34 women recognised for changing the face of technology in the UK are named today as finalists in the sixth annual FDM everywoman in Technology Awards in association with techUK. These women have been selected from a field of hundreds of applicants, chosen by a panel of senior technology leaders against criteria including career achievement, future potential and their commitment to supporting others in the industry. The winners will be revealed at an Awards ceremony on the evening of 23 February 2016 in London.
Britain’s technology economy is booming, taking up more than 10% of UK’s GDP and predicted to be in need of 1.2 million new digital workers by 2022*, opportunities for women in technology and demand for their talents continues to grow. Not just in enterprise, but every growth business across all industry sectors is looking for technology talent, which is why these Awards are so vital in uncovering role models who will inspire more young women to seek a career in technology. Even more encouraging is the fact that women are now considered the largest “emerging market”, ahead of China and India, as more and more enter the workforce, creating a larger pool of fresh talent**.
Over 500 industry leaders, government and the media will join the celebrations at the London Hilton on Park Lane, to find out who has won the 2016 Awards. These Awards champion and raise the profile of the individual women that are achieving success in their field, and the companies that are supporting them to do so.
The finalists in the Rising Star Award category – Sponsored by American Express are:
- Megan Castleton, Web Developer, Yard
- Jessica Leigh Jones, Engineer, Sony UK Technology Centre
- Kimberley Norris, Systems Engineer, Finmeccanica Airborne & Space Systems Division
Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: “We launched these awards six years ago to uncover the women doing amazing things in technology – women who were not necessarily known within their wider business let alone outside their company or the industry. By showcasing their talents and achievements, we are demonstrating the diversity of opportunity the industry offers so that more women will be inspired to bring their talents to it. Each year the judges are overwhelmed by the quality of the finalists, and 2016 is no exception; their hard work, determination and positive influence on others is staggering, and we wish them all the best at the awards ceremony next month.”
Sheila Flavell, Chief Operating Officer of title sponsor FDM Group states: “FDM is delighted to continue working with everywoman in an effort to support, recognise and promote women in tech. Diversity in the workplace is fundamental to business growth and success; it drives innovation, facilitates communication and improves diversity of thought amongst other benefits. FDM is leading by example in the industry and works hard to promote a gender -balanced workforce at all levels. Our dedicated Women in IT campaign is our way of showcasing our continued commitment to driving gender diversity in the workplace globally, encouraging more and more women to pursue a career in tech.”
Julian David, CEO of techUK adds: “techUK is once again delighted to support the FDM everywoman in Technology Awards. Attracting appropriately skilled employees continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the UK tech sector and we need a greater representation of the working population to join UK tech companies and help support continued sector growth. In particular, we need to work hard to attract smart, skilled women who are not currently attracted to the industry and communicate the breadth of career opportunities in tech that are open to all. techUK remains committed to attracting great women to the sector, retaining them and helping them to flourish and succeed.”
Katrina Roberts, Vice President, Technology, American Express concluded: “American Express is proud to sponsor the FDM everywoman in Technology Awards ‘Rising Star’ Award to celebrate young women working in IT, making a difference and showing future promise. In an increasingly digital world, technology is helping transform our business, enabling us to continue meeting changing customer needs and engage new customers in innovative ways. We’re committed to nurturing top tech talent, striving to attract, develop and retain women through programmes for school-age girls to executive women. This award reflects that focus, seeking the best and brightest women in IT today to inspire leaders of tomorrow.”
The 2016 FDM everywoman in Technology Awards ceremony and dinner will take place on 23 February 2016 at the London Hilton on Park Lane preceded by the everywoman Technology Forum – the largest UK forum for women in technology, a day of inspiration, learning and development, bringing together over 600 women who are aspiring to advance their careers or become future leaders.
