Amandip Jheeta is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years’ experience, currently Salesforce Alliances Leader & Women in Alliances Lead at NTT DATA UK & Ireland, where she champions strategic partnerships and advances gender equity in tech. Previously serving as Delivery Director, she has led high-stakes, cross-functional IT portfolios, translating business goals into successful technical execution. Amandip is a vocal advocate for diversity, serving on awards juries and receiving recognition such as the Midlands Women in Tech “Shining Star” award in 2019 and Inclusive Leader of the Year at NTT DATA in 2021.

Leanne Perry is an accomplished business leader and recruitment expert with deep experience driving talent strategy and organisational growth across the UK. As Director of PYVITAL Ltd, she champions inclusive recruitment, leadership development, and strategic HR solutions, leveraging her proven track record with leading firms like Culture Recruitment and Michael Page. Leanne’s dedication to connecting exceptional talent, advancing women’s careers, and supporting organisational diversity makes her an outstanding judge for the Women in Tech Awards, inspiring and empowering the next generation of technology leaders.

Qasim Majid is a recognised tech entrepreneur and founder of the Wow Group, one of the UK’s leading digital agencies. With a mission to build a powerful agency network, he has driven business and digital innovation for over two decades. Based in Birmingham, Qasim is also known for advocating diversity and providing mentorship to aspiring tech founders. His strategic vision, leadership in the tech sector, and commitment to inclusive growth make him a standout judge for the Women in Tech Awards.

Katharine Fuller is a dynamic force in the UK tech ecosystem, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at TechWM. With over a decade of experience supporting startups, scale-ups, and corporates, she has led innovative projects and created opportunities for female entrepreneurs and leaders. Katharine’s background in EU funding and programme management, along with her dedication to digital inclusion and social impact, makes her an invaluable judge for the Women in Tech Awards, inspiring and empowering women across the sector.

Anitha Chinnaswamy brings outstanding expertise and leadership as Deputy Director of Aston Business School’s Cyber Security Innovation Centre and Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security Management. A multi-award winner at the Midlands Women in Tech Awards in both 2023 and 2024, she champions digital inclusion and cyber safety, especially for women and girls. Her industry certifications, research impact, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of STEM talent make her an invaluable asset as a judge for the Women in Tech Awards.

Joanna Birch brings a wealth of expertise as Director at GROWTHINNK Associates and former Director of Innovation, Enterprise and Employability at Birmingham City University. She is renowned for founding the award-winning STEAMhouse innovation centre and driving regional economic growth through cross-sector partnerships. Recipient of the 2024 Special Recognition Award at the Midlands Women in Tech Awards, Joanna adds immense value as a judge by blending real-world innovation leadership, mentoring, and advocacy for women advancing in tech and life sciences.

Elizabeth Gooch MBE is a pioneering UK tech entrepreneur and angel investor who adds immense value as a judge for the Women in Tech Awards. Founder of EG Solutions, she invented market-leading software used globally and led her company through an AIM listing and acquisition. Recognised as one of The Telegraph’s “Most Disruptive Entrepreneurs” and awarded an MBE for services to industry, Elizabeth now mentors tech founders, champions innovation, and helps startups scale, embodying expertise and advocacy for women in technology.

Lalita Taylor is a creative tech founder, inclusion consultant, and former BBC leader with over 25 years of experience in editorial, digital, and innovation. She is the Founder and CEO of We Job Box, an AI-powered platform democratising access to meaningful work experience for young people aged 14–22. Lalita also consults with CoSTAR, driving equity in screen and performance tech. At the BBC, she led groundbreaking projects blending tech, learning, and storytelling, and co-chaired WiSTEM, supporting 1,000+ women in tech. Her work champions underrepresented voices, inclusive strategy, and hybrid knowledge-sharing experiences that shift culture and create real-world impact.

Reena Sidhu is the Commercial Enterprise Lead for Digital Health Innovation at Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM). She leads initiatives that connect digital innovation with healthcare, fostering collaborations across the region to strengthen and showcase talent through impactful programs and support networks.   A passionate advocate for diversity and empowerment, Reena has developed initiatives such as the FLAME - Women in Digital Leadership program. She also plays a pivotal role in enhancing FUSE Health, a social enterprise program focused on driving health innovations for underrepresented communities. Her leadership in the Digital Innovators Skills Programme and the Junior Incubator Programme underscores her commitment to nurturing future talent and creating alternative pathways to address technology and health challenges in the region.

Lisa Ventura MBE is a pioneering cyber security specialist, founder of Cyber Security Unity, and Senior Specialist at Qualitest. With a passion for addressing the human aspects of cyber security, she champions awareness and collaboration to mitigate cyber threats. Recognised for her impactful work, Lisa has received numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to cyber security, diversity, and inclusion. A strong advocate for neurodiversity, mental health, and trauma recovery, Lisa is neurodivergent herself, diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and BPD. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and panelist at major conferences worldwide. Lisa also contributes her insights through articles and blogs, raising awareness on topics like cyber security, mental health, and neurodiversity.

Jagdev has a career in STEM academia spanning nearly 4 decades ranging from teaching, research and leadership as Head of Computing and Data Science Department at Birmingham City University (BCU). She is an Associate Professor in Computer Science who specialises in Database Technology and her research interests include areas such as Ontologies, Artificial Intelligence & Ethics; and Green IT.

Iain Mansell is a respected innovation leader and ecosystem builder, currently serving as Head of Regional Engagement at Connected Places Catapult, where he drives collaborative partnerships across the West Midlands. With over a decade of experience in public-private innovation strategy, he has held pivotal roles at the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands, fostering cross-sector networks that unlock regional growth. Passionate about inclusive economic development, Iain also sits on the Industrial Advisory Board at Aston University. His work focuses on breaking institutional silos, enabling smart city initiatives, and shaping the future of place-based innovation.