Elevate - Women in Tech
By Kellie Kwarteng
Our purpose is to elevate and inspire women and girls into or to remain in the tech sector from the classroom to the boardroom.
Elevate - Women in Tech May 10, 2024
Breaking Taboos on Women's Health - Introduction
Breaking Taboos on Women's Health 🚺 Elevate - Women in Tech New Podcast Series!!
Too many important women's health topics get brushed aside as "taboo." Not anymore!
I'm launching a powerful new series on the Elevate - Women in Tech Women in Tech podcast.
We'll have real, honest discussions about:
💜 Reproductive rights
💜 Maternal care
💜 Mental health
💜 Menopause
💜 ...And more!
Hear unfiltered stories from women who've been there. Get advice from leading experts. Nothing is off-limits as we destigmatize and demystify.
From preventative care to systemic change, we're tackling it all - one taboo at a time.
Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube to stay tuned!
Beyond Lip Service: Moving Women in Tech Beyond the Broken Rung - Elevate Women in Tech meets Jenny Garrett OBE
In this thought-provoking episode, Elevate Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng chats with Jenny Garrett, OBE, a renowned expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion, sheds light on the persisting underrepresentation of women in tech leadership roles.
Despite efforts towards gender parity, women make up only 26% of tech workers and a mere 9% of tech leadership positions – a phenomenon often referred to as the "broken rung."
Jenny delves into the significant barriers hindering women's advancement, such as the lack of representation, unsupportive work cultures, and the constant need for self-advocacy. She offers practical steps organizations can take to repair this broken rung:
📍 Implement sponsorship programs to advocate for women's potential
📍 Appreciate diversity of thought and create inclusive environments
📍 Foster active allyship, where everyone plays a role in supporting women's success
📍 Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion as a core strategic priority
The conversation also highlights the importance of allyship, particularly from men, in driving positive change. Jenny shares insights on what effective allyship looks like in practice, from understanding women's experiences to speaking up in the moment and amplifying their voices.
The episode is a powerful reminder that true change requires a collective effort – recognizing the power of allyship, challenging stereotypes, and finding connections among all individuals.
Tune in to this inspiring episode to uncover the importance of retention, the impact of microaggressions, and the necessity of effective allyship in creating equitable pathways for women in tech leadership.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Jenny Garrett, OBE,
To purchase Jenny's Book - Equality vs Equity
JennyGarrett Global/ Reflexion Associates
Access Coaching Directory - Diverse Executive Coach Directory
Details on Rocking Ur Teens CiC
This episode is sponsored by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the professional body for the tech sector. They’re on a mission to build a trusted profession that can steer technology on a safe path and take on the big challenges facing the world today. They know that every time a girl drops computing at GCSE, or a female worker switches her career in tech to another path, it’s a major blow to the profession and our collective potential. That’s why BCS is using the power of their global community to bring about real change - reaching out across diverse communities, addressing bias, celebrating role models, supporting skills development and career opportunities.
When EDI in tech is the norm — in every lecture theatre, dev team and board meeting — that’s when we unlock a profession that takes us into a fairer digital future. If you’re a student, teacher, working in tech or a leader in tech, join forces with BCS and let’s make the vision a reality. To find out more about the work BCS is doing in the sector and how to join them on their mission, go to bcs.org/BringItOn
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in Tech on
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
From Untapped to Unstoppable: Elevating Diverse Voices in Tech - Elevate Women in Tech meets - Michelle Ansell
In this captivating episode of Elevate Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng delves into the inspiring journey of Michelle Ansell a Global Financial Services Leader and Market Data Expert. As a neurodiverse woman navigating the tech industry, Michelle shares her unique perspective and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in this field.
Discover how organizations can embrace neurodiversity and create a more inclusive work environment. Learn about the transformative tools, like 'how to work with me' scorecards and chat tools, that can support and empower neurodivergent professionals. Explore the crucial role of leaders and allies in fostering a culture of mentorship, allyship, and empowerment for underrepresented groups.
This conversation highlights the importance of sponsorship, mentorship, and allyship in building an inclusive workforce. Dive into the value of reverse mentorship and the need for organizations to embrace social mobility and open doors to talent from non-traditional backgrounds.
Whether you're a woman in tech, a diversity and inclusion champion, or a leader looking to drive positive change, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to unleash the power of neurodiversity and create a truly inclusive tech ecosystem.
Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we uncover the transformative potential of embracing neurodiversity and supporting the success of women in the tech industry.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Michelle Ansell on LinkedIn
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in Tech on
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
From Fine Arts to Tech Leadership: Jen Beattie's Unconventional Journey into Women in Tech
On this inspiring episode of Elevate Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng is joined by Jen Beattie to discuss her remarkable career transition from a fine arts degree to becoming the Head of Engineering at Givepanel.
Jen candidly shares her unconventional path into the world of women in tech and the hurdles she overcame as a non-traditional hire.
Discover how a simple website project during university ignited Jen's passion for coding, leading her to take the leap into an internship that kickstarted her tech career. Jen opens up to Kellie about battling imposter syndrome, the importance of allies and mentors for women in tech, and practical strategies for women pursuing career changes into technology from diverse backgrounds.
You'll gain valuable insights into fostering an inclusive workplace culture for women in tech roles, the power of cultivating a "culture of candor," and actionable tips for companies looking to attract and retain women in tech. Whether you're a career switcher, hiring manager, or avid supporter of women in STEM and women in tech, this episode offers inspiring wisdom and tangible advice.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Jen Beattie on LinkedIn
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in Tech on
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Cracking the Code to Breaking Bias: Empowering Women in Tech - Elevate Women in Tech Meets Abena Akuffo - Kelly
Join our host Kellie Kwarteng of Elevate - Women in Tech as she interviews Abena Akuffo-Kelly Chair of Folkestone & Hythe District Council and EDIB Consultant Kaena Consulting.
In this episode, we're spotlighting bias, intersectionality, and leadership's important role in creating inclusive cultures.
Key takeaways include:
💡 Understanding bias and unconscious bias: How they manifest for women and minority groups in tech.
🌈 Intersectionality: The importance of recognising individuals beyond data sets.
🔑 Leadership's vital role: Setting the tone for addressing bias and cultivating inclusivity.
🚀 Bias-free hiring and promotion: Tips for companies to ensure fair practices.
👑 Authentic self: Empowering advice for women navigating tech careers.
Don't miss this powerful discussion that will inspire, educate, and ignite change!
Useful resource links:
To connect with Abena Akuffo-Kelly on LinkedIn
For information about Kaena Consulting
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 - Elevate Women in Tech - Vanessa Eyles Detective Superintendent West Midlands Police /Managing Director Cyber Resilience Centre
Join our host Kellie Kwarteng of Elevate - Women in Tech as she interviews Vanessa Eyles Detective Superintendent at West Midlands Police and the Managing Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands
Vanessa shares her remarkable 30-year journey rising through the ranks of law enforcement to Detective Superintendent. She discusses developing into leadership by "Stealth Mode" - quietly taking on projects others overlooked to build her skills and portfolio and rise to the top.
Key takeaways include:
📈 The concept of "Developing into Leadership by Stealth Mode" and strategies for quietly honing leadership skills.
💜 Advice for women aspiring to leadership positions on building capabilities, even when their voice might not be the loudest.
🤝 Practical steps organizations can take to create environments that support women's growth and advancement, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
💻 Insights into the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands and its mission to enhance cyber resilience in the region.
Join Kellie and Vanessa for an empowering discussion on breaking barriers, developing leadership skills, and making an impact in male-dominated industries. Don't miss this insightful episode!
Useful resource links:
To connect with Vanessa Eyles on LinkedIn
For information about the Cyber Resilience Centre where membership is FREE to become a member and protect your business.
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Be the Spider Not the Fly: Leading with Equity and Inclusion - Elevate Women in Tech meets Rebecca Salsbury - CTO at The Financial Times
Join host Kellie Kwarteng of Elevate - Women in Tech as she interviews Rebecca Salsbury CTO at Financial Times.
Rebecca introduces the metaphor "be the spider 🕷, not the fly 🪰" - taking control of your career web instead of feeling trapped and shares her nonlinear, "squiggly" career journey and how she embraced it, from wanting to be a math teacher to leading tech teams at the BBC, Napster, Sky, and now the Financial Times.
We discuss:
🗣 Resisting pressures and taking charge of your career
💜 Being an authentic, introverted leader
🌟 Creating inclusive teams and equitable opportunities
👩💻 Leadership is not just about people leaders and the need for IC tech leadership career paths
🫶 Why diversity results from inclusion
🎯 Top 5 tips for women looking to advance their career in tech
This is an inspiring episode on charting your own path, knowing your motivators and strengths, and not being afraid to change direction.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Rebecca Salsbury: LinkedIn
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
'Why ‘women in tech’ is not just about women in tech' - Elevate - Women in Tech - meets Sarah Persov - Engineering Team Lead
Join host Kellie Kwarteng of Elevate - Women in Tech as she interviews Sarah Persov, Engineering Team Lead at Dojo, about challenges facing women in tech and building more diverse and inclusive engineering teams.
Sarah shares her experiences as both a technical lead and people manager fostering the next generation of engineers. She discusses work culture biases that can isolate women, impacting careers and retention.
Learn how Sarah advocates for women in tech, from investigating issues anonymously to speaking engagements informing change. She offers advice for women navigating exclusion, imbalance, and lack of respect.
Hear Sarah's perspective on the evolution of diversity efforts, ongoing unconscious biases, and the need for empowering women to support women. Discover small steps companies can take to break down barriers for women in tech through policies, wording, safe forums, hearing feedback, and continuous improvement.
Gain insights on achieving the full potential of diverse teams through psychological safety, valuing individuals, and learning from failures. Tune in for an honest look at misconceptions, respect, and bringing your whole self to work.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Sarah Persov: LinkedIn
Website - https://www.sarahpersov.com/
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
The Secret Sauce: Building Winning Teams and overcoming Imposter Syndrome - Evie Dineva meets Elevate - Women in Tech
In this Elevate Women in Tech podcast episode, host Kellie interviews Evie Dineva, Head of Data Engineering and Data Science at Gymshark. They discuss Evie's unique background transitioning from biochemistry to tech, challenges faced, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of building people-first teams.
Evie shares her perspectives on being a woman in male-dominated environments early in her career and offers advice for other women dealing with ageism, gaining confidence, and speaking up. She emphasizes leaning into imposter syndrome as a way to drive continuous self-improvement.
The conversation covers ways Evie aims to develop her team's potential and nurture growth, such as supporting different career aspirations, keeping track of achievements, shadowing, and learning in real situations. Evie underscores the value of building trust, being vulnerable as a leader, and truly getting to know team members on a personal level to create cultures of open feedback and collaboration.
They also discuss the need for greater self-awareness around unconscious biases in hiring and mentorship and taking individual actions beyond just company diversity strategies. Throughout, Evie offers insights from her experiences building inclusive, people-first teams amidst challenges.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Evie Dineva
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech - Making Tech More Inclusive: Lucy Wilson on Neurodiversity
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng interviews Lucy Wilson, an Engineering Manager at ASOS, about her experiences as a neurodivergent woman working in tech.
Lucy shares her career journey, starting in a warehouse role before transitioning to finance and project management. She found her way into tech through a service delivery analyst position and now manages engineers, focusing on their wellbeing, goals and career development as an Engineering Manager.
Key topics include:
- Lucy's journey into tech and lived experience as a neurodivergent woman working in tech
- How workplaces can support neurodiverse individuals to thrive. Lucy explains how masking her symptoms previously impacted her productivity.
- Useful strategies and tools Lucy uses to manage her ADHD, like time-boxing and gamification.
- Ways managers can support neurodiverse employees through flexibility, communities, and inclusive hiring and onboarding practices.
Tune in to learn from Lucy's inspirational experiences and insights on creating a neuroinclusive culture in tech.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Lucy Wilson
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Female Founders Series - Chelsea Maffia - A Non-Traditional Path to EdTech as a Black Female Founder
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng interviews Chelsea Maffia, Founder and CEO of Play Morgan Studios.
We discuss Chelsea's inspirational journey as a black female founder revolutionising education through gamification 🎮💡. Despite having a non-technical background, she pivoted from construction to tech entrepreneurship.
Chelsea shares her valuable insights on the challenges faced by women founders, especially women of color, in fundraising and entering the male-dominated startup world. She provides tips for non-technical founders and emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience.
Key topics include:
- Overview of Play Morgan Studios' mission to make learning fun through gamification
- Chelsea's perspective as a black female founder in tech
- Her non-traditional career journey from construction to edtech
- Fundraising challenges faced as a bootstrapped, black female founder
- Advice for non-technical founders entering tech
- Chelsea's vision for making education innovative, accessible, and inclusive
Tune into this empowering episode to hear Chelsea's inspirational story. Gain insights into levelling up education through game-based learning.
Useful resource links:
Connect with Chelsea Maffia on LinkedIn
Play Morgan Studios - Website
Google Play: Link
Apple App Store: Link
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
𝘽𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙡𝙮: 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 - Elevate Women in Tech meets Rebecca Salsbury CTO at the Financial Times
In this episode, Kellie Kwarteng speaks with Rebecca Salisbury, CTO at the Financial Times, about her nonlinear, "squiggly" career path and how she came to embrace it. Rebecca shares how she went from wanting to be a math teacher to leading tech teams at organizations like the BBC, Napster, and Sky.
She explains why traditional ladder climbing isn't the only way to advance your career, especially for women in tech. Rebecca introduces the metaphor of "being the spider, not the fly" - taking charge of your career web instead of feeling trapped.
Key topics covered include:
- Rebecca's journey from education to becoming a CTO
- Being an authentic, introverted leader
- Creating inclusive teams and equitable opportunities
- Creating career pathers for People and Technical Leaders
- Why diversity results from inclusion
- Tips for women looking to advance in Tech
Tune in to hear Rebecca's stories and advice on resisting external pressures, knowing your motivators and strengths, and not being afraid to change direction if something isn't working. You'll be inspired to chart your own "squiggly" career path.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Rebecca Salsbury - LinkedIn
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Feel free to join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate Women in Tech meets – Hena Naranbhai – Director of Strategic Development – Lifting as We Climb
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng Founder & CEO of Elevate Women in Tech, and Halzak interview Hena Naranbhai, a Director of Strategic Development at Barclays who is a passionate advocate for women in tech.
Hena shares her career journey traversing between finance, accounting, and technology. She provides advice for women looking to transition into tech roles and explains how finance skills transfer over.
Key topics include:
- The ongoing challenges facing women in tech
- The role mentors and sponsors played in Hena's advancement to leadership.
- Tips for finding and connecting with mentors.
- The value of women in tech communities for retention and growth.
- Hena's approach to furthering DEI through employee resource groups, events, hiring practices and more.
- Ways those in privileged positions (male allies, senior female leaders) can support women in tech.
Tune in to learn from Hena's insightful experiences and dedication to uplifting women in technology.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Hena Naranbhai
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets - Claire Podulka - Chief of Staff at TXI - Navigating motherhood whilst forging a career in tech leadership
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng Founder & CEO of Elevate Women in Tech, and Halzak interviews Claire Podulka, Chief of Staff at TXI on navigating motherhood whilst forging a career in tech leadership
They discuss Claire’s career journey from Journalist and Private Detective to Tech Leader at TXI as Chief of Staff. Key themes include:
- Her journey from journalist and private detective to tech leader
- The importance to prioritise self-care and "no hat time" as a working mom.
- How to approach employers about implementing parent-friendly policies
- What companies can do better through benefits and policies to support working parent?
- The importance of supporting leave policies in supporting working parents and to help retain great talent.
- Her outlook on the change needed to support working moms/parents better
This candid discussion offers great insights for women navigating motherhood and tech careers, while encouraging companies to implement meaningful policies that support women.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Claire Podulka - LinkedIn
To learn more about TXI
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets - Holly Mather - Engineering Manager at Enable - 𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩: 𝘼 𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙃𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙩
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, host Kellie Kwarteng Founder & CEO of Elevate Women in Tech, and Halzak interviews Holly Mather, Engineering Manager at Enable about strategies for unlocking untapped talent in tech.
They discuss Holly's career journey from research engineering to people management, and her current work at Enable building an inclusive culture and driving the DEI strategy. Key themes include:
- The ongoing challenges facing women entering tech, including lack of representation and inclusive cultures.
- The benefits of diverse engineering teams, including diversity of thought and experience.
- Effective hiring practices like removing bias from job descriptions and showcasing company culture.
- Retention tactics like employee resource groups, mentoring programs, and empowering women.
- Advice for women pursuing leadership roles, including finding sponsors and advocating for yourself.
This insightful discussion provides practical tips for tech companies looking to attract, hire, and retain more diverse technical talent.
Tune in to Elevate - Women in Tech podcast and learn from Holly's experience driving change.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Holly Mather - LinkedIn
To learn more about Enable
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Female Founders Series meets YoDayo's Susan Huang: Fundraising and Perseverance Tips for Female Founders
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, our host Kellie Kwarteng Founder & CEO of Elevate Women in Tech and Halzak interviews Susan Huang, Co-Founder and COO of YoDayo.
We discuss Susan's valuable insights and tips on being a female co-founder. From her mantra of "Dont give up, Dont give up and Dont give up!!" to raising capital with both angel investors and VC funding.
The journey of 3 business pivots until the hugely successful launch of YoDayo, which is a social hub for anime & vtuber fans, providing text-to-image generators, AI chatbots, and social feeds.
This is a must-listen episode for any female founders on that startup journey.
Tune in to the Elevate - Women in Tech podcast to join this fascinating conversation.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Susan - LinkedIn
YoDayo - https://yodayo.com/
Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yodayo-anime-art-generator/id6443662462
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yodayo.android
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Female Founders Series - Raising Capital Without VC Money: An Entrepreneur's Unconventional Journey
In this episode of Elevate - Women in Tech, our host Kellie Kwarteng Founder & CEO of Elevate Women in Tech and Halzak interviews Jennifer Dyer, a serial entrepreneur and business coach who helps female founders raise capital through unconventional means.
We discuss Jennifer's unique journey bootstrapping multiple startups without reliance on traditional VC investors and how she has raised over $30m in investment.
Jennifer shares how she crafted compelling pitch decks focused on what high net worth individuals want to see. She provides tips for nailing an elevator pitch and key strategies she teaches female founders through her course "Winning Your Way to Capital: The Unsophisticated Bag." and just launched E100 Club her exclusive membership academy is a comprehensive learning, training and guidance for individuals looking to excel in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
We also have an insightful discussion about why only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders, especially women of color. They explore what needs to change in the VC and investment landscape to be more accessible and supportive of diverse founders.
This episode is essential listening for any female founders looking to fundraise and want to hear from someone who has tackled fundraising and business growth without dependence on VCs.
Tune in to the Elevate - Women in Tech podcast to join this fascinating conversation.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Jennifer - LinkedIn or Website
The Unsophisticated Bag - Winning your way to capital
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Feel free to come join our Slack community a safe space for women to connect
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets - Yamilee Toussaint - Founder & CEO of STEM from Dance
Get ready to be inspired as we chat with trailblazer Yamilee Toussaint, who is on a mission to empower 1 million girls of color to dream big in STEM fields by 2032.
Did you know that less than a third of STEM workers are women, and fewer than 5% are women of color?* Yamilee is out to change that through her organization STEM from Dance.
In this uplifting episode, Yamilee shares her personal journey from MIT-educated mechanical engineer to launching a dance organization that gets girls excited about science, tech, math, and engineering. We discuss how shifting mindsets is key for girls to feel like they truly belong in these fields.
Tune in for an energizing conversation about breaking barriers and stereotypes. Yamilee shows how we can open girls' eyes to the possibility that a career in tech is not only viable, but vitally needed, to ensure tomorrow's technology represents our diverse world.
Let Yamilee's story inspire you to empower the girls in your life to dream big and boldly pursue opportunities in STEM.
Useful resource links:
To connect with Yamilee on LinkedIn
Check out STEM from Dance:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stem-from-dance
Website: https://stemfromdance.org/
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Join our Slack community
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak - Connecting companies with diverse technical talent
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech Meets - The Brown Girl League
Come on a journey as we interview the 3 Founders of The Brown Girl League as they share their journeys into tech via Apprenticeship Degree Programmes and why they set up the incredible Brown Girl League!
Meet our guests
Sonal Jain - Software Engineer at Goldman Sachs
Jainna Bhalla - Project Manager Degree Apprentice at Leonardo
Tara Suran - Senior Management Consultant at IBM
Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Join our Slack community
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak and Elevate - Women in Tech.
Female Founder Series - Dr Pauldy Otermans - AI teacher in your pocket
Welcome to the first episode of our Elevate - Women in Tech series focused on Female Founders! In this episode, we interview Dr. Pauldy Otermans, Co-Founder of Otermans Institute, the world's first AI teacher.
Dr. Otermans has a background in neuroscience and psychology and is now a female leader in the AI industry, with a mission to upskill 750 million underserved learners globally by 2030 through Otermans Institute's AI teachers Beatrice and Teddy.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Otermans Institute's mission to make quality education accessible globally
- How the pandemic caused them to pivot to AI
- How Otermans' AI teachers Beatrice and Teddy can transform education through personalized and adaptable learning
- How the AI teacher interacts with learners
- Barries women face entering the AI industry
This is an inspiring chat about female empowerment and leadership in AI - an episode not to be missed for those interested in education, AI, and women in tech!
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Dr Pauldy Otermans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pauldy-otermans/
Our company’s website: https://www.oiedu.co.uk/
OI's Instagram: @oiedu19 Otermans Institute (@oiedu19) • Instagram photos and videos
Teddy AI Instagram: @teddyai_official Teddy AI (@teddyai_official) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Otermans Institute (LinkedIn)
Twitter: @Otermans_Edu X (twitter.com)
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Join our Slack community
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets - Professor Jackie Carter - Founder of the Data Fellows Programme and University of Manchester - Professor of Statistical Literacy
Are you ready to be inspired by award-winning scholar Professor Jackie Carter, whose pioneering work is breaking barriers for women in data careers?
Jackie shares the vision behind her acclaimed Data Fellows Programme. That provides data skills training and work placement opportunities to Social Science and Humanities Degree students. With 70% female participation, helping close the gender gap and develop a future talent pipeline of students who would not have considered a career in Data or Tech.
We discuss the obstacles still discouraging women from tech and how stereotypes limit girls' aspirations early on. Jackie offers advice on dismantling barriers and making data education inclusive and the essential role educators play in this process.
For women considering late-bloomer tech careers, Jackie provides guidance on leveraging transferable skills from her own experiences. Tune in for an inspiring chat on empowering women to enter the world of data. Jackie is breaking boundaries so all can envision themselves in tech.
Be sure to tune in now as this is an episode not to be missed!
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Professor Jackie Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackiecarter/
More information about Jackie and her awards / Data Fellows Programme:
Information about the Data Fellows Programme: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drjackiecarter_qstep-shape-activity-7092146647245225984-u0Xw/
Everywoman in Tech Academic award winner 2023 https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/tech-industry-award/
Helping students realise their full potential and optimise employability https://studentnews.manchester.ac.uk/2023/09/01/helping-students-realise-their-full-potential-and-optimise-their-employability/
Interview with Jackie Carter https://www.timeshighereducation.com/people/interview-jackie-carter
Book - Carter, J Work Placements, Internships and Applied Social Research (2021)
One in Twenty Women in Data award 2020 https://womenindata.co.uk/twentyindata2020/jackie.php
Teaching and Scholarship Award 2020 Advance HE National Teaching Fellow
Open access paper: Carter J Developing a future pipeline of applied social researchers through experiential learning: the case of a data fellows programme. Statistical Journal of the IAOS, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 935-950, 2021
Be sure to Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn.
Join our Slack community
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech meets Emma Bayley Melendez - iOS Software Dev & Founder of SheChatsTech
Get ready to have your passion sparked by Emma Bayley-Melendez, a bold tech career changer now thriving as a Graduate iOS Developer at Mkodo
Emma made the incredible leap from studying Politics and International Relations to pursuing her interest in coding. She shares the challenges faced transitioning into tech without a computer science degree.
Driven by her experience, Emma founded the She Chats Tech community to empower other women from non-technical backgrounds to enter and grow in the industry.
Emma also provides her wisdom on how the tech sector can evolve to embrace candidates from all backgrounds - not just computer science.
You'll leave this episode fired up by Emma's inspirational attitude of embracing new adventures. Her story proves it's never too late to pivot into an exciting tech career.
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Emma Bayley Melendez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabayley-melendez
She Chats Tech Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-chats-tech/
Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech meets Jenny Farver - CEO at 8th Light
Are you ready to be inspired by tech trailblazer Jenny Farver, whose remarkable journey has taken her from engineer to CEO of software consultancy 8th Light.
Jenny shares in this episode the real challenges she faced on her rise to the top in the Chicago tech start-up scene. Now she's an unstoppable force for women in tech - speaking at conferences, teaching future leaders, and guiding startups.
She shares invaluable insights for women and employers looking to relaunch tech careers after a break, drawing from her own experience after a career break.
Jenny is passionate about attracting top talent from non-traditional backgrounds. She lays out how companies can embrace new models to fill skills gaps with a focus on career changers as a route to attract diverse and under-represented talent via the 8th Light Apprenticeship program.
Hit that play button now - this is one episode you do not want to miss!
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Jenny Farver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-farver-6921212/
8th Light Apprenticeship Programme: https://8thlight.com/apprenticeship
Follow Elevate- Women in tech on LinkedIn
Connect with your Host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech - Meets Angelina Tsuboi - NASA Intern and Tech Trailblazer.
Welcome to Episode 5 of Elevate – Women in Tech! Get ready to be blown away as we dive into the world of Angelina Tsuboi, a 17-year-old tech trailblazer.
Meet Angelina – the prodigy who's rewriting the rules. She's not just a full-stack software and mechatronics developer, she's a pilot, a scientific explorer, and a NASA Intern
Angelina isn't just about lines of code; she's about changing the world. She launched her debut app, Lilac, on the Apple Store at just 16! Followed up with the genius Pocket CPR app for the Apple Watch, snagging Apple's 2022 Swift Student Challenge. This led to an invitation to Apple’s prestigious Worldwide Developer Conference and a face-to-face with Apple's CEO, Tim Cook.
She addresses the lack of tailored STEM activities for girls. The importance of challenging stereotypes along the way and the need to futureproof the next generation of girls in tech to more modern tech methods beyond the usual web and app development.
And that's not all – Angelina shares practical advice on how she built her confidence by being "comfortable being uncomfortable"
Get ready, tech enthusiasts! Angelina Tsuboi is here to demonstrate that passion propels the extraordinary, and those who shape the future are the ones who write its code. Are you excited to be inspired?
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Angelina Tsuboi:
Website: angelinatsuboi.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-tsuboi-322028211/
Interested in Angelina's STEM Meow Mixer PCB
https://retia.io/products/meow-mixer-pcb
Recommended Discord / Meet-up groups
Cyber Weapons Lab group: https://www.meetup.com/cyber-weapons-lab-la/ Physics Discord Community: https://discord.gg/physics
To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Halzak Website: https://halzak.com/services/
Elevate: https://halzak.com/elevate/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech - Meets Seemin Suleri- VP of Engineering - Prima
Are you ready to be inspired? Join us on this episode as we take you on a journey with Seemin Suleri, a tech trailblazer who has conquered the digital world over 17 extraordinary years – from software engineer to VP of Engineering at Prima!
Seemin is not just an industry leader; she's an agent for change, specializing in building high-performance teams and driving cultural and technological transformations in businesses.
But that's not all – Seemin is also a devoted mom of two, fiercely advocating for flexibility and inclusion in teams, breaking barriers for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Her passion for increasing the representation of women in software led her to co-found "Women in Tech Dorset" in the UK – a dynamic community fueling collaboration and inspiration.
In this captivating episode, Seemin shares her invaluable insights on the evolving landscape for women in tech, the challenges she faced while climbing the ladder of success, and the importance of creating your own opportunities. As Seemin wisely puts it, "𝐀𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬."
And that's not all – Seemin dishes out invaluable advice for employers eager to impact female representation in their tech teams.
Don't miss this empowering conversation with Seemin Suleri – a visionary leader shaping the future for women in tech. Tune in now to get inspired and charged to make a difference in the world of technology!
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Seemin Suleri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suleri/
Women in Tech Dorset - https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-tech-dorset/
Connect with your Host
To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng - Founder and CEO of Halzak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate - Women in Tech - Meets Erica Lockheimer - VP of Engineering - LinkedIn
Welcome to Episode 3 of the Elevate - Women in Tech Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.
In this inspiring episode, we meet Erica Lockheimer - VP of Engineering at LinkedIn, overseeing the LinkedIn Talent Solutions suite. Tune in as Erica shares her journey in the tech world spanning over 20 years.
Sharing her early days at San Jose State University, where she embarked on her tech adventure.From facing the brink of dropping out to discovering her true inspiration and sense of belonging.
Navigating through the tech industry, Erica opens up about the unique challenges she encountered as the only woman in the room. Discover how she learned to be more intentional in seeking support and advocating for herself, breaking barriers and paving the way for more women in tech to rise to their full potential. Sharing her experiences of taking career breaks to raise her two children, proving that it's possible even though challenging to strike a balance between personal and professional aspirations.
Toward the end of our conversation, we explore the pressing topic of the tech skills gap and how employers can bridge it with a revolutionary "Skills-First Hiring" approach. Erica sheds light on the importance of prioritizing skills over traditional qualifications, opening doors for talent from diverse backgrounds to shine.
But it's not just about career growth; Erica reminds us of the significance of focusing on our mental well-being and fostering support within our teams. and uplifting work environment.
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Erica Lockheimer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericalockheimer/
Additional useful links
Skills First Hiring - Tear the Paper Lining - Movement - "The Paper Ceiling" - https://www.tearthepaperceiling.org
Connect with your Host
To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/
Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets Megan Bourdages - Fractional CSO and VP of Sales
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Elevate Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.
On this episode, we meet Megan Bourdages - Fractional CSO and VP of Sales. Megan shares her 19 years of sales experience as a sales leader and strategist in this episode. We cover how she has climbed the ladder twice to overcome challenges through to building and rebuilding her brand.
Megan also shares advice for Leadership looking to impact diversity within their team through her lived experience and an overview of her new business launch AMB International.
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Megan Bourgages:
www.linkedin.com/in/meganbourdages
Link to AMB International:
Link to 1:1 coaching for career guidance: https://app.coaching.com/p/ambinternational
To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/ Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Elevate meets Irina Stanescu - Tech Lead Manager at Mnemonic
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Elevate Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.
On this episode, we meet Irina Stanescu - Tech Team Lead at Mnemonic, a pre-series A blockchain data insights startup.
Irina will be sharing her journey from the classroom and her love for programming, working in teams, and building things. An overview of her past 14 years within the tech industry from graduating from school in Romania to moving to the USA to start her 1st position at Google and the position she holds today as Tech Lead at Mnemonic. We will also dive into the importance of personal investment and the role of a coach/mentor.
Useful resource links:
To connect with our guest Irina Stanescu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinastanescu/
Irina's Coaching Website: https://irinastanescu.com/
To subscribe to Irina's newsletter "Musings of a Caring Techie":
https://www.thecaringtechie.com/
Sites Irina mentioned:
Senior Engineers / Leader - Mentors: https://www.platohq.com/
For finding a coach: https://www.betterup.com/
Irina's Coach: https://prashadutra.com/
To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/ Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.
Introduction to Elevate
Welcome to “Elevate – Women in Tech” podcast series committed to uplifting and inspiring women and girls in the tech sector from the classroom to the boardroom. With a clear focus on bridging the tech industry’s gender gap whilst creating an inclusive and supporting tech community for all.
The show is hosted by Halzak’s Founder and CEO Kellie Kwarteng. With her unwavering passion and dedication to empowering women in tech she will be interviewing remarkable Women in Tech who will share how and why they ventured into the world of technology, the challenges they encountered along the way, and the wisdom they've gained through their unique journeys.
We firmly believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive tech industry is not just an ambition but a shared responsibility. Elevate – Women in Tech aims to be a catalyst for change, encouraging companies, institutions, and individuals alike to embrace gender diversity fully.
So, join us as we celebrate the achievements of Women in Tech, celebrate the milestones they have conquered and aspire to create a future where women are truly at the forefront of technological progress.
Together, we will elevate each other, empower one another and shatter any remaining barriers, opening the way for a more equitable and innovative tech world.