As diversity, inclusivity and opportunity continue to be key talking points across the board within the STEM workforce, we look at five women in IT who have been recognised as allies and champions for female professionals in STEM both today and in the future, by Information Age and DiversityQ.
Carly Britton, Head of Client Services, Vualto
Advocate of the Year
With over 13 years in the IT sector, Britton is no stranger to being recognised as an inspiring figure in STEM. Alongside being the winner of Women in IT Awards Advocate of the Year 2020, Briton was also a winner at the TechWomen100 Awards 2019 and a finalist at the Venus Awards 2019 – Inspirational Women in STEM. In her own words, Britton is “ a strong advocate for encouraging girls and women to consider careers in technology. I am an active STEM Ambassador and founder of #GIRLCODE – Free coding for girls aged 8-14 in Plymouth & Bath.”
Jackie Shears, Associate Director Mental Wellbeing Transformation at NHS Digital
Data Leader of the Year
Winner of the Data Leader of the Year award, NHS Digital notes that Shears has continuously displayed a “compassionate approach in reshaping the size and magnitude of the data and has enabled the NHS to make better informed decisions.” Working as part of the Department of Health, NHS Digital is the national provider of information, data and IT systems for commissioners, analysts and clinicians in health and social care. Shears’ work allows the continued support of the health and care system, helping patients to make informed choices about their care while ensuring that their data is kept safe.
Amanda Hamilton, City & County Healthcare Group,
CIO of the Year
An internationally-experienced technology leader managing IT services and delivering strategic change in healthcare, restaurant, retail, professional services, commercial & global corporate sectors, Amanda Hamilton was recognised as the CIO of the Year for her work with City & County Healthcare Group. An unrivalled innovative drive and passion has seen her deliver efficiencies worth £1.7m per year and improved cash flow by £4m. Alongside her success, her tireless work for diversity and inclusion has seen an increase in female representation from 0% to 37%.
Mel Unsworth , Global Head of Technology, YOOX NET-A-PORTER
Future CIO of the Year
As Global Head of Technology for YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP is the world’s leading online luxury fashion retailer, the responsibility to deliver sustained IT success rests firmly on the shoulders of Mel Unsworth. Successfully overseeing a major integration of two infrastructures between different businesses alongside the demands of a rapid team growth, Unsworth’s strong performance and values place her well and truly on the “ones to watch” list for future CIO’s.
Karen Hopley, HR TRansformation Director, G4S
Transformation Leader of the Year
Leading the development and deployment of G4S’ global HCM system to create a global integrated HR, finance and business system, Hopley’s work across the business allowed G4S to truly transform the way it operates, connects with its customers, enable it’s people to collaborate, and will underpin the future competitiveness of the company. Her successful launch of the pilot programme has enabled greater business efficiencies, more control and access for employees to their data and has led to 3100 people being hired in the past 12 months.
