A throwback to 2025's event

Women in Tech Meet‑Up 2025

Hosted at the Design Factory, Aston University

In partnership with Reed Women in Tech

A movement born from a need for connection

Note — from Claire

I would never have dreamed that I would one day create an event capable of bringing tech leaders, industry experts, and the wider Women in Tech community together under one roof. When I first started this journey, I had no idea the event would grow into something so impactful, so energising, and so meaningful to so many people. I never understood the impact until after the event and all the outstanding support. Being encouraged to network in my current role enabled me to join Reed Women in Tech Network, the most inspiring network which is led by allies of Women in Tech — the best decision I have made.

As we move proudly into our second year, I am grateful that this meet‑up remains completely free and accessible — made possible only through the generosity and belief of our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who supported, attended, volunteered, or contributed. This event exists because of you — and it will continue to thrive because of us, together. Let's celebrate our first year, and I hope you like the throwback photos. Claire XOXO

“Change starts with intention — and sometimes that intention begins with one person asking, ‘What if we could build something better?’”

Looking back to where it all started, the idea for the Women in Tech Meet‑Up Birmingham emerged soon after I joined the Reed Women in Tech network. After COVID, Birmingham's once‑vibrant in‑person tech events had largely disappeared. Many activities were online, and as a result, women seeking community, mentorship, or inspiration were often left without a local space to turn to.

So I asked myself a simple question: Why not rebuild that space?

I approached the Reed Women in Tech leadership team and asked whether they would co‑present a new kind of meet‑up — one that would bring women together to talk openly, learn from one another, influence change, and strengthen our allies' understanding of what true inclusion looks like.

That intention became the foundation of our first in‑person Birmingham Women in Tech Meet‑Up. And on 10 September 2025, the vision came to life beautifully.

How Claire Mironik opened the day

The morning began with a heartfelt introduction from Claire Mironik, Change and Test Manager at Aston University. Claire shared her personal journey from university into technical roles in IT operations and support — roles in which women were noticeably underrepresented at the time. Her story highlighted the barriers she faced, including cultural resistance, lack of visibility, and the resilience required to stay and progress in the sector.

Claire invited everyone into a reflective discussion about how gender shapes workplace experience, sparking open conversations about bias, allyship, and the positive impact of mentors and supportive colleagues.

Her message was clear and set the tone for the day.

Event purpose & highlights

The event's purpose was to celebrate, connect, learn, and empower — a mission echoed throughout the executive summary of the day.

Keynotes & discussions

Reed Women in Tech shared insights into their global community of 3,600+ members across 56 countries and their 24/7 mentoring marketplace.
Jo Stansfield (BCS Women) spoke about the transformational power of networks and communities in shifting culture and driving inclusion.
Katie Pearce (Trustmarque) delivered powerful evidence-based insights into recruitment, progression, and gender equity, drawing on the 2025 Lovelace Report.
Dr Vladlena Benson (Aston University CSI) highlighted the cybersecurity skills shortage and opportunities for women in the field.
Siva Sankari inspired attendees with her journey from international student to AI innovator — a true celebration of resilience and ambition.

Themes of the day

Women remain vastly underrepresented at all levels of tech, especially leadership.
Barriers such as lack of recognition, progression challenges, biased task allocation, and microaggressions continue to shape women's experiences.
Mentoring schemes like Reed's were highlighted as essential tools for empowerment and retention.