The winners of the 2024 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards have been announced, celebrating the most inspirational women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Now in their 14th year, the awards shine a spotlight on the industry’s most exceptional talent from all stages of the career journey, from apprentices to C-suite, from the UK and beyond.
Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: “As everywoman celebrates its 25th anniversary we are reminded that the impact role models have remains as powerful today as when we started. Role models serve not just as beacons of achievement, but also as tangible proof that success is attainable, providing a roadmap that others can use to navigate their career progression. We congratulate this year’s winners, who are a powerful group of role models that embody what women in tech want to see more of and our male allies who have a critical role to play in changing the landscape of technology.”
The 2024 Bupa everywoman Woman of the Year Award was presented to Asia Sharif, Software Engineer, Public Speaker, Engineering Mentor at NatWest, from Manchester. Asia is a multi-award-winning software engineer and an advocate for diversity & inclusion within the tech industry. Transitioning from a non-tech role to becoming a software engineer at NatWest Bank, she is a trailblazing mentor guiding over 70 women on their tech journeys, that extends beyond technical advice, focusing on building confidence, fostering growth mindsets, and opening doors for others. As Co-Lead of the Women in Tech Committee, she tirelessly advocates for gender diversity, amplifies women’s voices, and organises initiatives for equality. One of her pioneering endeavours is the ChainVerse initiative, that aims to offer secure, simple, and affordable communication for prisoners and their loved ones. This showcases her technical expertise and her dedication to leveraging tech for social good. Despite battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she continues to make a significant impact in tech, showcasing her resilience and unwavering commitment to her goals.
2024 winners to spotlight
AI Champion Award
Nicola Martin, Head of Quality Engineering at Adarga, from London
Having worked in tech for over two decades, Nicola is a prominent developer of AI software for Defence and National Security in the UK. She is passionate about diversity and inclusion in software engineering, holding roles as BCS Council and Committee Member and Chair of the Special Interest Group in Software Testing. Her volunteering extends to mentoring, speaking, and panel events discussing topics such as AI and bias, quality, software testing, and diversity in tech. This year, she was nominated in the UKTech50 long list, and previously in Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech List (Top 50), Diverse in Change Maker List 2023 and won the Women in Tech Excellence – Role Model in Tech (Highly Commended) Award.
Apprentice Award, sponsored by SSE
Roisin Goodman, QA Engineer at Kainos, from Belfast
Roisin joined Kainos as an Apprentice Software Engineer in 2018, fresh from completing her A-Levels. In a remarkably short space of time, she has displayed outstanding proficiency and evolved into a test engineer, contributing to the quality of code in the SMART product, and spearheading the development of a cutting-edge website for Beltech. Beyond this, Roisin actively nurtures young talent in the industry, with a particular focus on empowering young women, by organising workshops, mentoring initiatives, and summer code camps. She is now responsible for recruiting internal mentors for newcomers within Kainos.
One to Watch, sponsored by Computacenter
Jiya Mehta, Student at Watford Grammar School for Girls, from London
Jiya is a Year 12 student who, in 2021 during lockdown, founded STEM Medley an award-winning initiative that aims to encourage today’s youth into STEM and bridge the gender gap in the industry. STEM Medley has hosted numerous international hackathons and competitions, and with over 2,000 Instagram followers, she aims to expand to TikTok to reach a younger audience, believing it could have a significant impact. Jiya also serves as a regional consultant for the Stemettes youth board and is present on the Girlguiding advocate panel, utilising these roles to enhance the lives of girls and young women nationwide.
Rising Star, sponsored by Booking.com
Hafsa Hersi, Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture, from London
Coming from a background in Social Care, Hafsa transition into the tech consulting industry has been characterised by a unique blend of empathy, compassion, and user-centric perspectives. Specialising in service and user-centred design, she digitally transforms healthcare with a people-centric approach. Engaged in D&I communities at Accenture, Hafsa is also dedicated to guiding peers, ensuring excellence in their careers, fostering access to an inclusive workplace, and founded Accenture’s Somali Group, cultivating a sense of belonging among 80 colleagues. Her commitment to inclusivity and driving patient-centred outcomes has been recognised by multiple awards.
Yolande Young, CISO at Bupa Global & UK comments: “A huge congratulations to this year’s winners of the Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards. It’s testament to their achievements and the positions they hold, not just within technology, but also as positive and inspirational role models and leaders. The standard of entries was extremely high, reflecting the wealth of female talent in our industry. Everyone who was nominated should be extremely proud of their achievements. At Bupa we’re committed to ensuring that women are fully supported to fulfil their career ambitions. It was an honour to meet so many brave, caring, and responsible leaders who are working towards a bright future for our industry.”
