Midlands Women In Tech Awards

CONGRATULATIONS NUKEY PROCTOR - WINNER OF THE PROJECT DELIVERY LEAD AWARD 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. Alison Palmer Helen Dickens CMgr MCMI Sophie Manhas Anthony Darch Venetia Rook Annie Birchall Jane Fallon Lauren Tombs Anita Chumber Ifraz Ahmed #MWIT24

ANITHA CHINNASWAMY - WINNER OF THE ACADEMIC AWARD 2024 Dr. Anitha Chinnaswamy - 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. Aston University Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre Aston University Debbie Assinder Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber Naeem Arif, MBA, Agile, SAP, NED Professor Aleks Subic Gosia Dzierdzikowska Lauren Redfern #MWIT24

HELEN DICKENS - RISING STAR AWARD 2024 Helen Dickens CMgr MCMI, 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. #MWIT24 Nominations for the 2025 awards open - nominate via https://lnkd.in/g4tnF-t Alison Palmer Alex Buetow Naeem Arif, MBA, Agile, SAP, NED Anthony Darch Anita Chumber Ifraz Ahmed Venetia Rook Annie Birchall Jane Fallon Lauren Tombs Sarah Rees

WE CHAT TO CLAIRE DOWNES - START-UP FOUNDER AWARD WINNER 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. Louise Mardenborough Phil Hyde Sami Neale (Cornick) Jessica Melia Stuart Lane Ella Dzeble Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber B Events #MWIT24

LISTEN TO DALJINDER MATTU - WINNER OF TECH PROFESSIONAL (NON-CODING) AWARD TALKING ABOUT HER WIN. Daljinder Mattu 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. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology #MWIT24

WE CHAT TO LOUISE LATTER - WINNER OF BEST USE OF TECH IN A PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECT AWARD Louise Latter has been an integral part of BOM (Birmingham Open Media) 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. See all the pics from the awards ceremony here: https://bit.ly/MWIT24 #MWIT24

Watch the Blue Carpet highlight video from the 5th Midlands Women in Tech Awards 2024 presented by B Events, hosted by the wonderful Lauren Redfern as she chats with some of our amazing finalists and winners. What an incredible celebration of women in tech! Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and a huge thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who made this event possible. Shout out to Shahid Raza of Projectile Creative for the fantastic filming and final edit— the video looks awesome! Stay tuned for individual full interviews, coming out soon. #MWIT24 Congratulations to all the winners! Prof Deborah Leary OBE D.Univ,FRSA Lalita Taylor FRSA Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber Becki Floyd Louise Latter Daljinder Mattu Claire Downes Amandip Kaur Jheeta Alison Palmer Fay Gleeson Helen Dickens CMgr MCMI Anitha Chinnaswamy Nukey Proctor Pamela Aculey Professor Hanifa Shah Stacey Watson Karen Newman Rebecca Hitch Joanna Birch Katharine Fuller Debbie Assinder Naeem Arif, MBA, Agile, SAP, NED Dan Barlow Dr. Jagdev Kaur Bhogal FBCS Pam Waddell OBE Miruna Chipara Jude Hough Clare Streets Reena Sidhu

Looking back at last Friday’s #MidlandsWomenInTechAwards highlight video, and all we can say is – wow! What an epic celebration of the incredible women in tech. The energy, the passion, the support… it was all simply amazing! We honoured some of the most talented and inspiring women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and leading innovation in tech. Thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable – from our fantastic sponsors to our brilliant nominees and everyone who attended. Let’s keep this momentum going as we continue to support and empower women in tech! Thank you Edwin Ladd for producing this fantastic highlight video! Ifraz Ahmed Anita Chumber Alison Palmer Amandip Kaur Jheeta Fay Gleeson Denzil Pudota Naeem Arif, MBA, Agile, SAP, NED Debbie Assinder Prof Deborah Leary OBE D.Univ,FRSA Lalita Taylor FRSA Joanna Birch Karen Newman Rebecca Hitch Stacey Watson Professor Hanifa Shah Nukey Proctor Pamela Aculey Helen Dickens CMgr MCMI Anitha Chinnaswamy Daljinder Mattu Claire Downes Louise Latter Becki Floyd #MWIT24 #WomenInTech #MidlandsTech #CelebratingSuccess #EmpoweringWomen

CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA HITCH - WINNER OF SHINING STAR AWARD 2024 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.

CONGRATULATIONS STACEY WATSON - WINNER OF APPRENTICE AWARD 2024 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. See all the pics from the awards ceremony here: https://bit.ly/MWIT24 #MWIT24