Exceptional women from across the UK technology sector have been honored at the annual Salesforce Everywoman in Technology Awards, recognizing innovation, leadership and impact at every step of the career ladder.
The awards ceremony, held at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London, marks the 16th year of the program, which aims to highlight female talent in a sector where representation remains an ongoing challenge. Currently, women make up just 24.8% of the STEM workforce, compared to 29.4% in 2020, highlighting the need for continued efforts to attract and retain female talent.
Organizers said this year’s winners reflect the breadth of the industry, from apprentices and young professionals to senior leaders and entrepreneurs driving global change.
Nicole Goodwin and Sophie Catto, joint managing directors of AllBright everywoman, said the awards highlight not only the individual achievements, but also the broader societal impact of women in technology.
“Remarkable women across the technology sector are developing innovations that can transform the way we live and work,” they said. “By sharing their stories, we create visible role models who can inspire the next generation to pursue a career in STEM.”
The prestigious Woman of the Year award was presented to Aji Bawo, Head of Commercial Product at Tesco. Bawo was recognized for her leadership in driving large-scale digital transformation in retail, as well as her work to advance girls’ education and empower future female leaders worldwide.
Her work focuses on improving efficiency, scalability and customer experience through technology, while championing diversity and mentoring emerging talent within and outside her organization.
Among the category winners, Nausheen Basha from Imperial College London received the AI Champion Award for her work combining AI, simulation and engineering design to accelerate scientific discoveries, including applications in renewable energy and vaccine production.
Rebecca Phelps of BAE Systems was recognized in cybersecurity for her work on secure systems and collaboration with national security agencies, while Nicola Emsley of Barclays was named CTO/CIO of the Year for her leadership in digital transformation and the adoption of generative AI.
In the Entrepreneurship category, Fiona Roach Canning, co-founder and CEO of fintech platform Pollinate, was honored for scaling a global business that helps banks serve SMEs through data-driven insights.
Other winners included professionals in digital transformation, software development, climate technology and education, as well as individuals recognized for their contributions to mentoring, inclusion and community engagement.
The awards also place great emphasis on young talent. Apprenticeship winner Kelly Howes was recognized for her entry into software development and advocacy for neurodiversity, while Nina Kumar received the One to Watch Award for inspiring young women into STEM fields.
Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO of Salesforce UK & Ireland, said the need for greater technology diversity is becoming more pressing as AI takes on an increasingly central role in decision-making.
“As AI increasingly influences high-risk decisions, it is important that more women enter and advance in the technology industry to prevent societal biases from becoming entrenched,” 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. Although progress has been made in some areas, falling participation rates highlight the risk of widening the gap unless sustained action is taken.
By recognizing role models across the industry, the Salesforce Everywoman Awards aim to change perceptions, expand access and ensure the future of technology reflects a broader range of voices and experiences.
As the sector continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI, initiatives that promote inclusivity and visibility will likely play a critical role in determining not only who works in the technology, but also how it is built and applied.
