Manchester Digital’s award-winning gender diversity initiative, Digital Her, is set to take centre stage once again as part of this year’s Digital Skills Festival. Taking place on Tuesday 11th February at HOME Manchester, Digital Her: Driving Diversity Day promises an engaging and thought-provoking programme, featuring inspiring guest speakers, action-driven workshops and insightful panel discussions.
Designed as an inclusive, interactive alternative to the traditional conference, Digital Her Day fosters learning, conversation and tangible action to drive meaningful change in the industry. While there’s much to celebrate about the progress made towards gender diversity in tech, there’s still work to be done. That’s why this year’s agenda spotlights intersectional conversations, ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) remain at the forefront of the sector’s priorities.
With Tracsis PLC sponsoring the main stage, Auto Trader UK and Nexer Digital leading hands-on workshops, and Lloyds Banking Group and the ICO sponsoring our panels, Digital Her Day is shaping up to be a standout event in the Digital Skills Festival programme.
A packed agenda featuring industry leaders
The day will kick off with a welcome from the Digital Her team and event sponsors, setting the stage for the day ahead. We’re thrilled to announce an outstanding line-up of industry experts and advocates who will share their knowledge and experiences throughout the event.
Keynotes & Fireside Chat
- Opening Keynote: Melanie Denyer
- Closing Keynote: Cole Walton (Northcoders)
- Fireside Chat: Cole Walton (Northcoders) & Aimee Gethin (Zuto)
Panel Discussions
Digital Her Day features three powerful panel discussions, each addressing key challenges and opportunities in creating a more diverse and inclusive tech sector.
Panel 1 – Building an Accessible Future: Best Practices for Digital and Physical Accessibility (Sponsored by Tracsis PLC)
- Host: Emily Binder, Tracsis
- Panelists: Jo Larby (Leighton), Natalie Methley (Auto Trader), Hannah Smith (ICO)
Panel 2 – Breaking the Bias: How to Create Inclusive Workplaces for All (Sponsored by ICO)
- Host: Emma Grant, Manchester Digital
- Panelists: Mona Aziz (AtkinsRealis), Andy Bell (BT), Amber Tither (ICO), Lauren Gibson (Manchester City)
Panel 3 – The Power of Allyship: Advocating for Change Beyond Your Own Experience (Sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group)
- Host: Suzanne Ellison, Lloyds Banking Group
- Panelists: Masuma Shariff (ADVANIA UK), Mercy Fulani (GatenbySanderson), Nichola Rose (CloudGuard), Sophia Murdock (Auto Trader), Alyson Jones (Jaguar Land Rover)
Interactive Workshops
Attendees will also have the opportunity to take part in engaging workshops, designed to provide practical tools and strategies to create a more inclusive workplace.
- Auto Trader Tech Talks – Women in Engineering (Led by Auto Trader UK)
- Creating More Inclusive Workplaces with Digital Tools (Led by Nexer Digital)
- Facilitated Workshop with Beckie Taylor (Final session of the day)
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The day will conclude with a drinks reception, providing attendees with the chance to continue conversations and connect with fellow advocates for diversity in tech.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the conversation driving real change in the industry.
Register now and join us on 11th February for Digital Her: Driving Diversity Day!
