Several of the region’s industry leaders have been nominated for awards at the latest Women in IT Awards.

Established to combat the industry’s lack of diversity, the Women in IT Awards series aims to redress the gender imbalance, by showcasing the achievements of women in the sector and identifying new role models. With the number of women in the industry sitting at 9% despite numerous initiatives to combat the lack of diversity, the awards can hopefully provide a high-profile platform to support the industry as it tries to move the dial on gender.

Across categories for entrepreneurs, CIOs and advocacy, we’re proud to see a few of the brilliant people from the South West on the list.  We had the chance to a speak to a couple of them about what it’s like to be nominated.

Marina Traversari – Advocate of the Year

‘Its humbling just to be nominated and recognised for the work you do, yet alone shortlisted – I feel honoured to be amongst such amazing women!

By coming together and empowering one another, reflecting on our achievements sharing the lessons learnt is the only way to drive this agenda in the right direction’.

 

Zara Nanu, Gapsquare – Entrepreneur of the year

“It’s great to be able to represent Bristol at the Women in IT Awards in the category Entrepreneur of the Year. Our city is an example of good practice of fostering more diversity in tech and it deserves the recognition for this.

We’ve been working hard on building a company that uses AI for the purpose of fostering equality and diversity in the workplace of the future, and it’s great to have this work recognised on a national level.”

Alongside Marina and Zara, several more members of our brilliant community have received a nod. These include Rachel Jones, Land Registry for CIO of the Year, Holly Nolan of Good Energy for Future CIO of the Year and Michelle Christmas, Nationwide for Transformation Leader of the Year.

Since its launch, in 2015, the Women in IT Awards have showcased women in technology across the world, this year’s awards will be held on 30 January.

Bristol Gapsquare