Anitha Chinnaswamy

Aston University – Cyber Security Innovation Centre

Dr. Anitha Chinnaswamy is a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security Management at Aston Business School and Deputy Director of the Cyber Security Innovation Centre. Anitha has led groundbreaking research and consultancy projects that advance cybersecurity risk management and organisational training. She founded the CyberKali project, empowering young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. As a STEM Ambassador and a founding member of the Ethnic Minorities in Cyber Network, she is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.

Stacey Watson

Ove Arup & Partners

Stacey Watson has been an apprentice at Arup for seven years, excelling in the Roads, Civils, and Aviation team. Despite facing personal health challenges, including multiple surgeries for endometriosis, she has achieved exceptional results, including a First-Class degree in Civil Engineering and becoming Arup’s first iRAP accredited practitioner. Stacey leads safety projects for National Highways, creating road improvement schemes to reduce serious injuries. A dedicated mentor and role model, Stacey inspires others with her resilience and passion for engineering.

Becky Floyd

NHS Education for Scotland

Becki Floyd currently works for NHS Education for Scotland, where she led the transfer of their design system to Figma, improving collaboration and efficiency. After 18 years at Walsall Citizens Advice Bureau, she made a brave career switch, completing the School of Code bootcamp and becoming the first in her cohort to secure a job. Passionate about UX design and AI integration, Becki has also supported new tech talent as a mentor, sharing her knowledge openly and inspiring others in the industry.

Louise Latter

BOM (Birmingham Open Media)

Louise Latter has been an integral part of BOM since 2015, overseeing key projects like Hidden Kingdoms, an app designed to help neurodivergent individuals and those with hidden disabilities overcome travel anxiety. As Head of Commissioning, she develops strategic direction for BOM’s immersive technology initiatives. Louise is passionate about using tech for social good, supporting underserved communities, and diversifying the industry. Her leadership on projects like Mother Nature showcases her commitment to encouraging women in tech and the arts.

Prof. Hanifa Shah

Birmingham City University

Professor Hanifa Shah is Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean at Birmingham City University, leading the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment and the award-winning STEAMhouse. With over 35 years of academic and industry experience, she has pioneered digital transformation initiatives, including state-of-the-art Digital Labs and the £70M STEAMhouse project. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hanifa has mentored women in STEM and driven impactful collaborations that create innovation, inclusivity, and real-world change.

Nukey Proctor

Methods

Nukey Proctor, Head of Service Delivery at Methods, has nearly two decades of experience in tech, driving impactful projects like HMCTS’s COVID-19 response, which saw 6,000+ laptops provisioned to court staff nationwide. Joining Methods in 2018, she doubled the Managed Services Delivery Management team and spearheaded key growth initiatives. A passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Nukey mentors young people through Brightside and champions women in STEM, making her an inspiring leader in digital transformation.

Helen Dickens

Methods

Helen Dickens, Managing Consultant at Methods, is a trailblazer in digital transformation and continuous improvement. Since joining Methods in 2021, she has introduced Lean Six Sigma, driving efficiency across the organisation. Helen’s leadership has led to £55 million in value through her work with the Home Office and her efforts to empower women in tech. A passionate advocate for diversity and innovation, Helen’s achievements continue to shape the future of public sector digital transformation.

Rebecca Hitch

Jaguar Land Rover

Rebecca Hitch is a Senior Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, with over 15 years of experience in materials engineering and sustainability. She has pioneered innovations such as the world’s first automotive recycled aluminium sheet grade and led the development of high-strength aluminium used in JLR vehicles. As one of only 13 women in Senior Management at JLR, Rebecca is a role model for women in engineering. Her technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to inclusivity have made a profound impact on the industry.

Claire Downes

Virtual Decisions

Claire Downes is the CEO and co-founder of Virtual Decisions, a pioneering company using immersive VR technology to tackle knife crime and gang culture. In just 18 months, she’s grown the business to £1.4 million, attracting interest from Meta in the USA. A former child acting coach on major film sets, Claire now directs VR films that empower young people to make better life choices. As a female founder, she’s a passionate advocate for diversity in tech and a creative force in the industry.

Karen Newman

BOM (Birmingham Open Media)

Karen Newman is the Founder and CEO of Birmingham Open Media (BOM), an immersive arts organisation driving innovation through virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Since founding BOM in 2014, Karen has pioneered inclusive learning programmes and award-winning immersive experiences like Hidden Kingdoms and Beholder VR. In 2023, Karen led a merger with Taran3D, doubling BOM’s turnover and establishing it as a leader in XR development. A passionate mentor, Karen champions diversity, creativity, and tech innovation in Birmingham and beyond.

Pamela Aculey

Just Like Me & MIXD Reality

Pamela Aculey, founder of Just Like Me Books and MIXD Reality, is a trailblazer in using technology for social good. She launched the UK’s first augmented reality (AR) picture books in 2020, making education more inclusive for children from diverse ethnic backgrounds and abilities. In 2023, she expanded her mission with MIXD Reality, creating broader AR learning experiences. Inspired by her autistic son, Pamela’s work prioritises accessibility and representation, transforming how children learn and engage with educational content.

Daljinder Mattu

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Daljinder Mattu leads cyber security policy for the Midlands, driving growth and innovation across the UK’s cyber sector. With over 14 years of government experience, she has championed the region’s involvement in national cyber initiatives, including the launch of the UK Government’s national cyber strategy in Birmingham. Passionate about inclusion, Daljinder actively supports underrepresented groups, mentors tech students, and has been instrumental in creating networks that foster diversity. Her leadership continues to make a lasting impact in the sector.

Joanna Birch

A trailblazer in innovation, enterprise, and employability, this leader has over 22 years of dedicated experience in driving impactful change. Recently, they founded their own consultancy, GROWTHINK Associates, and assumed the role of Chief Innovation Officer at the Woodbourne Group. This transition builds on their previous role as Director of Innovation, Enterprise, and Employability at Birmingham City University (BCU), where they championed the integration of arts and technology in business, education, and innovation through a commitment to Createch.
They were the visionary behind BCU’s STEAMhouse, a transformative initiative that reshaped the business landscape, particularly for underrepresented groups, by fostering creative collaborations between the tech and creative sectors. Their influence extends to being a founding partner of the Creative Industries Federation. Through partnerships with industry figures like Betty Jackson and Frank Skinner, they solidified their role as a key player in the creative and digital sectors.
Regionally, they played a crucial role in shaping BCU’s strategy, leading the top-ranked Student Enterprise program and contributing to the establishment of the GBS Institute of Technology. Initiatives such as Digital Directions and Innovation Labs further demonstrated their ability to drive tech businesses forward through creative solutions.
Renowned for their dedication to mentoring and empowering women and their team, this individual leaves a legacy of inclusivity and innovation. Their vast contributions to the Midlands’ digital, creative, and tech sectors were honoured with the prestigious Special Recognition Award at the Midlands Women in Tech Awards, cementing their profound impact on the region’s business landscape.