Exceptional women from across the UK technology sector have been honoured at the annual Salesforce everywoman in Technology Awards, recognising innovation, leadership and impact at every stage of the career ladder.
Held at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London, the awards mark the 16th year of the programme, which aims to spotlight female talent in a sector where representation remains a persistent challenge. Women currently account for just 24.8% of the STEM workforce, down from 29.4% in 2020, underlining the need for continued efforts to attract and retain female talent.
Organisers said this year’s winners reflect the breadth of the industry, from apprentices and early-career professionals to senior executives and entrepreneurs driving global change.
Nicole Goodwin and Sophie Catto, joint managing directors of AllBright everywoman, said the awards highlight not only individual achievement but the wider social impact of women in technology.
“Remarkable women across the technology sector are developing innovations that have the power to transform how we live and work,” they said. “By amplifying their stories, we create visible role models who can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.”
The prestigious Woman of the Year award was presented to Aji Bawo, Head of Commercial Product at Tesco. Bawo was recognised for her leadership in driving large-scale digital transformation in retail, alongside her work supporting girls’ education and empowering future female leaders globally.
Her work has focused on improving efficiency, scalability and customer experience through technology, while also championing diversity and mentoring emerging talent within and beyond her organisation.
Among the category winners, Nausheen Basha of Imperial College London took the AI Champion award for her work combining AI, simulation and engineering design to accelerate scientific discovery, including applications in renewable energy and vaccine manufacturing.
Rebecca Phelps of BAE Systems was recognised in cybersecurity for her work on secure systems and collaboration with national security bodies, while Nicola Emsley of Barclays was named CTO/CIO of the Year for her leadership in digital transformation and generative AI adoption.
In the entrepreneurship category, Fiona Roach Canning, co-founder and CEO of fintech platform Pollinate, was honoured for scaling a global business that supports banks in serving SMEs through data-driven insights.
Other winners included professionals working in digital transformation, software engineering, climate technology and education, alongside individuals recognised for their contributions to mentoring, inclusion and community engagement.
The awards also place a strong emphasis on early talent. Apprentice winner Kelly Howes was recognised for her transition into software engineering and advocacy for neurodiversity, while Nina Kumar received the One to Watch award for inspiring young women to pursue STEM subjects.
Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce UK & Ireland, said the need for greater diversity in technology is becoming increasingly urgent as AI takes on a more central role in decision-making.
“As AI increasingly powers high-stakes decisions, it is essential that more women enter and advance in the technology industry to prevent perpetuating societal biases,” she said. “We cannot be what we cannot see.”
The awards come at a time when the technology sector is grappling with both rapid innovation and ongoing diversity challenges. While progress has been made in some areas, declining participation rates highlight the risk of widening gaps if action is not sustained.
By recognising role models across the industry, the Salesforce everywoman awards aim to shift perceptions, broaden access and ensure that the future of technology reflects a wider range of voices and experiences.
As the sector continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI, initiatives that promote inclusion and visibility are likely to play a critical role in shaping not only who works in technology, but how it is built and applied.
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Tech trailblazers recognised at Salesforce Everywoman Awards