Since 2012, Computer Weekly has been recognizing influential women in UK technology with a list designed to elevate visibility and accessibility to female role models in the field. In 2015, the Hall of Fame was added to honor women who have dedicated their lives to advancing the tech sector, in addition to inspiring others to pursue careers in IT. This initiative has significantly broadened the recognition of outstanding women in technology.
Role models play a crucial role in encouraging individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter tech careers. Seeing people like themselves in various roles can help individuals visualize their future in these positions and understand the steps they can take to reach them. Each year, new inductees are added to the Hall of Fame not just to celebrate those who have worked tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion but also to ensure a greater representation of inspiring women on the top 50 list of the most influential figures in UK technology.
Profiles of Notable Honorees
Flavilla Fongang
As the managing director of 3 Colours Rule and founder of TLA Black Women in Tech, Flavilla Fongang was named Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Woman in UK Tech for 2022. A strategic brand specialist, Fongang focuses on enhancing brand engagement in tech companies. With a role as a brand advisor at the BBC and a partnership with the Entrepreneurship Centre at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, she advocates for greater representation of Black women in tech through her podcasting, writing, and other initiatives.
Clare Sutcliffe
Co-founder of Code Club, a free coding network for children aged 9-11, Clare Sutcliffe is a recognized advisor and investor in technology. Previously serving as the executive director for Raspberry Pi Foundation, she was instrumental in creating an online learning platform for digital projects. Sutcliffe’s contributions to technology were recognized with an MBE in 2015.
Janet Coyle
An experienced executive at London & Partners, Janet Coyle’s roles have included principal adviser and director of trade and growth. Since early 2021, she has served as managing director of business growth and has engaged in multiple organizations, including acting as co-chair for Tech London Advocates.
Tabitha Goldstaub
An expert in artificial intelligence, Tabitha Goldstaub co-founded CognitionX, a network focusing on AI and data systems. Currently executive director at Innovate Cambridge, she is committed to fostering an inclusive innovation strategy. Goldstaub has also authored books on AI, served as a government AI Council chair, and has been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting young female leaders in technology.
Wendy Tan White
As CEO of Intrinsic, an Alphabet company, Wendy Tan White also holds the position of vice president at X, Alphabet’s innovation lab. With a deep history in technology, including co-founding Moonfruit, she advocates for a robust digital economy in the UK and serves as a board trustee at the Alan Turing Institute.
Inductees to the Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame includes several notable individuals:
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Amali de Alwis: Former CEO of Code First: Girls and an advocate for diversity in tech, recognized with an MBE for her services in diversity and training.
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Andrea Palmer: With extensive experience in business transformation at BP, she actively promotes women’s involvement in technological fields.
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Anne Boden: CEO and founder of Starling Bank, Boden is known for her focus on customer-centric banking and has authored books to help individuals navigate digital finance.
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Anne-Marie Imafidon: A champion for young women in STEM as the founder of Stemettes, Imafidon is also a renowned advocate for diversity in technology.
- Carrie Anne Philbin: As part of the Institute of Imagination, Philbin works tirelessly to make computer science accessible to all, while also being active in various initiatives supporting women in tech.
The Hall of Fame and Computer Weekly’s recognition initiatives demonstrate the significance of diverse role models in the tech industry, aiming to inspire the next generation and support underrepresented groups in pursuing careers in technology.