The Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2024 took centre stage on October 4th in Birmingham, where a vibrant and empowering celebration unfolded, honouring the remarkable women who are transforming the tech industry. This year’s prestigious ceremony, hosted at a stunning venue, showcased the incredible passion, determination, and achievements of women across the region’s tech landscape.
The event, now in its fifth year, was made possible through the generous support of headline sponsor Methods – an Alten Company, alongside key sponsors Birmingham City University, NTT Data, and SCC, whose dedication continues to elevate the profile of women in the sector.
The awards shone a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of women in tech, recognising the talent and innovation driving the industry forward. With more than 300 nominations this year, each finalist and winner represented the very best of what the Midlands has to offer, standing tall among an exceptional group of nominees.
Celebrating Women in Technology
The Midlands Women in Tech Awards play a vital role in recognising the importance of gender diversity within the tech industry, which remains largely male-dominated. These awards provide a platform to not only celebrate the successes of women but also encourage more women to explore and thrive in tech careers. By showcasing trailblazing female leaders, the awards hope to inspire the next generation of women in tech, making strides toward a more inclusive future for the industry.
Unforgettable Hosting and Keynote Insights
For the fourth consecutive year, the evening was hosted by the dynamic Deborah Leary, whose energy and engaging style once again captivated the audience, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.
The event’s keynote speaker, Lalita Taylor, BBC Executive Producer and Director of BBC Academy Fusion, delivered an inspiring address that resonated deeply with all attendees. Sharing her extraordinary journey and the challenges she overcame, Lalita’s insights provided a powerful reminder of the vast opportunities awaiting women in the tech world.
A Special Thank You to Our Judges
Selecting the winners from such an exceptional pool of talent is no easy task, and we extend our deepest thanks to our panel of judges who took on the difficult responsibility of choosing the overall winners. Their dedication and expertise ensured a fair and thorough selection process. A heartfelt thank you to Fay Gleeson, Amandip Jheeta, Reena Sidhu, Dan Barlow, Miruna Chipara, Jude Hough, Dr Jagdev Bhopal, Katharine Fuller, Clare Streets, and Pam Waddell for their invaluable contribution to this year’s awards.
Supporting the Luca Foundation Charity
We were incredibly proud to support the Luca Foundation charity during the event. Thanks to the generosity of our amazing guests, over £2,500 was raised for this important cause, helping to make a difference and create a lasting impact.
B Events: The Force Behind the Awards
The Midlands Women in Tech Awards is brought to life by B Events, the region’s prolific and hugely successful event organiser. Founded by Ifraz Ahmed and Anita Chumber in 2015, B Events is known for its high standards, creating immersive experiences with top-end production. With a keen eye for causes they are passionate about, B Events continues to deliver unforgettable events that leave a lasting impression.
Entertainment and Camaraderie
The night wasn’t just about awards and accolades; it was filled with entertainment and joy. The Undercover Artists lit up the stage, keeping the crowd on their feet and adding a fun, unforgettable vibe to the evening’s festivities. From lively dancing to shared moments of celebration, the camaraderie among guests highlighted the strong sense of community in the Midlands tech scene.
A Celebration of Excellence and Inspiration
The 5th Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2024 was truly an evening of celebration, honouring the resilience, creativity, and excellence of women driving the tech industry forward. Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and winners—your achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
We extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors, judges, and supporters, whose backing is instrumental in making this event a success year after year.
For a glimpse into the magic of the night, view photos from the event at https://bit.ly/MWIT24. By Edwin Ladd & Mehrban
To stay updated on the Midlands Women in Tech Awards and learn more about our initiatives, visit our website at www.womenintechawards.co.uk.
Full List of Winners
- Best Use of Tech in a Public Sector Project Award:
Becki Floyd – NHS Education for Scotland - Best Use of Tech in a Private Sector Project Award:
Louise Latter – Birmingham Open Media - Tech Professional (Non-Coding) Award:
Daljinder Mattu – Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport - Start-Up Founder Award:
Claire Downes – Virtual Decisions - Rising Star Award:
Helen Dickens – Methods - Academic Award:
Anitha Chinnaswamy – Cyber Security Innovation Centre, Aston University - Project Delivery Lead Award:
Nukey Proctor – Methods - Tech for Good Award:
Pamela Aculey – MIIXD Reality - Innovator Award:
Professor Hanifa Shah – Birmingham City University - Apprentice Award:
Stacey Watson – Arup - Tech Entrepreneur Award:
Karen Newman – Birmingham Open Media - Shining Star Award:
Rebecca Hitch – Jaguar Land Rover - Special Recognition Award:
Joanna Birch