Female Role Models to Look Out For in Digital and Tech
Role Model of the Year 2024 Finalists
As we celebrate the Role Model Award, we are proud to highlight the exceptional contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact in their fields. This year, we received an overwhelming number of nominations, showcasing the diversity and expertise within the community. We are excited to present a longlist of 20 outstanding role models who have excelled in their domains and are poised to make even greater strides in the coming year.
Meet the Longlist
Veda Kanala
Company: Sahaj Software
About: Veda Kanala is a seasoned Business and Technical leader with 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Head of Technology and UK Markets at Sahaj Software. Her career spans roles from Software Developer to Systems Architect, showcasing her versatile and polyglot skills in delivering effective technical solutions globally.
Veda excels in building and growing high-performing, client-focused teams and is adept at executive business relationships, growth strategies, and digital transformation. Her "Fail/Learn fast" mantra emphasizes rapid, iterative development.
A passionate advocate for women in tech, Veda mentors women to help them succeed in the industry and champions increased female representation in leadership roles.
Reason for Shortlisting: Veda Kanala has been shortlisted for the Role Model of the Year award due to her outstanding contributions to the tech industry and her exceptional leadership at Sahaj Software. Her ability to seamlessly transition between technical and business roles demonstrates her versatility and profound expertise. Veda has been instrumental in driving significant business growth, establishing key client relationships, and setting up high-performing teams.
Her dedication to mentoring women in tech and promoting gender diversity in leadership roles highlights her commitment to creating a more inclusive industry. Veda's influence extends beyond her professional achievements, as she actively engages in public speaking, blogging, and supporting initiatives that empower women in technology. Her inspiring journey as a working mother balancing career and family responsibilities further solidifies her role model status in the tech community.
Dr Parul Baranwal
Company: Oregon DEQ
Dr. Baranwal is a dedicated environmental engineering professional with a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from The University of Toledo. With extensive experience as a Hydropower Water Quality Program Manager, Lab Manager, and Environmental Analyst, she excels in water quality management and sustainability initiatives. Her research in microbial biodegradation, biofilm dynamics, and pollution assessment has been widely recognized and published.
Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Baranwal is deeply committed to community service and mentorship. She advocates for sustainable practices and actively mentors students, encouraging them to pursue careers in environmental engineering. As a leader, she strives to make a positive impact on both local and global scales.
Reason for Shortlisting
Dr. Parul has been shortlisted for the Role Model of the Year award for her exceptional contributions to environmental engineering and her commitment to sustainability. Her significant achievements in water quality management, coupled with her groundbreaking research, highlight her expertise and dedication to protecting our environment.
Dr. Baranwal's passion for mentorship and community engagement further distinguishes her as a role model. She has inspired and guided many students and professionals, advocating for gender diversity and empowering future generations in the field of environmental engineering. Her journey from a small town in India to a prominent position in her field exemplifies perseverance and the transformative power of education, making her an inspiring and deserving candidate for this award.
4o
Teresa Heath-Wareing
Company: Teresa Heath-Wareing Limited
About:
Teresa Heath-Wareing is an international best-selling author, award-winning speaker, TEDx speaker, and host of a number-one-rated podcast. As an online business, marketing, and mindset strategic certified coach, Teresa has helped business owners worldwide build businesses and lives they love. Her journey from corporate marketing, including working for Land Rover, to becoming an unemployed single mum and then building a successful six-figure online business, showcases her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Teresa's holistic approach emphasizes both business strategies and the mindset of business owners. Her commitment to authenticity and integrity, demonstrated through her personal and professional experiences, makes her a trusted mentor and coach. She recently shared her journey to sobriety through a podcast, highlighting her dedication to showing up authentically and helping others.
Reason for Shortlisting
Teresa Heath-Wareing has been shortlisted for the Role Model of the Year award due to her remarkable journey and impactful contributions to the online business community. Her resilience in overcoming personal and professional challenges, combined with her success in building a six-figure business, serves as an inspiration to many.
Teresa's dedication to authenticity, integrity, and consistency has earned her the trust and admiration of her clients. Her ability to empower and motivate business owners to achieve their goals, along with her willingness to share her personal struggles, makes her a true role model. Teresa's influence extends beyond her business, as she actively supports and mentors others, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented community.
Arshiya Mittal
Company: EY
About: Arshiya Mittal is a writer and Techno-Functional Associate Consultant at EY, have a minful of innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and drive growth. With a blend of technical expertise and functional insight, She identify business needs, streamlining processes, and delivering strategic improvements.
Reason for Shortlisting: Arshiya Mittal's innovative approaches and significant achievements in personal and business transformation set her apart. She has authored five internationally published books and has been recognized with awards such as the Best Writer Kalam Award and the Karamveer Chakra White Medal. Her writing journey has been featured in international magazines, and her mentorship has been crucial in developing new writers, helping them. Arshiya has also worked on projects that improved operations, and her strategic, innovative work has consistently resulted in measurable improvements. She is a role model for others, exemplifying excellence in her career.
Pallavi Prasad
Company: Positive Power Coaching
About: Pallavi Prasad is a certified life coach and motivational speaker dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals through positive reinforcement and strategic planning.
Reason for Shortlisting: Pallavi's impactful coaching methods and her ability to inspire and mentor individuals highlight her as a key role model. Her coaching program has helped over 200 individuals achieve their personal and professional goals, with many testimonials praising her ability to motivate and guide them towards success. Pallavi's dedication to personal development and her success in transforming lives make her an exemplary role model.
Shelley Langan-Newton
Company: SQR
About: Shelley Langan-Newton is a digital strategist known for her expertise in digital transformation and innovation. She helps businesses navigate digital change and achieve strategic goals.
Reason for Shortlisting: Shelley's leadership in digital transformation projects and her ability to drive impactful change make her a notable role model. She has led multiple successful digital transformation initiatives that resulted in significant operational improvements for her clients. Shelley's mentorship and guidance have been pivotal in developing digital leaders within her organisation, showcasing her role model qualities.
Azahara Corrales
Company: Rocketmill
About: Azahara Corrales is a digital marketing expert specialising in data-driven marketing strategies. Her innovative campaigns have delivered outstanding results for clients across various industries.
Reason for Shortlisting: Azahara's innovative marketing strategies and her success in driving client results highlight her as a key role model. Her dedication to excellence and continuous improvement is inspiring. Azahara's data-driven approach has significantly enhanced the marketing ROI for her clients, demonstrating her strategic acumen.
Faith Johnson
Company: Gozynta
About: Faith Johnson is a project manager at Gozynta, overseeing complex projects and ensuring successful delivery. Her expertise in project management and leadership skills are highly regarded.
Reason for Shortlisting: Faith's impactful project management skills and her ability to mentor and lead teams make her a standout role model. Her contributions to successful project delivery are noteworthy. Faith's leadership has been instrumental in the timely and effective completion of multiple high-stakes projects.
Emma Degnan
Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
About: Emma Degnan is a Chartered Marketer with over 10 years of experience in digital marketing. She drives innovative marketing strategies that have significantly contributed to her company's growth.
Reason for Shortlisting: Emma's leadership in marketing and her ability to implement successful digital strategies make her a key role model. Her achievements and dedication to her field are exemplary. Emma's strategic marketing campaigns have played a crucial role in boosting brand visibility and market share for Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Marzia Bolpagni
Company: Mace
About: Marzia Bolpagni is a digital construction specialist at Mace, integrating digital technologies into construction processes. Her work has driven significant advancements in digital construction.
Reason for Shortlisting: Marzia's innovative approaches to digital construction and her leadership in implementing new technologies make her a notable role model. Her contributions to the field are significant. Marzia's projects have showcased the potential of digital tools in enhancing construction efficiency and sustainability.
Ananda Etges
About: Ananda Etges is a digital strategist specialising in e-commerce and digital growth strategies. Her expertise has helped numerous businesses scale and succeed in the digital marketplace.
Reason for Shortlisting: Ananda's innovative strategies and her ability to drive digital growth highlight her impact. Her leadership and mentorship in the digital space make her a key role model. Ananda's strategies have consistently resulted in substantial revenue growth and market expansion for her clients.
Houriya Altaheri
Company: UAEFA
About: Houriya Altaheri is dedicated to advancing women's rights and empowerment, creating opportunities and support for women in various fields through innovative initiatives.
Reason for Shortlisting: Houriya's dedication to women's empowerment and her innovative approaches to creating opportunities highlight her as a key role model. Her contributions to social change are commendable. Houriya's initiatives have significantly increased access to resources and opportunities for women, fostering greater gender equality.
Siobhan Storey
Company: JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
About: Siobhan Storey is an accomplished Procurement Director at Jaguar Land Rover, leading the company's procurement strategy with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
Reason for Shortlisting: Siobhan's leadership in procurement and her innovative strategies for sustainability make her a notable role model. Her achievements and contributions to the field are significant. Siobhan's efforts have streamlined procurement processes and promoted sustainable practices within Jaguar Land Rover.
Aliza Ayaz
Company: TORI Global, United Nations, Climate Action
About: Aliza Ayaz is a climate activist and consultant involved with the United Nations and Climate Action initiatives. She promotes sustainable practices and raises awareness about climate change.
Reason for Shortlisting: Aliza's impactful work in climate action and her leadership in promoting sustainability highlight her as a key role model. Her contributions to environmental advocacy are exemplary. Aliza's campaigns have successfully mobilised communities and policymakers towards more sustainable practices.
Tatiana Elek
Company: Jaguar Land Rover
About: Tatiana Elek is a project manager at Jaguar Land Rover, overseeing innovative projects and ensuring successful delivery. Her expertise in project management and leadership skills are highly regarded.
Reason for Shortlisting: Tatiana's impactful project management skills and her ability to mentor and lead teams make her a standout role model. Her contributions to successful project delivery are noteworthy. Tatiana's leadership has ensured the on-time and on-budget completion of numerous critical projects.
Sophie Thompson
Company: The Independent
About: Sophie Thompson is a journalist known for her investigative reporting and in-depth analysis. Her work has brought attention to critical issues and influenced public discourse.
Reason for Shortlisting: Sophie's impactful journalism and her ability to bring important issues to light make her a notable role model. Her contributions to media and public awareness are significant. Sophie's investigative pieces have sparked important conversations and driven social change.
Katrina Philippou
Company: Simply Business
About: Katrina Philippou is a digital marketing expert leading innovative marketing campaigns and strategies at Simply Business. Her work focuses on driving business growth and enhancing customer engagement.
Reason for Shortlisting: Katrina's innovative marketing strategies and her ability to drive business growth highlight her impact. Her leadership and contributions to the field make her a key role model. Katrina's campaigns have significantly boosted customer engagement and retention for Simply Business.
Hayley Renvoize
Company: Sleeping Giant Media
About: Hayley Renvoize is a Paid Manager at Sleeping Giant Media, specialising in digital advertising and campaign management. Her expertise has helped clients achieve significant ROI on their digital campaigns.
Reason for Shortlisting: Hayley's journey from a university student to a Paid Manager at Sleeping Giant Media highlights her growth and dedication. Her ability to lead and expand her team, along with her expertise in delivering successful digital campaigns, makes her an exemplary role model. Specifically, Hayley has been instrumental in expanding her team from four to a larger group while maintaining high performance and client satisfaction. Her calm demeanor and effective management under pressure further underscore her leadership qualities.
Hannah Foord
Company: Sleeping Giant Media
About: Hannah Foord is a dedicated professional known for her impactful work in her respective field. With a passion for excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, she has made significant contributions to her industry.
Reason for Shortlisting: Hannah's dedication to her work and her innovative approaches highlight her as a key role model. She has successfully led initiatives that improved operational efficiency and inspired her peers to adopt best practices. Her ability to drive change and mentor others in her industry exemplifies her role model qualities.
Ikram Guerd
About: Ikram Guerd is a skilled professional recognised for her work in advancing innovative projects and leading teams to success. Her expertise and strategic thinking have driven significant advancements in her field.
Reason for Shortlisting: Ikram's leadership skills and her ability to implement successful strategies make her a standout role model. She has consistently delivered high-impact projects that have set new standards in her industry. Ikram's commitment to mentoring her team and fostering a culture of innovation further underscores her role model status.
The "Role Model Award" shines a light on the incredible achievements of individuals who use their talents and expertise to make a significant impact in their fields. This longlist celebrates the diversity, creativity, and dedication of these outstanding role models. We are thrilled to recognise their contributions and look forward to celebrating their continued success and impact in 2024.
These 20 individuals exemplify the power of leadership and mentorship in driving meaningful change. Their work not only advances their respective fields but also inspires others to harness their skills and creativity for the greater good. We congratulate all the shortlisted candidates and wish them continued success in their endeavours.
The Digital Women Awards are proud to celebrate these extraordinary individuals.
Latest Awards News
