by volunteers and it’s incredible to see the work that they do and the connections that, from the youngest to the oldest, the less experienced to the very experienced, have here.

Why is it important for women to build and expand their professional networks? My last 10 years in Version 1 has only been impactful because of my professional network. Having a coffee in the early days with other leaders helped to guide my journey. I see my

professional network as my support and inspiration. We learn from one another, and we teach each other. The bigger the network the more we learn and are inspired.

As Vice Chair of the Software Alliance, member of the NI Skills Committee for the Department of the Economy, on the board of the IOD and a leading advocate for Women in Business – you probably have a unique vantage point to understand the needs and requirements for skills and training for our society. Can I ask you to give a perspective as a woman who has reached the top of her career, what the current landscape looks like compared to when you first started out on your career path and what you would like to see for other women as they commence their journey?

I have been doing an ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) role in Version 1 for over three years now and it’s something that is incredibly important to us as a company. I came to realise very quickly that Version 1 in isolation cannot drive real change for the communities in which we operate. We need to collaborate right across government, private, third and voluntary sectors. When the opportunity came up to have roles in these fantastic organisations, I absolutely jumped at it. I am so privileged to have an input and help shape the strategies. The tech Sector now is very different to what it was like almost 40 years ago. We are so much more aware of the benefits, of having diversity across our tech sector and over the last five to 10 years much has been done to promote the gender imbalance and subsequent initiatives to support the rebalance. I would love to see much more flexibility in the working patterns for females - or anyone with caring responsibilities. I think the more flexible we become as employers the more opportunity there

will be for women who may not have the ability to work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. I would love to see this flexibility increasing. I do, however, also believe that rather than just focusing on the gender imbalance we should look at the entire talent pool diversity and open up opportunity for everyone across our region and society.

What advice would you give to women who would like to enter the sector but may not feel confident enough or empowered to do so for different reasons?

The tech sector is the most exciting sector to be a part of. You will find everyone supportive, friendly and fun. If you are struggling with low confidence, look to anyone you know who works in the sector and ask them for advice. If you don’t know anyone then reach out to networks such as Women in Business NI who run lots of great workshops around confidence building and tech meetups. Software NI is also helping to drive more people into tech and the work we are doing will help to create better pathways into tech for everyone. There are also so many meetups happening now and I understand they can be scary. When I first started going, I knew no one but everyone was always so friendly. Many of these talk about the different roles – they aren’t all coding jobs – there are many different roles in tech and the pathways into tech. But ultimately just do what I did – go for it – you can’t ever fail – you can only learn. I came from Fermanagh not knowing anyone and being the worst software developer there was - but through support and great mentors you can have a really fulfilling career Young girls should consider a career in tech because it is dynamic, exciting, fast paced and fun. Also, girls outperform boys with our education results so there is no reason why we can’t in the workplace!

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Katie Burns

EY Partner Katie Burns on the importance of technology: “I didn’t particularly consider myself a ‘woman in tech’ but I am, it is in everything we do – every profession should embrace it”

atie Burns, Partner in EY's Consulting practice in Dublin leading the Finance transformation team, speaks to Sync NI about her career in professional services and how technology forms a huge part of her every day.

Information Systems. We also explore the evolving gender dynamics in technology, noting a current theme of more women at junior levels but fewer at senior ones - which indicates an optimistic trend that more women are beginning to study and pursue a career in technology.

Having commenced her own 24-year career journey initially as a management consultant, Katie joined EY in 2019 before being appointed as an equity Partner in July 2021.

Also stressing the importance of mentoring, reverse mentoring, and early education in technology, we discuss the need for adaptability and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, with Katie advocating for young girls to explore tech careers due to its central role in modern business.

Here, Katie talks us through her early exposure to technology through a Master of Business Studies in Management

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at University College Dublin, Katie talked about the appeal of moving away to London because of what friends were doing and the potential for opportunity elsewhere. “There was not a lot of formal career direction,” Katie explains. “Suddenly my eyes were opened that lots of people were moving to London for career opportunities. I joined a management consulting firm which was a great opportunity and learning experience.”

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By Kathryn McKenna

Looking back, Katie reflects that growing up as one of three sisters, they were raised to understand that they can do anything that boys can do. Therefore, the outdated gender stereotype of ‘tech is just for boys’ did not phase Katie when it came to making her career choices. “Growing up, my dad emphasised the fact that girls can do anything that boys can do. We regularly attended motorbike races and in everything were raised not to believe in any gender stereotypes between boys and girls,” she says. “So whilst technology was quite a male-dominated sector in the beginning, it did not deter me in any way.” Having studied a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce before her Master’s degree

“My Master’s degree was definitely a predominantly male class, and when I look back on my early career, I was one of the only females,” Katie says. “However, I didn’t notice this, as whilst I strongly believe in supporting women and correcting the gender imbalance in tech, at the time I didn’t see it as I wasn’t raised to look at males and females differently. For this reason, I have never personally not put myself forward for an opportunity because I am female. However, there is no denying the gender disparity in the technology sector which crucially needs to be addressed. I am aware that not everyone is as lucky to have had the same experience, and we need to do more to empower women and girls.” Katie is optimistic that the work being carried out to attract more women into the sector is having a positive effect, noting that whilst there is a lack of female representation at senior leadership level, she is starting to see “more and more” females working at a junior level, indicating a positive uptake amongst the new generation. “If there are few females at senior leadership level, this is because they have not come up through the ranks just yet and I am excited to see this next generation of female leaders make their mark. I have already seen lots of females at more junior levels in current projects I am leading and am hopeful this reflects more of an equal gender balance to come. As they progress in

their careers, I am optimistic we will see more women at senior leadership levels.” The fact that more women are choosing to pursue technology as a career, either directly or indirectly, is important in today’s increasingly tech-reliant world. EY have invested significantly in data, analytics and AI technology internally and for their clients, and Katie is positive that all employees, irrespective of sector, should adapt and integrate technology into their roles to ensure their roles remain relevant. AI has the potential to enhance, rather than replace, human jobs by improving efficiency and outcomes, she says. “Technology is a component of the modern business environment and whilst there are some roles remaining which do not lead with technology, they are getting fewer and fewer,” Katie says. Therefore, whilst we rightly put a lot of emphasis on supporting females in the workplace, Katie explains that we also need to emphasise the reality that the way the workforce operates is also changing as technology advances – we need to be thinking about a workforce and jobs for the future. For this reason, Katie believes education from an early age on the importance of technology as well as career mentorships, should play a vital role moving forward. “I believe we are doing better in schools in promoting that message, particular in singleeducation girls’ schools,” Katie adds. With children in school now learning with technology through iPads and educational apps, it is hoped that through education children will begin to make the connection that working in the tech sector means they can be involved in creating exciting, innovative technology themselves. Working in the tech sector includes countless career pathways, from video games, travel, pets, shopping and more.

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Having moved back to Ireland in 2007, Katie reflects how much her own children, an eight-year-old daughter plus two boys, aged 13 and 11 years old, enjoy playing the popular app CoderDojo, which proved particularly popular during the pandemic when schools were closed. “Our children are so involved in technology from a young age, even subconsciously. Let’s help them understand the ways tech enriches our lives and make the connection to the career pathways available to them,” Katie encourages. EY is doing exactly this, having recognised the importance of access to technology for young pupils, it launched its innovative EY STEM App in Northern Ireland last year. The pilot scheme is currently running in three schools - Ashfield Girls’ High School in Belfast, Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, and St Cecilia’s College in Derry. It comes as the professional services firm aims to support and empower the next generation of girls to explore and pursue careers in STEM. The freeto-use EY STEM App is aimed at girls aged between 13 and 18 years old and features an immersive programme of modules and activities focused on the four broad areas of STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

team possible around you. “I love learning and variety, so I relish that no two weeks are ever the same. When clients are happy with our work as a team or when we deliver on a piece of work that has been challenging, it makes me extremely happy. “My interpersonal skills also mean I thrive when I get to collaborate with others, and I really enjoy testing myself and working hard to find a solution to these challenges.” Katie emphasises the importance of mentoring when it comes to career success, noting that she has benefited from both formal and informal mentoring relationships. In addition to more traditional mentoring schemes, Katie talks about her interest in the importance of reverse mentoring, where younger employees mentor those more experienced team members. This helps best utilise all five generations of the current workforce’s skills and understanding.

The app is designed to be used as an out-of-classroom tool to reinforce and expand educational experiences with learning modules developed by worldleading institutions such as NASA and Stanford University.

This is something which allows for a greater understanding of the younger generations for those leading teams, allowing for better cohesiveness and collaboration. In better understanding the younger generations, we are best placed to inspire and engage with them. “I strongly recommend reverse mentoring as an important method to be able to learn from our younger generations, not only in terms of their expertise, but also in acknowledging what their career needs look like for them,” Katie says.

When asked what her role as Consulting Partner at EY involves, as a full-time working mother, Katie reveals there is no one ‘typical day’ in her multi-faceted role: “I have been a partner for the past five years, since my youngest child was only three, and it has been a particularly busy and enjoyable time. To achieve the best balance, it is vital to have the best

Praising EY’s commitment to mentorship schemes, which she says are absolutely vital to maintain an open mindset and willingness to learn in the rapidly evolving technology sector, Katie highlights the role of mentors in providing honest feedback, identifying development needs, and securing support for career progression.

Overall, Katie encourages girls to explore technology related careers and to think about how technology will impact every job in the future. One of the greatest skills essential for a successful career is remaining openminded. Katie says: “Once you have met the basic academic requirements for the specific role, the most important element is approaching advances with an open mindset and a willingness to learn. “It is vital to be open to change and learning in technology rather than viewing it as a threat. Technology is moving faster than we can think and keep up with. EY has invested significantly in its technology capabilities and supports this with indepth learning to its employees globally. Technology is at the heart of everything that we do.”

EY is actively working to inspire more women and young girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers in the tech sector through initiatives like the EY STEM App. EY's efforts are crucial in closing the gender gap in technology and empowering the next generation of female leaders. To find out more, visit: www.ey.com/en_uk. To find out more about EY NI, including job opportunities, day-inthe-life style features, interviews and news stories, visit: /syncni. com/company/ey-belfast.

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Is your biggest cyber risk the one you can’t see coming? At EY we help clients transform their cyber security posture to safeguard their digital assets and facilitate secure cloud enablement at speed, enabling them to keep their workplace and clients operating in a safe environment. We empower organisations to innovate and accelerate their growth with confidence.

Learn more ey.com/ie

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“In a world where women face competing demands, remember success rarely follows a straight line”

oisin Finnegan, Senior leader in innovation, strategy and community infrastructure development, writes exclusively for Sync NI about how her tech career began, redefining success, making a meaningful impact and the biggest lessons she has learnt to date. I began my tech career on the Accenture graduate programme, drawn by the promise of variety, global opportunities and three weeks of training in Chicago. At 22 years old, it was a great choice. My degree wasn’t technical, but I quickly immersed myself in the world of applications and code. I found my strength in serving as the bridge between business and technology; leading teams in translating strategic requirements into technical solutions and shaping processes to drive delivery and impact. Reflecting on my rewarding journey nearly two decades later, I held several different roles - but leading Deloitte Ventures across the regions was a standout experience. Ventures was a bridge to the future, working with scaling tech companies, helping clients harness emerging technologies to solve real problems. It was fast-paced, creative, and intellectually rich; exactly my kind of challenge. I led exciting,

Roisin Finnegan - Senior leader in innovation, strategy and community infrastructure development

impactful projects, leading teams of great people across diverse technologies and sectors. Throughout my career, I have invested strongly in my professional development, taking part in targeted training and leadership programmes. Professional and personal development is critical; I truly believe that if you stay curious, new opportunities will open. Consulting offers rapid progression and strong financial rewards for those who are driven and willing to invest significant energy. That suited me early on, when I had the flexibility to prioritise work. But life evolves, and I was fortunate to start a family. Weekly travel to client sites across the UK became increasingly hard to navigate. I made a conscious decision to step off the traditional fast track and move into the nonclient-facing Ventures space. This choice was conscious and worthwhile; it allowed me more balance.

Then came COVID and everything changed. The world paused, and like many, I reevaluated my priorities and where I wanted to invest my energy. After years of building a corporate career, I realised I wanted to make a more tangible impact in my community. Motivated by that clarity, I launched a community dining project to tackle isolation and loneliness. That led to a board role with a neighbourhood charity focused on placemaking and regeneration, and I also founded a local business association to amplify the voices of small enterprises. One initiative led to another, and over time I found myself regularly engaged in grassroots community work alongside my day job. Three years on, I’m still deeply involved. Making these initiatives sustainable and responsive to the evolving needs of the people they serve is now a central focus. This chapter has reshaped

how I define success. While the corporate world can be exciting and financially rewarding, I’ve discovered that working toward social equality, improving people’s lives, and helping communities thrive has offered me great purpose. For me, it’s now about finding the balance between commercial success and social impact. A beautiful quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg sums it up, “Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. Don’t just live for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” I'm currently self-employed, taking on strategic contracts while reflecting on what comes next. It’s a privilege to pause and shape the next phase of my career with intention. I’m at the midpoint of life and career and I know I have decades of meaningful impact ahead. I’ve learned that life is a marathon, not a sprint and it moves in seasons: seasons for ambition, for growth, for family, and for recalibration. My biggest lesson? Be kind, to yourself and to others. Today, women face complex and competing demands across work, home, and society, and success rarely follows a straight line. As you climb, pause to look back and lift others up. Ultimately, your journey is yours to shape, and reshape, with intention and compassion.

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Lisa Stevenson on the moment she felt inspired to make tech a more welcoming environment for everyone

isa Stevenson is the Site Lead for Apex Fintech Solutions UK, spearheading its inaugural international office with more than 115 team members based in Belfast.

greatest strengths - it's never too late to enter the field, change specialties, or develop new skills. I embrace continuous learning not as a chore but as the exciting core of a tech career.

Inspiring girls and women to have a career in Technology

At 18 years old, I walked into my first Software Engineering lecture at university, and the reality hit me - I was one of only three women in a class of 100. This stark imbalance became a familiar pattern throughout my career, being the only woman in the room wasn't the exception but the norm. This experience became a source of inspiration for me to contribute to creating a more welcoming tech environment for everyone, including future generations of women. Somewhere along the way, what started as feeling intimidated became fuel for my determination. If I was going to be noticed anyway, I wanted to be noticed for change.

Discovering my true tech passion

I was competent at coding but discovered my true strengths lay elsewhere. During my first role at a bank, after weeks troubleshooting a stubborn bug, my manager asked me to explain our system to business users. That's when something clicked. I performed better when understanding how pieces fit together and communicating complex concepts clearly. My leadership journey began unexpectedly when I volunteered as interim team leader during my manager's extended leave. Rather than hiring externally, I suggested stepping up to ensure continuity.

Lisa Stevenson

This opportunity revealed my natural aptitude for leadership and set me on a new trajectory.

Embracing failure as progress

One pivotal experience shaped my leadership philosophy: my team spent three months developing what we thought was the perfect solution, only for users to reject it almost immediately. This failure taught me more than any success could have. We adopted an agile methodology with constant user feedback, creating a culture where changing direction wasn't considered failure but intelligence. "This didn't work, and here's what we learned," became something that we celebrated rather than concealed. Since then, I've helped launch mentorship programmes, spoken at local schools, meetups and conferences. I also engaged Poker Power to help women in the company to learn poker skills and have a seat at any table as part of the company’s mentorship programme.

A message to future females in tech

Technology's constant evolution means that everyone in the field is perpetually a student. This reality is one of tech's

To the young girl and woman wondering if she belongs in tech – you absolutely do. This field desperately needs your perspective, your problem-solving, your fresh eyes. The path may have rough patches and detours, but it's also endlessly challenging and fun. Find your voice, even if it shakes at first. Find your people, even if they're not in your department. And find your unique contribution – because tech isn't just one thing, it's a thousand different skills coming together to build tomorrow.

About Lisa Stevenson An experienced leader in software delivery, Lisa specialises in directing technology projects to maximise the outcome and impact of product delivery. Having successfully delivered software engineering projects of varying size and complexity in companies across the globe, Lisa has guided and advised teams to collaborate and deliver diverse innovative solutions by providing recommendations and coaching on technology best practices and Agile methods. At Apex Fintech Solutions UK (a PEAK6 company), Lisa contributes to a fintech powerhouse enabling seamless access, frictionless investing, and investor education for all. The company's mission is to democratise investing, making it available to everyone regardless of status or wealth.

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“We are committed to play role in the talent of the f L

ynsey O’Neill, Director of Operations and Executive Co-Sponsor of Women in Tech Employee Resource Group (ERG), Liberty IT, speaks to Sync NI about the importance of investing in STEM, the ever-changing world of tech, and why Liberty IT is committed to investing in the talent of the future.

Having graduated from Ulster University in Computing and Linguistics, what initially attracted you to Liberty IT, a company you have remained with for over 22 years? When I was a student, Liberty IT was really visible at the university careers fair and it was clear the company was very committed to giving interns a great employment experience. For me, it was important that I gained that hands-on experience with a company where I could fully try on the software engineering role and Liberty IT did exactly that. I spent an intern year with the company in 2001, getting real world experience within software engineering, which gave me a great foundation going into my final year. Even then, and very much still to this day, Liberty IT had a strong focus on technology and innovation. During my intern year, I spoke to a range of employees and everyone shared the learning and career opportunities they had been provided with. I was excited to see an organisation that was so invested in its people - and this is still the case today!

As Director of Operations focusing on strategic workforce management, how does Liberty IT support women to progress and successfully develop their careers within the organisation?

As Executive Co-Sponsor of our Women in Tech Employee Resource Group (ERG), I have the privilege of seeing some of the incredible initiatives in place, from mentoring circles and networking events to public speaking training and opportunities to test out presenting through lightning talks. Personally, throughout my own career, I was very appreciative of the support I had when I returned to work after both of my maternity breaks. My manager and colleagues really helped me to settle back in, which as a new mum is so important, as it can be really difficult when you are having to adapt to a new life. Liberty IT provides great support and in recent years

we have really leaned into this time for returners and offers fantastic initiatives as part of our Family Leave Toolkit – with a whole section of resources which help you prepare for coming back to work, such as coaching sessions and advice from others who have been on that same journey. Through our Women in Tech group, employees returning from maternity leave can also avail of a buddy who will help them catch up on what’s changed at Liberty IT, answer any questions they might have or just chat over a coffee.

How important are mentors and role models in helping women optimise their careers?

Mentors are very important to me and have definitely played a big part in my career as I have moved through various roles I Liberty IT. I’ve been really lucky to always have strong mentors willing to support me and sometimes that support has been solid reassurance and a gentle shove that I was ready to make the next jump in my career. For me a good mentor is not just someone who shares knowledge and experience but someone who is also a supportive ally, someone who advocates for you internally and someone who offers positive reinforcement and encouragement that you can do whatever you want to do!

There are many different skillsets required to work in tech beyond coding, what areas will you look to develop to satisfy the skills requirements of tomorrow?

Gen AI is obviously the big one and we are all on a continual learning journey as the technology is changing so fast. Whether it’s using AI to enhance coding or adding efficiency to everyday tasks like meeting notes, summarising documents or creating presentations, adapting our skills has to stay front of mind. Consulting skills are also growing as we move away from the basic coding and put more focus into the business problem space, as one example – and we’re also investing more in areas including product and data science. It’s a really exciting time and my answer today won’t be the same in six months’ time as who knows what is around the corner!

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ying a key future” Continual learning and development are essential requirements for many modern industries; what advice can you offer those from non-technical backgrounds or those who would like to consider a career change and work in tech? Go for it! There are many routes into tech careers and lots of the skills gained in other industries will be equally as valuable if changing your career into this industry. You might want to consider an apprenticeship or a conversion course, or look at the alternative routes into a tech company such as consulting and management.

Attracting younger girls into STEM subjects or igniting an interest in coding is essential for the future of the tech sector in NI, what initiatives have you in place to foster this? At Liberty IT, we invest heavily in STEM and are committed to playing a key role in the talent of the future.

The STEM Employee Resource Group actively promotes STEM careers to young people. As part of this, we offer a Hybrid Work Experience Programme which provides a unique insight into the world of Software Engineering, Product Thinking and Cyber Security. For students leaving secondary education, completing third level education, or retraining from a different industry or role, our TechStart Academy offers programmes designed specifically for entry-level employees. It blends technical, career and business education through training exposure and experiences throughout the 18-month programme in support of skill building and development. Last year, we made our biggest investment in STEM to date, with the launch of STEAM Studio in partnership with National Museums NI, an immersive tech experience to inspire and engage students aged 13-15 across Northern Ireland to develop skills. This exciting collaborative workspace at the Ulster Museum, is designed to connect coding and technology with the museum experience. As part of the free programme, which includes complimentary return transport for schools availing of the workshop, students in Years Eight to 10 are upskilled in coding that will enable them to design and create their own arcade game inspired by the museum’s applied art collection.

Lynsey O’Neill - Director of Operations & Executive Co-Sponsor of Women in Tech Employee Resource Group (ERG), Liberty IT

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By Kathryn McKenna

Emma Pollock, FinTrU CTO, on her organic introduction to software engineering, the importance of backing yourself, and why technology is a team sport

mma Pollock, Chief Technical Officer of FinTrU, one of NI’s largest fintech companies, has revealed she did not grow up always wanting to pursue a career in technology. Remembering herself as a young girl in Primary One, Emma recalls her ambitions of becoming a vet. Opening up on her career journey, Emma tells Sync NI: “I didn’t always want to work in technology. My career in IT happened very organically for lots of different reasons. I grew up wanting to become a vet, which changed to an accountant, a hairdresser, and everything in between. But when the time came to choose my subjects, I decided to pursue my passion for mathematics and physics.”

graduated,” Emma explains. “Making the decision to pursue two work experience opportunities was life-changing for me,” she recalls. During Emma’s year-long placement, she worked for a local startup as an electrical engineer. Joining a team building machines to run blood tests automatically, Emma was deeply enthused about the important work. She helped build the first prototypes, which became a successful business line. But this rewarding experience helped show Emma that her true passion did not lie in electrical engineering.

Emma’s interest in electricity led her to pursue a career as an electrical engineer. “This isn’t something most 16-year-olds have a vivid interest in,” laughs Emma.

The following summer, Emma participated in a foreign exchange programme in Japan for three months. This time, Emma was working in software engineering, and quickly found she was able to utilise a lot of the skills she had developed throughout her degree, leading her to begin considering a future in this field.

Citing her degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, Emma praises the teaching for covering an extensive range of topics and helping her establish an understanding of new concepts and how to apply them to solve problems. “Through this, I started to understand how many new and exciting opportunities were open to me after I

Upon returning to university, Emma’s future in software engineering was solidified when she inadvertently stumbled upon a presentation from a local startup company about internet television and felt immediately inspired. “They were using technology in amazing ways, which seemed futuristic at the time as it was in the early days of streaming services,”

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Emma explains. Emma successfully applied for a role with the company, which sparked the beginning of her 21-year long career journey. Emma emphasises how important mentors and networking have been during her career growth, acknowledging the positive impact others have had in encouraging her to pursue opportunities. "The people who have influenced my career the most probably don't even realise it," Emma reveals, elaborating that both informal role models and formal mentorship programmes have profoundly impacted her career. Acting as a mentor also had a profound impression on Emma, who points to an example from a few years ago when she participated in a mentorship scheme co-ordinated by Women in Business NI. Emma was asked to work with a “wonderful young woman” who was about to enter her final year at university when she was offered a full-time permanent role from the company she had spent her placement year with. With no alternative options to consider and her fellow students all receiving offers, Emma recalls: “I deeply admired her courage and ability to back herself when she declined this offer in order to pursue her dream role which she truly wanted. This was a courageous move and one which was

extremely inspirational to me in terms of reminding me how important it is to have courage and believe in yourself. “This young woman went on to successfully obtain her dream role and I have been delighted to watch her career go from strength-tostrength ever since.” With women representing just 23 per cent of the workforce, Emma reveals she didn’t always register the gender disparity but is now passionate about addressing the current imbalance. “It never occurred to me to think of it this way at the time,” Emma says when considering the deficit of women when studying and starting out in her career in tech. “Having grown up on a farm from a very young age, there were no set jobs ‘just for the girls’ or just for the boys.’ We simply all did everything.” In addition to her upbringing on a farm, Emma attended an all-girls’ school, where everything was shared rather than being ‘male’ or ‘female’ responsibilities. By the time Emma was leaving school at 18, she was steeped in an environment where men and women were not treated differently. Having now worked in the technology sector for over 21 years in increasingly senior leadership positions, Emma joined FinTrU as Chief Technology Officer over four years ago. “There have never been limitations on the expectations of me

to succeed because I am a woman – which I feel is a huge credit to both my family and teachers growing up who ensured I never felt this way.” Emma applauds positive changes in flexible working policies which have been particularly welcome for female employees. Seeing more female senior leaders in the tech sector has also helped to inspire others to join the industry. “For some people, if they cannot see a role model, they cannot envision a future with themselves in that role, so seeing more female senior leaders has been truly heartening.” Emma has helped advance progressive policies both at FinTrU and more broadly to attract and retain more females to her team. She is proud to report over 33 per cent of the technology team are female, with senior management level FinTrU holding 50/50 representation women and men. Emma highlights how vital diversity is in every aspect, not only in terms of gender. “Having a truly diverse team creates a diverse voice, leading to the best results,” she explains. At FinTrU, the company believes firmly in the importance of keeping both women and men engaged by staying in tune with their employees’ lives outside of work. One example is FinTrU’s fostering leave policy, which Emma played a

significant role in creating. She comments: “My partner and I are foster carers therefore this policy allows employees at FinTrU to take paid leave to support their duties as foster carers. “We identified a gap in parental leave policies and I have been immensely proud to not only roll this policy out, but to also role model how important it is to have a work-life balance and responsibilities outside of the workplace.” For women interested in a career in technology, Emma emphasises the importance of individual pathways and experiences. While some follow a linear path through STEM subjects and IT degrees, others find success after studying unrelated fields and working in different sectors. "Those experiences help set you apart and make you valuable to your team by bringing a fresh perspective," Emma explains. “You don't have to commit to a career in tech right away. Try it out - take a programming course, join an insights programme, or participate in a placement. These experiences will help you determine if tech is a good fit and if you enjoy it.” Emma concludes: “I hope you'll find that tech is a friendly, diverse, teamoriented environment. People often fear that working in tech means coding alone at home, but it's very much a team sport.”

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Emma Patton

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By Kathryn McKenna

Data Scientist Emma Patton on why life is too short not to find the right job for you

or Emma Patton, Data Scientist at Aflac Northern Ireland, life is too short to work in a career which you are not truly passionate about. Speaking exclusively to Sync NI recently, the First-Class Honours graduate in Mathematics from Queen’s University, Belfast, knows this first-hand. Having transitioned to a Developer role at Aflac NI during the Covid pandemic, where her mathematics-led background in problem-solving combined with her skills development at a nine-week skills academy allowed her to excel in her new position. In 2021, Emma embarked upon a Master’s Degree in Data Science from Queen’s University, Belfast which she passed with Distinction, all whilst working full-time at Aflac Northern Ireland in a new position as a Cloud Data Engineer. Balancing work as a Cloud Data Engineer and studying for a Master's degree in Data Science was challenging but rewarding, with support from Aflac NI who acknowledged Emma’s passion and commitment to her role with days

dedicated to studying as well as additional support. “My day job reinforced the academic theory I was learning, making the practical application easier whilst the support I received from Aflac NI, including study days and collaboration with my manager who was studying the same course, were invaluable,” Emma says. Balancing full-time work and studying also awarded Emma the opportunity to hone two important life skills, time management and self-discipline, which she has applied ever since and continues to bring to her role moving forward. The hard work paid off, with Emma progressing further to her current role as a full-time Data Scientist, which she describes as “highly rewarding” due to the collaborative nature of data science and the impact of data insights which help impact business decisions. Emphasising the importance of storytelling through data, Emma explains: “Being able to see the insights you've created

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and derived from data being used to make decision making is extremely rewarding, because it is having a positive impact on business outcomes. We're here to help bridge the gap between data and business.” Emma's journey through the nineweek Assured Skills Academy after university was transformative. The programme provided a comprehensive grasp of key tech concepts, from QA and testing to effective stakeholder presentations. Emma also delved into code development, UX design, databases, and much more, equipping her with a well-rounded skill set for the tech world. Emma reveals that once she grasped the concept of coding, she particularly enjoyed it because of her enduring passion for mathematics which had first flourished in primary school. “Mathematics was always one of the subjects that I really enjoyed, so going from it to coding for me felt like a very natural progression. I have always gravitated towards mathematical problem solving. I relish working through code and enjoy when I get a natural solution, but it is still something I have to work on every day and practice.” Indeed, Emma is keen to reassure anyone participating in a skills academy or conversion course who may be finding the leap into tech challenging, explaining this is only natural when you are learning something completely new. “If it doesn’t come naturally, don’t be discouraged - this is not something you are taught in school and are starting afresh. Remember, learning is meant to be challenging and hard work is going to lead to you achieving your goals.” Asking questions is key to helping you on your learning journey Emma encourages, as well as seeking out supportive mentors and practicing methods and coding using free online resources.

Emma explains: “Because I didn't grow up with a great understanding of what the tech world was, I didn't know anybody who worked in the sector, so it was all quite foreign to me. The Skills Academy and later my Master’s degree therefore gave me a solid foundation in understanding what software development is as I transition into more data focused roles.”

of technical advances, combined with the ethics involved in reducing bias and making outcomes fairer for everybody, are key motivators for Emma. “Constant learning and evolution in the data science field keeps my job really interesting. Simultaneously, the role of ethics in data science and AI, advocating for transparency and responsible use of technology is vital,” she observes.

Utilising the power of data to make peoples’ lives easier is a key highlight for Emma, achieved through the automation of certain processes. This frees up employees’ time to be able to focus on other important responsibilities, such as speaking with clients. Emma explains: “New tools and fresh concepts are appearing all the time.

Emma is also keen to emphasise how outdated the stereotypes are of people working in the tech sector. Urging people not to let this deter them, Emma says: “People are more approachable than you think. Seek mentors by reaching out via LinkedIn. You will be pleasantly surprised at how ready people will be to meet you and offer first-hand advice and support.

“At Alac NI we work a lot with the people entwined with the business and it is great to be able to collaborate and communicate with everyone and drive our knowledge forward.

“The tech world in general is a very understanding and welcoming place – it is extremely accommodating and ready to make your job work for you in terms of work life balance and flexibility, so never be afraid to ask those questions. Tech roles are needed everywhere – so if you have a passion for gaming, fashion or travel then there are a lot of opportunities for you.

“Making changes to other people's lives and making them easier is how you quantify the positive impact of data and automation. For example, when we free up our Aflac agents’ time through automation, we are subsequently able to make their processes day-to-day smoother. If an Aflac customer service representative is on the phone to a customer, they will have a lot of manual tasks to complete which we can replace. This means they are able to focus more on the customer, who might be going through a really difficult time and in need of patience and a listening ear. We are able to achieve this through the solutions that we provide, which I feel is really important.” The world of data science is constantly evolving, making it an ideal role for anyone wishing to embark upon a continuous learning journey who leads with a curious mind. Keeping up-to-date with the rapid pace

“Overall, ‘techie people’ are not like how they are represented in the movies and women should not believe these antiquated stereotypes. People are extremely friendly and approachable and it is an incredibly diverse sector to work in. There is no one ‘type’ – as in all walks of life some of us are sporty, some of us are extroverts and some of us are introverts - we are all extremely different!” Finally, Emma makes a renewed appeal to women unhappy in their current roles to take a leap of faith. “Spend time finding the right career for you,” she says. “Working in something you truly love will make you happy, therefore it is important to take all the necessary steps to find the right career path for you.”

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(L-R) Carole Callender and Suzanne Ledgerwood

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By Kathryn McKenna

“Male or female, people are at ESO for a bigger reason, it is not just to pick up a wage”

ync NI sat down recently with Suzanne Ledgerwood, Associate People Experience Generalist, ESO Belfast Site Lead and Carole Callender, Senior People Experience Manager of ESO, to hear first-hand why people show up differently at the global tech-for-good company and how they ensure gender equality is an intrinsic value.

ESO has more than 700 employees located in offices in Fountain Street, Belfast city centre, as well as the United States, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, and multiple remote locations. With headquarters situated in Austin, Texas, the ESO mission is to improve community health and safety through the power of data. Having just two members of staff when it arrived to Belfast in October 2019 including Carole, the company has since created over 150 local jobs, reinforcing its commitment to the city and emergency response and healthcare outcomes across the globe.

The Belfast office marked its fifth anniversary in October whilst ushering in a new era of leadership with Russell Beggs transitioning to focus on his role as Senior Vice President of Engineering and Suzanne Ledgerwood and John Fitzsimons stepping in as Co-Site Leads, guiding the Belfast office through the next chapter of growth. With females currently representing just 23 per cent of the technology sector working in Northern Ireland, we explore how vital male support is in the drive for gender equality in order to keep turning the dial in the right direction. “We need male allies as women cannot achieve gender equality on our own,” explains Suzanne, adding that a standout moment took place recently when she was participating in an International Women’s Day panel where many male ESO colleagues attended in support. For Suzanne this was reflective of how they feel every day. “We were the biggest show of male support and I think that speaks a lot for the men at ESO Belfast. We know our male allies have our back and would call out unconscious gender bias if they saw it.”

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In keeping with the inclusive nature of ESO, both Suzanne and Carole emphasise that any behaviour which goes against their company ethos would simply not be tolerated. The inclusive culture is deeply rooted in ESO’s core values and is embedded within all vital processes such as the recruitment process, quarterly reviews and HR policies. “The company mission and the values are well known at ESO as they are talked about in absolutely everything that we do. Everything we design is rooted in our core values therefore it is vital that our values inform our recruitment process as it is how we measure people and advance people through their careers,” Carole explains. With revealing statistics showing that more women than men are forced out of work, sometimes completely, due to parenting and caring responsibilities, Carole is keen to emphasise that whilst returning to work after a period of leave can feel intimidating, women should never underestimate the power of experience. “Returning to work can feel quite daunting and we completely empathise with this. You might be full of selfdoubt but it is important to remember that all of the experience you gained before you went off does not leave you,” Carole emphasises. “Support from the company you work for is also vital because this is a two-way relationship.” The team at ESO ensure that rather than adding additional barriers to female returners, they strive to achieve work life balance. “At ESO, we hire people because we need good people to do good things. It is important for us to ensure we are doing what they need as well. For some people, this might be a phased return to work, or it could mean flexible working arrangements such as condensed or reduced hours. We embrace such requests, coming at it from the angle of asking, how can we

make this work best for the individuals of our company,” Carole explains. Reflecting upon her own first-hand experience of returning from maternity leave last year, Suzanne reveals the measures ESO has in place to help support a return to work was a “huge weight” off her shoulders. “Knowing I had the flexibility to change my working pattern and reduce my hours to suit my childcare needs, and being completely supported in doing so, made such a huge difference to how I felt returning to work. It was invaluable,” she comments. Keen to highlight the skills people gain during this time, Suzanne observes: “Life has seasons for lots of people and taking time out should not be viewed as a setback. I believe you come back a lot stronger and have more confidence from your new experiences plus increased time management skills and efficiency. I am more mindful of my time now because I have a shorter day and a shorter week so I am extremely conscious of what I get done. This impacts my life outside of work as I want to be able to fully switch off and enjoy the day that I have with my son. It all boils down to having that allimportant support from the company.” In terms of equal opportunities the team at ESO are deeply committed to ensuring their hiring practices are completely inclusive. Once employees have entered the company, equal opportunities for learning, development and career progression continue. Carole explains: “I feel this is something we as a team at ESO do particularly well, for example we have a Leadership Development programme which is based solely on our team members, both female and male, who possess leadership qualities and how we can help develop them.” Carole and Suzanne emphasize that achieving impactful and lasting

change for women in tech starts with reaching out to schools. They believe that encouraging primary school-aged children to develop an interest in STEM subjects is crucial. “There are many careers fairs for university students but we need to target primary school aged children. We need to spark interest in young pupils and not allow the false stereotype of technology being ‘just for boys’ to take shape,” Carole emphasises. “We also need to continue educating teachers and parents around the vast opportunities and potential within a career in technology and the different pathways into it.” For this reason, ESO conducts community outreach work where young girls have the opportunity to meet and engage with their female workforce working in senior leadership positions. For Suzanne and Carole it is also important to convey the message that additional career opportunities in tech exist on top of technical roles. “Carole and I are prime examples of nontechnical members of an organisation, and there are many more examples of this from accountancy to marketing and communications,” Suzanne outlines. “Throughout my career journey, ESO is the place where I have found role models and leaders who have been inspiring for me. “Working at ESO has been my first experience of working at a company with a personal touch. Work life balance is championed here and you truly matter as an individual. Whether male or female, people are here for a bigger reason, for the greater good, and because of this people show up differently.” Carole concludes: “It is important that we build a culture where young girls feel included and invited to be a part of the tech world in a variety of ways.”

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(L-R) Lyndsay Shields & Caroline van der Feltz

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By Kathryn McKenna

“Women must not allow incorrect perceptions about working in tech to stand in their way”

yndsay Shields, Head of Data and Analytics and Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director, at Danske Bank UK discuss the important strides the organisation is making when it comes to improving the gender balance within the tech sector.

Sitting down with Sync NI recently, the pair discussed topics including ‘squiggly’ career pathways; why educating young people, teachers and their parents is vital when it comes to understanding the variety of diverse roles available within tech; and why it’s never too late to make a career change. Kicking off by highlighting the positive progress within Danske Bank’s own Technology and Digital department, Caroline states the organisation is making waves, not only in terms of ambition and appetite, but also in paving the way for Northern Ireland. Danske Bank introduced its Technology and Digital Development department four years ago. Since then, it has grown to a thriving team of over 140 staff members. Impressively, 40 per cent of the team are women, a significant achievement compared to the current average of just 23 per cent female at industry level. The team has a focus on bringing

in new, specialist tech roles to complement embedded skills and those who have ‘squiggled’ in from non-tech roles. “This figure demonstrates our commitment to progress,” Caroline explains. “We encourage more women to join the tech sector by establishing strong, positive female role models. Furthermore, we have created entry-level roles and are focusing on emerging female talent. It was great to see this reflected at the recent Women in Tech awards where three outstanding colleagues were shortlisted, with Laurie Montgomery winning the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Category.” Lyndsay’s own career is the perfect example of someone with a ‘squiggly’ career path, having initially joined Danske Bank as a Customer Advisor in one of its branches before progressing through a wide range of roles with increasing seniority. Today, as Head of Data and Analytics, Lyndsay advocates for setting aside misconceptions about what it is like to work in the technology sector. As an English Literature graduate who now works closely with technical teams in Belfast, Denmark, Lithuania and India, Lyndsay emphasises how many roles exist which fit individuals’ own strengths and skills.

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She says: “Throughout my career I have made many sideways moves and promotions, and with every squiggle you gain more breadth and practical experience. There is often a perception that working in technology is all about coding and that you have to be extremely technical - but this is not the case.” This is evidenced throughout Danske Bank which has a broad spectrum of roles, from the very technical roles of Engineering and Architecture, through to more business focused roles such as business analysts, product owners, risk managers and more. “There really is something for everyone,” Lyndsay emphasises. “Don’t allow perceptions to block your way. Find out more about the types of roles that are available, reflect on your own strengths and the transferable skills that you have. If you possess core skills such as problem solving and solution design, then it is highly likely there is an ideal role in tech for you.” With a thriving tech community in Northern Ireland, networking is an ideal way to reach out to mentors, build a list of trusted sector contacts and demystify myths around tech roles. “In Northern Ireland we have got a great community in the tech sector and are home to outstanding conferences and local events. My advice would be to attend events and engage with industry insiders about the different opportunities and what each role involves,” Lyndsay says. One effective method of attempting to improve the gender balance within Northern Ireland has been reaching out to schools and making more young girls aware of the types of roles that are available in technology. This is vital not only in making more female pupils aware of the diverse range of opportunities on offer, but also in helping teachers and parents to understand the career opportunities in

order that they can best advise our next generation. “Getting out into schools to allow the children to engage with inspiring female leaders in tech is vital,” Lyndsay reveals. “This is important because one of the challenges can be that the type of professions often suggested to children are very visible ones, in that they tend to be professions who ‘help’ us. Teachers tell children about being a doctor or lawyer as it is very easy to convey what their job is, whereas in tech there is still some way to go in explaining what a ‘data scientist’ is, for example. “I believe it is important we improve this by equipping teachers with the right information at key points in school children’s journeys -particularly when they are making decisions around their careers.” To help inspire and educate younger generations, Danske Bank also supports the SistersIN leadership development programme and CyberFirst’s Empower Girls initiative. In a business advisory seat on the DfE Northern Ireland Skills Council, Caroline is part of the group working to ensure that the future skills needed to optimise opportunities arising from the Government’s economic vision over the next decade are included in educational curricula. “Technology is ingrained within everybody's everyday lives now and should not be viewed as being out of reach for anyone, regardless of their age, Caroline adds. “The reskilling opportunities tech offers are for everyone - we have many female trailblazers here from those at the beginning of their careers to grandmothers participating in Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes in Software Engineering.” For those wishing to pivot their

careers into the tech sector, there are programmes and initiatives available to help. Danske Bank's Gender Diversity Network includes a dedicated Women in Tech workstream. Led by Lyndsay, this group focuses on sharing the success stories of team members who have transitioned from other roles into technology. Their aim is to inspire others and highlight the importance of transferable skills. “There are a lot of initiatives and training programmes available, particularly running through the Department of the Economy such as Scale Up and Step Up which focuses on getting people into the workforce with the right skills. Women in Business and Women in Tech NI are great for support and networking advice from others who have personal experience of making the career shift into tech,” Caroline outlines. In addition to pursuing additional qualifications, Caroline points to the training and upskilling opportunities available at Danske Bank which also includes confidence building and presentation skills. “My best advice is to start the journey, explore learning opportunities, and focus on your invaluable transferable skills. Technical skills need to be alongside human skills such as coaching, creativity and innovation, so think in broad terms about the skills you have to offer.” Finally, Caroline encourages continuous learning and taking up opportunities to stay relevant in the fast-paced and ever-evolving tech industry. “If stepping into a career in tech you must be eager and willing to participate in lifelong learning. This is critically important as you need to constantly think about how you keep yourself relevant and continue your learning journey.”

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SistersIN: Empowering future female leaders across Northern Ireland

istersIN is a leadership programme dedicated to empowering and equipping Year 13 and 14 girls across Northern Ireland with the confidence, skills, and connections to thrive in their future careers.

Launched in 2022 with just 10 schools, the programme has experienced rapid growth — now working with over 50 schools and connecting nearly 700 girls in the 24-25 programme year with more than 600 professional female mentors from across the business and public sectors. At the heart of SistersIN is the power of mentoring. Each participating girl is matched with an inspiring female leader, providing a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and explore future career pathways. For many pupils, it’s their first direct experience of a professional environment — one that helps to build confidence, leadership ability, and ambition.

“I really feel that my confidence has massively improved and I can wholeheartedly say that I’m leaving the programme much better equipped for university, the world of work and life beyond that how I entered it.” Pupil, New-Bridge Integrated College

A key priority for SistersIN is introducing girls to industries where women continue to be underrepresented — particularly within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through mentoring, workplace visits, and project-based learning, the programme creates knowledge pathways and sparks curiosity around future-focused careers. Giving girls

from the process as the pupils do. It’s an opportunity to reflect on their own leadership journey, support the next generation, and contribute meaningfully to their organisation’s culture and community impact.

access to relatable role models in these sectors is crucial in helping them visualise their place in industries they might not have previously considered. Encouraging more young women to explore STEM careers isn’t just about addressing inequality — it’s about preparing for the future. Diverse teams perform better, innovate faster, and create solutions that are more representative of society. By helping girls see their potential and understand the real-world applications of their strengths and interests, SistersIN is opening doors to new possibilities.

“Being part of the SistersIN programme was an empowering experience that deepened my commitment to mentoring and inspired me to keep opening doors for the next generation of women in tech. It reminded me just how powerful connection, support, and visibility can be. I wish I had been offered a similar experience in my school days.” Mentor, 24-25 Programme.

The value of mentoring is also deeply felt by the mentors themselves. Many describe the experience as energising and fulfilling, often gaining just as much

This year, the programme received a significant endorsement from the highest levels of government. Both the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland announced their intention to become SistersIN mentors, recognising the programme’s powerful role in shaping the future of leadership across the region. Their support sends a strong message: empowering young women is a priority, and mentorship is a key driver of change. Businesses also benefit from getting involved. Supporting SistersIN allows organisations to demonstrate social value, develop internal talent through mentorship, and directly contribute to a more diverse and inclusive future workforce. The programme is already supported by a range of industry partners across sectors — from banking and retail to construction, tech, healthcare and professional services. As SistersIN prepares to launch the 2025/26 programme year, the call for support is clear. To continue expanding its reach and impact, the programme needs new partners, sponsors, and mentors to join the journey. Whether you’re a business leader ready to sponsor, a company with brilliant women eager to give back, or an organisation passionate about gender equality and future skills — there’s a place for you in SistersIN. Help shape the next generation of female leaders. Join us at SistersIN. Contact Gillian at gmckeown@sisters-in.org.

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Skills + technology = the perfect combination for success

n Northern Ireland, we have so much potential with one formidable challenge – the skills gap.

robust network of support for aspirational young people. As the phrase goes, ‘You cannot be what you cannot see’.

As industries evolve and progress, the demand for new skills raises the question of how Northern Ireland can nurture the talent necessary to thrive in growth areas such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. It is paramount that we bridge this skills gap and create new pathways for the emerging workforce, especially young girls, who hold the key to diversifying and strengthening our future. PwC research has shown that only 3 per cent of young women aspire to a career in technology as their first choice, while 22 per cent of young women also could not name someone female working in technology.

Additionally, we must prioritise hands-on industry experience to cement the bridges between the classroom and the workplace. Introducing industry-led projects, innovation labs and placements offers students practical experience. These opportunities give young people a taste of real-world practices, the challenges they may face, and the innovative dynamics they will navigate in their careers.

To address this, we need to build stronger links between education providers and businesses to ensure that curricula not only reflects current industry needs but also predict future growth sectors. Take the creative industries, for instance. It was amazing to see the recent BAFTA win for Belfast born and filmed, Blue Lights. With hundreds of crews and technology enabled team behind the scenes, we want to keep

Cat McCusker - Northern Ireland Market Leader, Partner PwC UK

these industries fulfilled with the most talented people with the skills for success. By integrating industry insights into the educational narrative, schools can prepare students with relevant expertise and align academic experiences with the demands of local employers. This alignment will help students envision their careers not as faroff possibilities but as achievable realities. Outreach and mentorship programs are equally crucial. A significant barrier for young girls entering STEM fields is the lack of visible role models and guidance. Initiatives like SistersIN and PwC's Her Tech Talent are steps in the right direction. These mentorship programs give young girls the opportunity to interact

with female leaders across professions, who offer not just encouragement but tangible examples of success. By sharing their journeys, these women illustrate the pathways young girls can take, empowering them with the confidence to pursue their ambitions, especially in lesser travelled or emerging careers like AI, data, analytics, and software engineering. Witnessing the transformative effect of mentorship firsthand has been inspiring. I was proud to be a SistersIN mentor myself this year – and I got as much out of it as my young mentee did. It is essential to broaden these initiatives, making mentorship and leadership programs accessible across Northern Ireland, creating a

Together, industry leaders, educators and mentors must build these bridges to support future generations. I believe in the power of community-wide efforts to overcome them. It begins with recognising the skills gap not as an insurmountable barrier but as an opportunity to innovate our educational practices and industry connections. Northern Ireland cannot only address the existing skills gap but also position itself as a role model for other regions facing similar challenges. The journey may be demanding, but the rewards - a robust, inclusive economy - are within our grasp, ready to be claimed by those willing to innovate and inspire.

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Q&A with Kathryn Harkin, Executive Director, Head of AI, FinTrU and Chair, AI Collaboration Centre

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With a degree in Physics and Geology, a Masters in Petroleum Geology and a PhD in Geophysics and Seismology, and currently head of AI at FinTrU, a leading FinTech company via senior roles within the defence and insurance industries, to what extent would you say your career journey exemplifies or challenges the notion that careers within the tech sector are typically planned and linear?

My career journey into technology has been far from linear. With a strong interest in science from an early age, I pursued a BSc in Physics with Geology at Queens University, Belfast, followed by an MSc and a PhD in Geophysics at University College Dublin. During my PhD, I developed programming skills in MATLAB and Fortran, which sparked my interest in software engineering. Facing limited opportunities for Geophysicists in Derry after I made the decision to move home, I transitioned into tech, starting with a SW Engineering role which involved working in really interesting projects including an Air Traffic Control system. Over the next 25 years, I broadened my skillset through various roles in Systems Engineering, Programme and Product Management, and eventually Data and Artificial Intelligence. Currently, I am the Head of Data & AI at FinTrU and serve as the Industry Chair for the Advisory Board of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC). I thrive on being at the forefront of technology and continuously learning new things, which helps keep work life interesting.

Given not all career paths are planned, can you identify any pivotal moments or people that led you towards your current role? On reflection, my career progression has been driven by passions and interests rather than a clear plan. Eight years ago, I took a leap into AI from project management, inspired by my Geophysics PhD work involving data-driven approaches and deep learning techniques. A pivotal moment was when my supportive boss at the time, John Healy, trusted me to lead an AI team at Allstate Northern Ireland, building capability from the ground up. This opportunity was crucial as AI skills became highly sought after. When the role at FinTrU arose, I was drawn by its reputation and inspired by founder Darragh McCarthy's leadership. FinTrU’s CTO, Emma Pollock, took time to meet with me and emphasize the need for a Head of Data and AI prior to me applying. She presented the roles’ opportunities and challenges and outlined the interesting problems they were looking to solve, which solidified my decision to join.

As industry chair of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) what are the major opportunities and key challenges that AI presents for the economy in NI? As the Industry Chair of AICC, I see both exciting opportunities

and significant challenges for AI in NI's economy. We know that AI can drive productivity and innovation across sectors, which in turn leads to economic growth and high-quality job creation. Under David Crozier’s leadership, AICC is doing a fantastic job promoting AI adoption among SMEs, enhancing their competitiveness and efficiency. However, challenges include ensuring our workforce has the necessary AI skills, developing robust AI infrastructure, and promoting ethical AI use, all of which are needed to bring products to market promptly. Addressing these challenges is crucial for NI to lead in AI innovation. Continuing to partner across government, academia, and industry, will allow us to harness AI's potential to transform our economy and compete globally.

If AI is the key driver for technological innovation, what key skills will be required to maximise the potential of this technology?

Leveraging AI for innovation requires more than data science skills. Strength in communication, product management, domain expertise, and data literacy remain vital. Furthermore, understanding and articulating business challenges, thinking creatively, and considering ethical implications are crucial for developing innovative and responsible AI solutions. More recently, the emergence of Agentic AI and the implementation of GenAI solutions have the potential to empower both programmers and non-programmers to participate meaningfully in the field of AI.

Is it possible to have a successful career in AI from a non-technical background?

Yes, it is possible as long as you have the passion, willingness, and learning agility. Consider choosing computing or future of work modules if offered as part of your degree to keep your options open. The best product teams are made up of diverse members, each bringing unique perspectives and approaching problems from different angles, making significant contributions to AI. Additionally, conversion courses, some funded by AICC, can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to transition into AI roles.

Why should young women consider a career in tech?

Young women should consider a career in tech because it offers opportunities for innovation, creativity, and impactful work, e.g. AI for good initiatives. The tech industry values diverse thinking, leading to more inclusive teams and solutions. Additionally, tech careers often provide flexible working and remote options, offering a work-life balance not always found in other fields. In my opinion, embracing a career in tech allows young women to break barriers, inspire others, and contribute to a rapidly evolving and meaningful industry.

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(L-R) Victoria Logan and Sara Lyons

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By Kathryn McKenna

Empower Girls event returns to Belfast for second year, inspiring 600 young women to remember "tech is for everyone – not just for boys"

he ICC Belfast hosted 600 Year Eight girls from 22 schools across Northern Ireland for a historymaking Empower Girls event recently, designed to spark early interest in cyber security and tech careers.

Hosted by CyberFirst in partnership with Aflac Northern Ireland and over 50 leading organisations—including industry giants, academic institutions, charities, and government bodies—the event offered students a day packed with handson learning. They enjoyed practical demonstrations, inspiring talks, and immersive, interactive activities. The event aimed to boost representation of women in Northern Ireland’s tech industry, where women currently make up just 23 per cent of the workforce - despite the sector offering some of the region’s fastest-growing career paths. The event is part of the CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme, delivered by the Belfast Metropolitan College and led by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre. The event was attended by the Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.

The event was sponsored by a range of leading organisations including Aflac Northern Ireland, ESO, Amazon Web Services, BBC NI, Bring It On, Check Point, Fortinet, Instil, Kainos, NI Cyber Security, ICC Belfast and Queen’s University, Belfast. With statistics recently revealing how much impact seeing inspirational female leaders can have on young girls, the event aims to inspire young girls to consider choosing STEM subjects and consider tech as a career pathway. Having such a diverse range of companies and speakers also helped to convey the message to the young girls present about the diverse range of roles available in tech and the different sets of skills which will be relevant for each job role. This year’s event, which was just the second of its kind in Northern Ireland after a successful launch last April, was once again co-ordinated by Sara Lyons, CyberFirst NI Project Manager and Victoria Logan, Cyber Security Communications Delivery Lead. Describing the day as “crucial” for sparking young girls' interest in technology and cybersecurity, especially at the grassroots level, Victoria tells Sync NI: "These young girls in

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Year Eight - their first year of secondary school - are at a crucial stage where connecting and engaging with them at a grassroots level is vital. “They have the opportunity to interact with companies like Danske Bank, ASOS, Amazon, and other global household names that they likely shop at and use regularly. Seeing these global companies right on their doorstep helps them to realise they can pursue careers in technology or cybersecurity right here in Northern Ireland. This experience gives them something powerful to think about at such a young age. As they progress through the talent pipeline, we hope this event will stick with them and remind them that this sector is for them, not just for boys." The EmPower Girls event also comes at a pivotal moment in the CyberFirst pipeline, coming one year before the young pupils can participate in the Girls’ competition and the following year participate in the Pathways event. Sara echoes Victoria’s sentiments, adding: “It is vital to connect with these young girls as young as Year Eight to help them to understand the diversity of careers that there are in the industry, and open their eyes to the opportunities that are available. “I know from past experience that these special events will stick with these young girls, and help shape their aspirations for the future.” Sara adds: “There are lots of female role models here today that these girls can look up to and aspire to be one day. We want these young girls to stand on our shoulders and we are here to help them, elevate them, and empower them to do more and go further.” A particular focus of the day was the message that there are many nontechnical opportunities within the sector, and that creative people, those who can communicate well and people

who enjoy problem solving fit within a variety of roles within the expansive sector. Sara adds: “Diverse teams make greater teams and produce better results which is why diversity is so important. We hope young girls will feel inspired from this event and more girls will choose tech as a pathway and ultimately become ambassadors for future generations.” Speaking at the event, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, highlighted the importance of encouraging more young women to pursue careers in cyber security and technology. “The energy and enthusiasm in the breakout zones was palpable and this event is a reminder of why the CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme is so important,” she said. “It enthuses, encourages and enables young people to develop and explore their passion for technology. The young women attending today’s event will be better informed when it comes to subject choices and the career opportunities available to them.” The event was widely praised by students, educators and tech leaders alike, highlighting the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive future for Northern Ireland’s tech workforce. Mark McCormack, Managing Director at Aflac Northern Ireland, key sponsors of the event, added: “We were excited to join with the wider Northern Ireland tech community to present the many career opportunities within the sector to the next generation of talent. We know first-hand the value that a diverse workforce can offer, we’re committed to building a tech sector where everyone belongs. “Events like this offer a powerful platform to showcase the importance of tech and cyber security in our digitally connected world as well as the huge

variety of career opportunities that will exist when these girls leave school.” Aflac also supported the event with 60 volunteers from the Northern Ireland office as part of their company CSR day. To measure the event’s impact, students completed surveys at the start and end of the day. Initially, only 40 per cent had considered a career in tech or cybersecurity. By the end, that number had jumped to 72 per cent - a powerful reminder of how just one day of inspiration can shift perceptions and ignite ambition. Rachel Armstrong, Head of ICT at Strathearn School, said: “Empower Girls was one of the most engaging and inspiring events we’ve ever attended. The energy in the room, the handson activities, and the chance to meet women working in real tech roles made a huge impression on our students. It’s opened their eyes to careers they hadn’t considered before – and as a teacher, that’s exactly what you hope for.” Following this year’s hugely successful event and with ever-increasing demand from local schools, both Sara and Victoria are optimistic the event will return once again, but rely on industry support. Sara appeals for anyone interested in supporting CyberFirst to get in touch. She says: “Events like this are not possible without the industry support, particularly with Victoria leading the event from Aflac NI as well as their many volunteers. “CyberFirst would encourage local tech companies who would like to support any of our events to please get in touch.” Whether you're an educator, company, or industry professional - there are exciting ways to be part of the CyberFirst movement. Contact: cyberfirst@ belfastmet.ac.uk to find out more.

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Michaela Black

Michaela Black, Principal Investigator for the AI Collaboration Centre, urges young girls to ‘aim high’ with a career in ICT

ichaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems at Ulster University and Principal Investigator for the AI Collaboration Centre, speaks with Sync NI about tackling misconceptions about what it is like to work in ICT, her top advice for young girls wishing to enter the sector, and more. Have you always had an interest in science and technology and what were the key influences that led you into this career path?

I was always the inquisitive person who asked “Why?” about all the theories and formulas in Physics and Maths at school. My drive to understand theory and my love of problem solving were evident from a very young age. My Dad had the great opportunity to work on the first computer used in manufacturing at a carpet company in Donaghadee (NI) in the 1960s. My brother also began working in computing with Lloyd’s bank. This partially influenced my direction towards IT. I studied Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A-level and then chose a combination of subjects (Mechanical Maths, Psychology, Business Studies and Computing) at

University. I then transferred to the full Computing Science degree and have never looked back. After my degree, I worked in industry for a while and then returned to study through a PhD opportunity with BT Ipswich. I then joined Ulster University as an academic and 25 years later, I’m still loving my work, networking and learning every day!

There has traditionally been a reluctance for girls to adopt ICT at GCSE level, why do you think this persists and what steps do you think could help change this?

I believe people do not fully understand the true impact that ICT and Computing can have on citizens, society and the environment. I have been involved in, and led, projects that use ICT and Computing to improve healthcare services and inform new policies for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, dementia, lung cancer and depression. I have used ICT to enhance and gamify learning for better personalised outcomes, detect changing behaviours in end-users of technology and update AI models accordingly so they continue to work in changing environments. Showcasing these high impact opportunities more, through practical case studies

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that can be used in teaching and assessment of ICT-related topics, at a much earlier stage, and particularly before subject choices are made, would help raise the profile of ICT. We also need to challenge the perception that ICT is just about sitting in a room coding. In reality, we are highly end-user focused – we need to engage with a wide range of users to understand the root of a problem or opportunity before we can design the best ICT solution. You will rarely work alone. You will be part of a team, maybe even leading that team! We need people who can multi-task, take problems apart and put them back together as bespoke, effective, impactful solutions. We also need smarter and more effective ways of showcasing this. The women who lead and deliver this important work are already doing highimpact jobs, managing families and trying to find time for hobbies and down time. There’s a challenge for AI!

What personal observations have you made over the past 25 years when it comes to women applying for third level education in computing and engineering?

I have seen first-hand that many girls apply to undergraduate courses in fields such as Education, Law, Psychology and Medicine, as they perceive these to be more impactful than careers in ICT. However, we often see many women returning to university later through our ICT conversion courses, having struggled to secure fulfilling employment in their original field and becoming more aware of the real-world impact ICT can have later in life. How many of our families have been or currently are affected by asthma, mental health issues, or dementia? These are all areas where ICT can and will deliver high-impact solutions. We need women to help lead and design focused, bespoke and personalised solutions that deliver longer term

benefits to both citizens and health careproviders. Likewise, personalised and gamified learning through ICT solutions can make education at all levels, a better and more inclusive experience for all. We need women to be at the forefront of leading and designing these innovations.

As a female Professor of Artificial Intelligence how important is attracting more women to the sector?

It is vital that we attract people of all ethnicities and genders to help develop safe and responsible AI. AI must remain inclusive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all citizens, society and the environment. Women are underrepresented in ICT, and even more so in AI as a specialist sector. I work with a wide range of colleagues and initiatives across NI, RoI, the UK and Europe striving to create opportunities for women to engage with ICT at all levels, from primary and post-primary education, to prospective students, career guidance professionals, industry collaborators, researchers, academics and government agencies. Mentorship plays a vital role in this, and I’ve been privileged to support and mentor many women as they navigate their journey into ICT and AI. We need a joined-up approach in NI, which allows us to network, share and learn from other countries that have had great success in attracting more women into this highly rewarding and impactful sector.

AI has the potential to impact lives in many ways, what areas do you think AI will make the greatest positive impact and how do projects like the AI Collaboration Centre support this revolution? I strongly believe that education

and healthcare are two of the most pressing areas where AI can make a major positive impact. If we can use safe and responsible AI to enable personalised education and healthcare services that provide equality of access, and inclusion for all, then we will achieve a lot in ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing for people of all ages. AICC supports this by enabling the growth of: • AI skills in a wide variety of ways including online learning, technologyenabling workshops, Assured Skills programmes, and postgraduate awards, • The adoption of safe and responsible AI by NI SMEs across a wide range of sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, environment, and technology, helping them to build and grow AI capabilities, • The development of NI’s AI Strategy for ensuring Safe and Responsible AI; Enhancing outcomes for NI citizens, society and environment.

What would be the best advice you could give to a young girl who would like to have a career in tech but is unsure how to proceed?

Seek out work experience in both the technical and research aspects of ICT – get a feel for both to understand the true impact and potential of the work. I was once told by a great friend “Aim high – reach out to true ambassadors in the field and they will guide you”. Think about the impact you want to deliver, and who can help you get there. Get involved in community or industry groups that offer access to ICT and skills development – such as hackathons, public talks, and skills development workshops. Bring your brilliant user engagement, problem solving and multi-tasking skills to the table. Let’s solve real world problems together, for everyone.

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Gillian Adams

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By Kathryn McKenna

Turning the dial: How Agio Belfast is promoting inclusive hiring and equal pay to empower women in tech and provide opportunities for all

hilst women currently represent just 23 per cent of the tech sector workforce in Northern Ireland, Gillian Adams is both determined and optimistic that this number will continue to rise with proactive steps in place. Having joined Agio Belfast, now part of Netrio,four years ago initially as a Platform Architect - Gillian is now the Director of Help Desk and Service Management in a role which includes recruiting new talented staff members. Gillian is passionate about ensuring the “right candidate is hired for the right role,” regardless of gender, and advocates strongly for measures such as equal pay. “Promoting equal opportunities for promotion and pay ensures that all employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions, which is crucial for retention and career growth,” Gillian tells Sync NI recently when we sit down together in Agio’s Belfast city centre office in Glandore’s state-of-the-art Arthur House. Expanding on how companies and leaders can take proactive steps to increase the percentage of women in tech whilst ensuring inclusivity for all, Gillian explains that implementing inclusive hiring practices which actively seek out diverse candidates can make a significant difference, this includes

using gender-neutral language in job recruitment postings and ensuring diverse interview panels. Not only are these steps important, it is vital that inclusivity continues after the initial hiring stage, with Gillian highlighting supporting factors such as mentorship programmes in particular. Designed to provide guidance and support to all employees, mentorship schemes have been statistically proven to have a successful impact on women progressing into senior leadership roles and supporting women's career growth and development. "Inspiring role models play a crucial role in increasing the percentage of women in tech, benefiting both young girls and women already established in their careers. Seeing someone who has overcome similar challenges can be incredibly motivating and reassuring, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can lead to success,” explains Gillian. “They demonstrate that success is achievable and provide tangible examples to aspire to. Role models who communicate fearlessly and speak up empower others to do the same, fostering a culture of openness and support. Mentorship and networking helps build a supportive environment encouraging individuals to evolve and adapt, ensuring long-term success and retention in the industry. By fostering these connections,

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we can build a tech community that values personal growth, collaboration, and diversity.” Gillian reflects that better awareness of different careers needs to continue to improve in schools. Whilst much progress has been made since, Gillian can still recall her own time at school, when she and one other pupil were actively encouraged to select different subjects when they chose to study Computer Science at A Level in their all-girls school. Wider awareness around what working in tech looks like on a day-to-day basis could also help combat some of the biggest misconceptions about working in tech. In reality, the tech sector offers a wide range of roles that encompass project management, design, marketing, customer support, and more. “This diversity of opportunities means that tech is not just about coding; it's about creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration,” Gillian asserts. To effectively spread the message, we need to highlight a wider variety of career paths within the tech industry at grassroots school level. Showcasing stories of individuals from different backgrounds who have found success in tech can help dispel the myth that tech is only for those with technical expertise. These stories can illustrate the different ways people contribute to the industry and inspire others to explore similar paths. In practical terms, Gillian suggests hosting career fairs, workshops, and webinars can be utilised as powerful tools to help demystify the tech sector and attract a broader audience with such events providing a platform for potential candidates to learn about the dynamic and innovative nature of tech and the many roles available. Additionally, promoting the collaborative and innovative environment of the tech sector in Northern Ireland can inspire more people to consider careers in this

field. Understanding that career pathways do not always follow a straight line is also important, with Gillian referencing her own career pathway which initially saw her graduate from Ulster University with a Master’s degree in Marketing and begin her career as a Marketing Assistant for a company providing broadcasting software. But Gillian’s own lifelong passion for IT was sparked in her formative years by her father. Growing up, she often sat beside him for hours at a time as he coded on the family computer. Recognising this was where her passion lay, Gillian took a leap of faith and embarked upon a career change, something she says everyone should not be afraid to do. Ultimately, if STEM subjects interest you, Gillian is keen to encourage all students and those seeking a career change to embrace their passion and pursue it with confidence. “It's crucial to choose subjects and career paths where you believe you will be the best fit, rather than following a path that others expect of you. “The career choices you make at 16 don’t have to define your entire life. The tech industry is evolving, and there are many supportive communities and networks available to help you succeed. Seek out mentors and role models who can provide guidance and encouragement.

opportunities, you can find a fulfilling and successful career in tech. “Additionally, leverage your personal connections, such as local friends and family networks, to help make introductions and build relationships. The saying "it's not personal, it's just business" doesn't hold true in my experience. To be successful, it should always be personal. Building genuine connections can open doors and provide invaluable support throughout your career.” Overall, Gillian is passionate about the proactive steps Agio, now part of Netrio, is taking to ensure it is inclusive and offering equal opportunities for all – regardless of gender. “Our flexible working policies support work-life balance, making tech careers more accessible to all. We also ensure equal opportunities for promotion and equal pay, recognising the contributions of all employees fairly. These efforts collectively help us create a supportive and equitable workplace that encourages more women to pursue and thrive in tech careers, while also supporting the growth and success of all team members,” Gillian comments. “At Agio we focus on the right person for the right role, and this is reflected in our C-Suite leadership, with the balance being 50/50.”

“Be flexible and open to new career options. Be curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take risks or fail. Your unique perspective and skills are valuable, and you have the potential to make a significant impact in the tech world.”

This commitment to merit and equality is a cornerstone of Agio’s success and helps maintain a diverse and dynamic team. “Our culture is built on principles such as "Be Better Than Yesterday," "Be Bigger Than Your Job," "Communicate Fearlessly," "Speak Up," and "Evolve." These values drive us to continuously improve and support each other in achieving our best,” Gillian concludes.

Gillian adds: “Remember, the industry thrives on diverse talents and perspectives. By staying true to your interests and being open to new

Stay connected with Agio Belfast, now part of Netrio, with job opportunities, Views, Interviews, Tech Trailblazers and more at: syncni.com/company/Agio.

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Victoria Hogg

By Kathryn McKenna

Victoria Hogg, Integrity360: Why young girls should not be afraid of pursuing a career in technology and our plans for expansion in Northern Ireland

ictoria Hogg, Head of Business Development for Northern Ireland at Integrity360, is thriving in her new role which officially commenced in December. The move follows an expansive career working within the technology sector for 20 years, which has seen Victoria gain in-depth experience working with global clients. Now, Victoria is particularly excited to be back in her own patch at a local level working with Northern Ireland organisations. Speaking to Sync NI in Belfast recently, Victoria explains how the newly appointed role marks a serious commitment to expanding and making a mark in Northern Ireland for the global cyber security specialists. “We have a very successful business in Ireland with over 20 years of growth, giving us a large client portfolio covering many industries. I am delighted to join the sales team which

has over 14 people, and to grow the business in Northern Ireland,” Victoria reveals. “Northern Ireland is the best kept secret – it might be a small area with just 2.2million citizens, but there is a huge appetite here for cyber security. Northern Ireland is fast becoming the top growth area for companies in Europe.” As the largest cyber security provider in Ireland and the fastest growing across Europe, this is a pivotal time for Integrity360. When it comes to the company’s plans to expand their presence here locally, Victoria reveals the growth plans are particularly exciting. She says: “Integrity360’s vision for Northern Ireland is rooted in a long-term commitment to both regional investment and the elevation of local cyber security capabilities. Our strategic focus goes beyond brand recognition - we are cultivating a centre of excellence that reflects our scale, experience,

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and ambition in the cyber security landscape. “Our next milestone is expanding the team on the ground,” says Victoria. “We’re enhancing our presence with the appointment of a dedicated Business Development Manager, who’ll join me locally to further embed Integrity360 in the region. This marks the beginning of a broader strategy to build a fully integrated local team.” Backed by a robust support network of 13 office locations across Europe and Africa, and with headquarters in Dublin, Integrity360 is uniquely positioned to scale. However, the company’s ambition in Northern Ireland is distinct. “We see Northern Ireland not as an extension, but as a region with its own identity,” Victoria explains. “We’re building a locally led team that can engage directly with customers – people who understand the market intimately and can deliver high-value, face-to-face support.” This local-first approach reinforces Integrity360’s belief that proximity, trust, and contextual understanding are key differentiators in effective cyber security delivery – especially in a threat landscape that’s increasingly complex and fast-moving.

Human behaviour

Human behaviour can play a key role in cyber attacks, particularly with the high volume of emails employees working in fast-paced, high-pressure roles can receive. This is something Victoria understands: “Even though I am somebody who works in cyber security, I recognise there might be times when it's all too easy to make an error and inadvertently click on something in a high-pressure environment with a high volume of emails. “When you are working so quickly,

there can be a tendency to just click on something, perhaps when you receive a request from a customer or colleague. It doesn't matter what the size of the organisation is or what sector they are working in, companies across the board are encountering issues with information getting compromised, potential threats, malware and incidents of staff opening things they shouldn't have.” The best way to prevent such attacks from occurring is to educate organisations, helping staff to understand and put an incident response plan in place. “We don't want to be in the situation where something happens, and the executive team comes to us asking for help after it has occurred. We would much rather be sitting around the table with the executive team to proactively plan what they would do if this was to happen in the future,” Victoria explains.

You can’t be what you don’t see

As a woman in tech in a leadership position, Victoria is passionate about encouraging young girls and women into following a careers pathway into the sector. Having “stumbled into tech completely by accident” Victoria pursued a degree in Business Studies and Marketing upon completing school.

Addressing the stigma which sees tech portrayed as very much still a male dominated environment and exclusively for ‘techy’ people, Victoria is keen to address such antiquated stereotypes. “I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with others, to present and collaborate as a team. Some people view working in the tech sector as being ideal for individuals who do not enjoy talking to other people. But working in tech is a completely different environment to what people might imagine. “Tech roles can involve coding, but other areas include sales, marketing, HR and finance. The tech sector has a wealth of opportunities and is growing hugely. If we take Integrity360 as an example, since I've joined the business in December I've witnessed two acquisitions, and we’ve seen our staff numbers grow by a further 120 people.” Indeed, Victoria urges young people in general to consider a career in tech, particularly thanks to the longevity offered by a career in the sector: “The tech environment is growing and scaling at a rapid pace and that is vital for young people now seeking a career with longevity. I feel strongly that it is important to be a part of the tech world which is moving so quickly.

But after “falling” into a tech role in all-male environment, Victoria thrived. “I really stood out as the only female in my first role working in tech. Looking back on it, I thrived in that environment, but I think a lot of people would have been put off. Therefore, one of the biggest pieces of advice I would say to young girls coming through the system is, don't be afraid.

“I would advise all young people and girls in particular not to be afraid to enter the world of tech, there are so many different areas that you are sure to find the one which is the right fit for you. The opportunities are endless for young girls and I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in tech to get involved.”

“Secondly, I would strongly encourage all young girls and women interested in pursuing a career in tech to give it a go. You won't know if you like something until you try it out.”

Find out more about Integrity360 by visiting Sync NI and navigating to the Integrity360 Company Hub for Interviews, Views and more. Visit: syncni. com/company/Integrity360

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By Kathryn McKenna

Alison Ballard: Nothing can prepare you better for a career in technology than a willingness to learn

lison Ballard, Principal Digital Product Manager at Allstate NI, speaks with Sync NI in a comprehensive discussion in which we explore the evolving skills needed for a successful career in tech, the value of mentoring, and why young girls with a passion for problem-solving should pursue a ‘hugely rewarding’ career in the IT sector.

“I chose to study accountancy as I enjoyed mathematics at school and I was interested in IT,” Alison reveals. “IT was an emerging subject at the time - when I started my degree I had never even previously switched a computer on.”

In our comprehensive discussion which takes place at Allstate NI’s Belfast city centre offices, we also explore the importance of non-technical qualities such as communication skills and empathy, with Alison also highlighting the important role that practical, hands-on learning plays outside the classroom.

But Alison readily immersed herself in the field of IT, and upon graduating from university she began working in administration at the university where her passion for problem-solving became clear. She says: “I gravitated towards trying to find easier ways to solve problems. Even though I was working in administration, I was starting to think about how we could automate a lot of the work which we were doing manually.”

This follows Alison’s own career path, which was not linear. She describes how her journey unfolded naturally as she discovered her talent for problem-solving. After graduating with a degree in Accounting and Data Processing from the University of Leeds, Alison took an administrative role at the university as she found that she enjoyed working in the higher education environment.

This way of thinking led to a new role for Alison, one of Systems Officer for Leeds University Business School, and Alison has built upon this career trajectory ever since. Having moved back to her native city of Derry in 1996, Alison began working for a small IT company before becoming selfemployed and working with contacts throughout the island of Ireland utilising technology to help companies solve problems.

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Working as a Principal Digital Product Manager in Billing and Payments for Allstate NI, which she joined in 2012, Alison is involved in the company's global operations, with teams in Northern Ireland, the US, and India. Alison’s role is multi-faceted and involves setting a vision for a suite of digital products, customer experience and integrating emerging technologies.

skills are essential, such as the ability to engage and empathise with customers.

Whilst there is no fixed ‘typical’ day, Alison often connects with her local colleagues as well as those in India, before checking in with the US team in the afternoon. “My role is to have the vision of what we want our payment experience to be like for our customers,” Alison explains. Working alongside a Principal Engineer as part of the engineering team, Alison’s role focuses on setting out and achieving the team’s vision.

“The graduate pathway is still a very common one and reflects great dedication and commitment, but an equally important pathway we are starting to truly benefit from is apprenticeships,” she reveals, adding that the most important attribute for a successful career in IT is curiosity and a passion for continuous, self-motivated learning. “In this industry you have to continually learn as you go and be prepared to do that. Having the attitude of being eager to continually learn and focus on your own development is absolutely vital,” she shares.

Communication is key as the team services upwards of $40billion going through their systems. The technology being utilised to make this happen smoothly and provide the best customer satisfaction possible is a hybrid between traditional and the newest technology. “We have a blend of older technology, which is solid and reliable, which complements thelatest modern advancements,” Alison explains. “We are partnering with Microsoft in order to continue providing the most modern, up-to-date solutions and be able to provide data analytics to merge in with AI capabilities, which all work to help humans do a lot more..” Alison’s role is varied, from cascading down the vision, working within constraints, understanding opportunities, managing risks and ensuring the team remains compliant with all relevant regulations in order to maintain the integrity of their systems. Whilst Alison’s role requires technical knowledge, she explains that within lots of alternative roles in technology, other

On the subject of career pathways, Alison hails apprenticeships as an important gateway into the sector, and says they are particularly relevant for younger people who have grown up with access to technology at their fingertips.

“Incredibly supportive and encouraging” is how Alison describes the culture at Allstate, emphasising the pivotal role being a part of the Women in Tech at Allstate group has been, whilst also praising the influence of Stephen McKeown, Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate NI. “Women in Technology at Allstate is about a group of women supporting each other, role modeling, encouraging and mentoring people,” Alison explains. “We found that women were much more reluctant to put themselves forward for opportunities. For example, if they didn't tick all the boxes on a job specification they wouldn't put themselves forward for a promotion. “Not only did we help mentor and coach one another, encouraging each other to step out and take chances, in the north west we also formed networks with other technology companies based locally with female leaders. We joined

up and went out into the schools where we would stand up in classrooms full of girls and talk about all the different career opportunities within the technology sector. “We wanted to convey to these young girls that these are opportunities right on their doorstep and that working in tech is not “just for the boys.”” Alison continues: “Stephen McKeown is an incredibly encouraging mentor and coach who encourages everyone to strive for more and achieve the best of their abilities. This inclusive and supportive culture, alongside the Women in Tech at Allstate group, has helped push myself out of my comfort zone. Knowing that I have a network around me encouraging me to succeed has been invaluable.” Mentoring allows yourself a perspective from someone who is not involved in your ‘day-to-day’ and can offer impartial advice and support, with Alison crediting her previous mentors for being able to give her the confidence to navigate at times challenging circumstances throughout her career. Mentoring others has also proven invaluable, allowing the opportunity to reflect on her own career. “It's a twoway win,” she says. Reflecting on the rewarding feeling that working in technology brings, Alison appeals to any young girls who have a fellow passion for problem solving to get involved in the industry. “Don’t let yourself be intimated by the practical side of things. The technical stuff can seem daunting from the outside looking in – but you will figure that part out. Seeing a problem and being able to fix it and automate processes to make things easier for others is truly the most rewarding experience.” Allstate NI are involved in a number of different apprenticeship programmes and initiatives which offer invaluable practical, hands-on experience. Find out more at: allstateni.com/careers/pathways-in.aspx

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Lisa Shields

Lisa Shields: “My advice for women in tech and beyond is to never under-value what you have to offer”

isa Shields is the Head of People at StormHarvester, the tech-for-good company based in Belfast which specialises in AI-driven analytics for wastewater utilities.

Lisa brings a wealth of experience to her role – not least in terms of the skills and knowledge gained through working across varied industries. Starting out, Lisa went straight into working in the aerospace industry, a field she felt “fascinated” by. “The criticality of the expertise in that industry and the work that goes on, no one gives adequate kudos to, which really fascinated me,” Lisa explains. Having joined StormHarvester in the last three months, Lisa experiences the same interestnow in her current role, having never given “much thought” to how wastewater is handled and the efforts being made, as well as the difficulties faced, to manage this important issue for both health and environmental reasons. Using machine learning and hyperlocal rainfall forecasting to help utilities manage their networks more efficiently, StormHarvester technology is designed to reduce flooding

and pollution events by providing operational and asset intelligence. “In this role I have had my eyes well and truly opened,” Lisa tells Sync NI. “I am both intrigued and motivated by StormHarvester’s journey, as a locally-owned business achieving big things globally, and by the value it is adding to the wastewater industry providing a truly invested service, partnering with utilities for the greater good.” Having recently wrapped up their Series A funding round, “a huge milestone” for the company, Lisa explains the local company has global ambitions. “It’s all about helping us take our tech to wastewater companies around the world. We're already expanding into new territories like Australia, New Zealand, and the US, which is really exciting.” With this growth, StormHarvester is preparing to scale the team too, with hiring plans over the next year including hiring across the board; from software development to sales and marketing. “We’ll have plenty of opportunities for people who want to get involved in something ambitious and fastmoving,” Lisa comments. On the topic of recruitment, Lisa is rapid in her defence of the

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skilled male coders and developers in the tech industry. Whilst acknowledging the need to take action and effectively increase the percentage of the female workforce in tech from just 23 per cent in Northern Ireland, Lisa is keen to recognise the talented males she works alongside, explaining advocating for more women in tech does not mean the many talented male coders and developers should not be recognised for their skills and experience also. “The tech industry is awash with skilled male coders and developers. I am lucky to receive an abundant supply of male software engineering CVs in Northern Ireland offering great expertise and wonderfully curious minds to our teams. This cannot be seen as a negative aspect of the talent pool, as our economy and our team needs and thrives on these excellent people. However, we would love to be able to offer and develop more females in this space.” Adding to this, Lisa explains we cannot stand by and do nothing. She comments: “In today’s era, we cannot continue to accept the imbalance. We have to ask why is it like this, and challenge ourselves to be creative and take action to open doors and pathways to more females in this space. “It isn't just in fair hiring practices, and flexible working arrangements where the effort is needed, it is further upstream than that.” Companies including StormHarvester and the many other successful tech organisations in Belfast need to continue engaging with schools and universities to showcase that tech career paths are just as real, rewarding and successful as a dentist or a teacher. “This would help young girls to visualise their career paths and believe these pathways are achievable earlier in life,” Lisa explains. “In addition to diversity of gender,

we also need diversity of thought, perspective and behaviours and this comes from balancing your workforce demographics.” One way to reach out and connect with a wider demographic audience and connect with the future workforce is by attending careers fairs and engaging with schools, Lisa explains. Another key objective of Lisa’s includes exploring the potential of apprenticeships. She explains: “The thought of my daughters leaving university with a huge loan and still not being sure what they want to do, as I did, is both comical and worrying. “There are many pathways available, and university is not singular focusthat it used to be. I want to explore this for StormHarvester and actively reach and grow talent at a younger age. As a result of a different approach I want to see if we can promote this agenda and reach more female candidates as a result.” Lisa is resistant to labour the point of females being disadvantaged in Northern Ireland in 2025, fearing that it may risk feeding a narrative that is self-fulfilling. “Females are underrepresented in many areas, as males are in others, HR for example being one. Asking ourselves why and how do we fix this is the most important agenda, rather than just celebrating women in tech lets challenge ourselves continually to drive change and equality Being a working mum is full on and exhausting whilst working in a fast paced tech environment, but it is the reality for any woman who wants a career and a family. You can make it work.Seek out the right employers and colleagues that allow you to be a success at both and walk away from those who don’t - that’s the key.

“It may be idealistic, but take positive action at a micro level rather than believing a macro issue is stopping you. If we focus on what we can control and influence top down and bottom up, the more we talk to young females about taking your own reins from an early age and not accepting these macro trends as blockers to success, the more we can influence on a larger scale.” Overall, it is absolutely vital that Northern Ireland, in its status as a thriving hub of innovation, offers diverse thought through its representation – as diversity of thought harnesses the greatest results. Lisa concludes: “It’s incredibly important to attract more women into the local IT and tech sector, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it genuinely strengthens the industry. “In Northern Ireland, we’ve got a growing reputation as a hub for innovation, but to truly thrive we need diverse voices at the table. Women bring different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking that are vital for building inclusive products and tackling complex problems. “There’s still a long way to go in terms of visibility, support, and pathways into tech for young women. This is what compelled me to get involved with an exciting initiative like SistersIn. I was so motivated to use my experience and my career highs and lows, as a mechanism to aide and assist young females to chase their dreams. It was an enlightening experience to see their potential and hear what they have to offer the world. “My message to them and any female interested in pursuing a career in tech is clear, it is important to never undervalue what you have to offer.” Visit syncni.com/company/stormharvester to find out more about StormHarvester including open job opportunities, Day in the Life features and news articles.

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Bridging the digital gender gap: championing girls in tech from the classroom up

s a teacher in a Belfast post primary school and as a woman who started her career in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering, I’ve seen first-hand the difference early exposure to technology can make in shaping a young girl’s future. I’ve also seen how easily those opportunities can slip by if we don’t act with intent.

In Northern Ireland, we’re proud of our growing tech industry and ambitious digital goals. But a significant challenge remains: the persistent underrepresentation of women in tech. Despite progress elsewhere, technology is still perceived by many girls as something that isn’t for them. According to recent UCAS data, only around 20 per cent of students taking A-level computing are female, and that number drops even further in tech careers. This is not just a pipeline issue, it’s a perception issue. And it begins early. Girls often don’t see themselves reflected in tech roles. They rarely encounter a curriculum that connects computing with creativity, collaboration, or real-world impact. Many still believe the myth that success in ICT demands mathematical brilliance or endless hours

curiosity, even if they doubt their own ability. Normalising failure as part of the learning process is key, especially in emerging tech fields like AI, where experimentation is everything.

Clare McGrath - Senior Teacher for Creative Digital Learning, St Malachy’s College

of solo coding. These perceptions quietly shape decisions and narrow futures long before students even reach university. Post primary school is a crucial time to change that. It’s where we can reframe tech not as an isolated or mechanical subject, but as a tool for innovation and meaningful change. Traits often subconsciously encouraged more in girls like empathy, collaboration, and design thinking, are not just relevant to tech; they are essential. And nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of Artificial Intelligence. AI is of course transforming every industry - from healthcare to education, climate science to creative media. It’s no longer just about coding; it’s about ethics, design, communication, and

problem-solving. This opens up incredible opportunities for girls, especially those who may not see themselves as traditional “techies” but who care deeply about social impact. AI needs diverse perspectives to ensure it serves everyone fairly and equitably. Who better to help shape that future than today’s girls? As educators, that starts in the classroom. We need to diversify what we teach and how we teach it. When students see the link between tech and things they care about like health, the environment and human rights, they begin to understand the subject differently. We should integrate creative pathways like digital storytelling, AIdriven design, or data for social good alongside coding. Teachers must actively encourage girls who show

The tech industry also plays a vital role. Local companies can bring their people into schools to speak, mentor, and inspire. Work experience opportunities and internships aimed at female students help make the workplace feel accessible and welcoming. Importantly, we need to ensure that these companies are creating inclusive cultures where girls not only enter the sector, but stay and thrive. This matters. Not only for girls, but for the future of our education system, our economy, and our society. When girls are excluded from tech, we lose out on half the talent, creativity, and problem-solving power available to us. Education becomes narrower. Innovation becomes biased. And our economy suffers from the lack of a fully equipped digital workforce. For Northern Ireland, a region striving to position itself as a global hub for technology, cybersecurity, and innovation, the inclusion of girls and women in tech isn’t just a gender issue. It’s an economic imperative. It’s a social responsibility. And it’s a strategic opportunity.

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Fostering inclusive innovation in Belfast

nclusive innovation and collaboration are key to a vibrant digital economy. That’s the ethos of Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office. It works with industry, SMEs, academia, government and communities to grow the economy while harnessing digital technologies to tackle urban challenges.

Established in 2017, the Office has always had a predominately female team, who together have attracted over £20 million of innovation investment to the city. We spoke with a few members of the team to hear about their experiences of working in innovation. Paula Fee, City Innovation Officer said: “Working in digital innovation is ever changing. New technologies open up new opportunities. “I’m from a STEM background with a degree in Interactive Multimedia Design. I worked in digital development and marketing before joining the City Innovation Office to lead on digital innovation projects, including our £5 million Belfast 5G Innovation Region programme. “I support local businesses and industries to harness 5G-powered technologies, such as IoT, robotics, immersive applications and

visitor exhibition, bringing together cutting-edge projection technologies, gesture controlled interactive gaming, and 5G. “Leading in tourism innovation and being able to showcase Belfast as a brilliant place to visit are incredibly rewarding parts of my job.” AI, to drive innovation and economic growth. We've delivered nine 5G projects so far, and our 5G funding competition opens again this summer. “We are one of ten 5G Innovation Regions in the UK so it’s really exciting to lead the way in 5G tech adoption and champion our local innovators.” Deirdre Ferguson, City Innovation Broker said: “Innovation isn’t just about tech, it’s about people and how we can support them to shape innovation and benefit from the digital economy. Our innovation ecosystem needs a range of skills from leadership and citizen engagement to co-design and project planning. The technology is often the easy part! “I bring partners together to explore how we can harness innovation to address issues that are important to our citizens and city - whether it’s isolation and loneliness in older people, safety in our parks, or attracting investment to support our

local businesses. “We’ve just completed a four-year European funded programme working with the Maritime Belfast Trust, local communities, and creative innovators to enrich the heritage of Belfast’s Maritime Mile – it's been a great example of inclusive innovation.” Brenda Murphy, City Innovation Broker said: “My transition to working in innovation wasn’t something I planned, but it's been absolutely energising. I’ve harnessed the skills and knowledge I built in the energy and tourism sectors. “The future of tourism is a really exciting area to work in. I'm leading the £1 million Augment the City programme which brings together innovators and tourism organisations to explore how immersive technologies can enhance the visitor experience. “We also collaborated with BT to develop a state-ofthe-art AR experience as part of Belfast City Hall’s

Ciara Campbell, City Innovation Officer said: “My route into innovation was less about bold visions and more about a quiet curiosity for how things could work better. With a degree in Economics, Masters in Organisation and Business, and a Postgrad in Business Resilience, I've built a career around systems thinking and collaboration. “I support projects that bring together people, tech, policy and academia, from exploring 5G immersive tourism experiences to tackling city challenges such as air quality and urban mobility. “The best part of my job is working with local innovators. Their energy and ideas make me believe real change is possible. Innovation often happens through frustration, when user needs and the current reality are misaligned. Frustration is the itch that innovation scratches.” Read more about the City Innovation Office at www.smartbelfast.city

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