This year, Sheridan Ash stands out as the most influential woman in UK tech. She co-founded Tech She Can, a charity aimed at closing the accessibility gap for female role models in the tech industry.
While we see high-profile women breaking barriers, many young girls crave relatable role models—those just a couple of steps ahead in their journeys. To address this, Computer Weekly launched the Rising Stars category back in 2014 to highlight women who can inspire others. Every year, alongside the top 50 list, judges recommend Rising Stars who are paving their way in tech and symbolize its future.
This year’s Rising Stars include:
Alice Hendy is the CEO and founder of R;pple, a digital suicide prevention tool she launched in 2020. This initiative helps those searching for self-harm or suicide resources. It’s not just a passion project; she also works as a cyber culture manager at Deloitte. Alice has a rich background in cybersecurity and shares her insights as a TEDx speaker and an ambassador for One Young World.
Sarah Underhill has been with Lloyds Banking Group since 1999, starting as a graduate. Now, she serves as HR director for technology and data within the Group Chief Operating Office, where she shapes people strategies focused on tech. Sarah has also participated on the board of the Tech Talent Charter, advocating for diversity in tech careers.
Feryal Clark is the parliamentary under-secretary of state for AI and digital government at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Her role spans AI regulation, transparency, and ethical standards, along with cyber security initiatives. Before her political career, Feryal focused on medical fields, studying bioinformatics and working in diagnostic biochemistry and virology.
Tania Duarte co-founded We and AI in 2020, a non-profit dedicated to ensuring AI development is inclusive. She leads the initiative to create diverse teams for shaping AI’s future. Additionally, Tania started Better Images of AI, which provides a library of images that challenge stereotypical representations of AI. In 2020, she also joined the editorial board of the AI and Ethics Journal.
Anushka Davis is the head of talent, engagement, diversity, and learning and development at Softcat. Her focus is on employee growth and the development of graduate and apprenticeship programs. Anushka serves on the advisory board for Women of the Channel, emphasizing community in her work.
Nikita Thakrar founded Included VC, a venture capital fund aimed at supporting diverse entrepreneurs in accessing the funding they need. Before this, she led innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives at Deep Science Ventures at Imperial College London.