The Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards, celebrating the most inspirational women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), have announced the finalists for this year’s awards, recognising all stages of the career journey, from apprentices to C-Suite. Now in their 14th year, the awards shine a spotlight on and celebrate the tech industry’s most exceptional talent, from the UK and beyond, creating role models to inspire and attract women and young girls into STEM careers and close the gender gap within technology.
As an innovative industry, new sectors, and specialisms, and therefore career opportunities, continue to increase. The UK tech market has been valued at $1 trillion making it the third most valuable in the world, confirmation that growth is not slowing. Despite this, women currently only occupy 24% of roles in the technology industry and recent research suggests that almost half experience burnout, with 7% adding that they have felt pushed to their physical and mental limits.
Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: “It is paramount that the technology industry not only attracts female talent to sustain the industry’s innovation and growth, but that this female talent is retained. Since 1999, everywoman has been supporting companies to attract, develop, retain, and advance women in business, delivering leadership development to over 200,000 women and today over 40% of all our learning content has a wellbeing-related theme. Family responsibilities and health-related issues play key roles in career progression; they are intrinsically linked. It is only by ensuring that female tech talent is empowered to live long, healthy lives enabling them to enjoy successful careers, that the gender gap can truly be addressed. Our partnership with Bupa will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of what more we can be doing to transform the workplace into one that enables that.”
A part of the awards are the 2024 apprenticeships awards, sponsored by SSE, which highlight and champion young apprentices shining at what they do.
The 2024 apprentice award finalists:
Dimitra Magklasi, Cyber Security Incident Response Analyst at Bupa from London
As an IT Graduate at Bupa, I had the opportunity to study towards a Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship and an MSc in Digital and Technology Solutions at Henley Business School. During the second year of my studies and work, I welcomed my first baby daughter. Three months later, I returned with a new job as a Cyber Security Response Team Analyst and I also obtained both my apprenticeship and MSc with Distinction. I actively participate in campaigns and events that promote apprenticeships for women. My goal is to inspire women and mothers to progress and never give up.
Fatima Bari, Technology Apprentice at JP Morgan Chase, from Glasgow
In 2019 she began her career journey at J.P. Morgan as a Software Development Apprentice and in 2023 she graduated with a 2:1 honours degree, stepping into a full-time role as a full-stack developer. She chose a career in technology because of her love of learning and seeking out creative solutions to problems and has found endless opportunities in the field keeping her from being bored. There are so many uses of technology and she loves the ability to be able to create various solutions, helping people and addressing problems. She shares her technology enthusiasm at a variety of events, actively engaging with young people to inspire the next generation of technologists.
Hollie Watson, Cloud Business Analyst at Willis Towers Watson, from Ipswich
After completing her Network Technician Apprenticeship, Hollie continued her journey in the Cloud Services Compliance team, where she is integral in supporting several large projects within WTW which are driving increased regulatory compliance. She has been a key part of supporting the cloud team’s apprenticeship programme, guiding a cohort of 10 apprentices, and taking on a line manager role. She has a strong passion for I&D, striving to promote gender equity and inspire young women to pursue a career in technology.
Poonam Ale, Software Engineer at American Express, from London
Poonam joined American Express on the Software Developer Apprenticeship Program in 2021. She is currently a back-end software engineer focused on modernization of legacy applications. As someone who has changed careers, she understands the value of experimenting and pushes herself to take on opportunities to build innovative tools for the organization. She gives back to the community by speaking at Amex recruitment events with schools and colleges, sharing her experience as an apprentice with candidates who are considering the same path.
Roisin Goodman, QA Engineer at Kainos, from Belfast
Having commenced her journey with Kainos as an apprentice software engineer in 2018, Roisin has evolved into a test engineer, contributing to the quality of code in the SMART product. Recently graduating with first-class honours from the University of Ulster, she excels both academically and professionally. Beyond her testing responsibilities, Roisin actively engages with and inspires younger generations to enter the industry. Her involvement includes organizing workshops, mentoring initiatives, and even organising and hosting code camps in the summer, reflecting her commitment to nurturing future talents.
Stephanie Somade, Software Engineer at News UK, from London
Stephanie Somade is an Apprentice Software Engineer at News UK. Prior to, she gained experience in the legal sector collaborating with solicitors and specialised judges following the completion of her Law degree. Motivated by her passion, Stephanie embarked on a journey to attain her software engineering degree through an apprenticeship program. Outside work, Stephanie finds joy in reading, travelling and dedicating her time to volunteering as a Diversity and Inclusion Talent Partner. The programme is aimed at addressing and resolving challenges faced by minority groups in the UK’s technology industry.
Ziana Butt, Business & Technology Delivery Associate at Accenture from London
“Ziana Butt BEM is a Business and Technology Delivery Associate at Accenture, England International with 15 caps, HRH Coronation Champion – recognising extraordinary volunteering in the community. An advocate for Diversity, Ziana is a frequent speaker on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She is the Accenture Apprentice of the Year & Status Quo Challenger of the Year, Accenture South Asian Network and STEM Aspire Co-lead, a mental health ambassador, mentor, London Sport and England Netball National Young Volunteer of the Year. Her current memberships include Women of the Future, National Youth Sport Forum and Sporting Equals founding BASE committee member.”
