The prestigious Women in Tech Awards took place on the 9th of October at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, celebrating the incredible work of women across the tech sector. Organised by BEvents, the ceremony recognised 13 brilliant winners and achievements throughout the industry, during what was a night to remember.
Hosted by Deborah Leary, CEO of Forensic Innovation, the ceremony saw guests from across the country come together to celebrate a year of fantastic achievements. The finalists were judged by an extensive panel, awarding tech’s brightest stars for their continued hard work in an industry that has traditionally struggled with underrepresentation.
The black-tie event, now in its fourth year, treated guests to a three-course meal and entertainment as well as welcoming a Managing Director of Accenture, Lisa Slade, as the keynote speaker.
From the Hall of Fame to Rising Stars, the categories spotlighted women at all stages of their careers. The full list of winners at the 2023 Women in Tech Awards are:
Project Delivery Lead Award: Charlotte Ludford – DEFRA
Tech Professional (Non-Coding) Award: Lisa Ventura MBE – Cyber Security Unity
Best Use of Tech in a Public Sector Project Award: Zara Topping – Ministry of Justice
Best Use of Tech in a Private Sector Project Award: Natalie Wadley – ChangeMaker 3D
Innovator Award: Kate Allan – ExpHand Prosthetics
Rising Star Award: Farah Shariff – PwC
Academic Award: Vladlena Benson – Cybersecurity Innovation Research Centre
Apprentice Award: Christa Bridges – PebblePad
Start-Up Founder Award: Olivia Simpson – Symbiotex
Tech Entrepreneur Award: Ilisha Masaun – Econominds
Shining Star Award: Chonticha Lueaaroonsawat – Jaguar Land Rover
Tech For Good Award: Anitha Chinnaswamy – Aston Business School
Special Recognition Award: Pam Waddell OBE – Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands
Commenting on the returning awards, Ifraz Ahmed, co-founder of event organisers, BEvents, said:
“The Women in Tech Awards are hugely important to us, and it’s a true honour to be able to spotlight and celebrate these fantastic finalists and winners. Our experienced panel had the privilege of being able to read through a range of incredible finalists and crown the very best the sector has to offer.
“It’s an exciting time for tech in the region and the Women in Tech Awards are the culmination of the hard work going on every single day to elevate the industry.”
Anita Chumber, also a co-founder of BEvents, shared her thoughts:
“We’d like to share a special thank you to all the who attended who joined us for a truly wonderful evening. Every nominee, judge, guest, member of staff, and of course, winner, made it a night to remember.
“Ifraz and I are delighted to be able to support women in tech and celebrate the work going on every day to drive growth, equality, and innovation in the region.
“Next year will mark 5 years of the Women in Tech Awards, and we are absolutely delighted to continue to spotlight women in one of the most exciting industries in the world.”
