Story · 2026

Women in Tech Meet up 2026

Together We Move From Conversation to Commitment

On 8th June 2026, something special began at Millennium Point.

On a rainy morning in Birmingham, what could have been an ordinary day became something powerful, a room filled with energy, ideas, and a community united to drive real change in tech.

This wasn’t just another event, it was something truly special and a memory that will be cherished for a long time. We all didn’t know what was in store!

Speakers, Panels and Fantastic Founders

The event kicked off with an introduction from Claire Mironik and her career journey into tech, reminding us of all that we have a place in tech and why we are at the event and what we can achieve together.

Witbham community group: Join on LinkedIn

Then the strong reminder that if you Build, Support, Deliver or Influence tech, you work in Tech:

With a fantastic agenda lined up, the day started bright:

Not before sharing some inspiring words where Claire read out a powerful poem: To Inspire, please see a video Claire recorded for LinkedIn which is a reading of the poem.

This Poem was a clear message about every single Women in Tech; you inspire more than you know and this is for you!

The day started!

Throughout the day, we heard from inspiring voices and change makers across the industry:

• Kevin Dainty (Reed) highlighted the power of mentorship and community, opening real pathways into tech

• Susan O’Connor inspired confidence and self-belief, encouraging us to step forward

• Beckie Taylor (The Sound Barrier) showed how creating safe spaces helps people find their voice and grow

• Heather Perriam led a vital conversation on AI and accessibility, reinforcing that inclusion must be built from the start

Our AI Panel: Ethics and Risk in AI Adoptation - tackled the responsibility, ethics, and risks of AI, exploring how we balance innovation with accountability.

We also heard from:

• Gabby Crofts
• Raz Edwards
• Lara Sorrell
• Heather Murray
• Maia Angelova
• Georgina Ellis

• Kathryn Baddeley (Cisco) on creating opportunities for young people

• Kellie Kwarteng , who challenged us to fix the system, not the women

• Becky Patel , sharing a powerful journey of resilience and growth and the fantastic work of TechSheCan

A panel led by Claire Mironik: When I grew up.. I work in Tech highlighted the many different pathways into tech, proving there is no single route — just curiosity, courage, and opportunity.

• Ali Adams
• Deborah Olagoke
• Ashleigh Baker
• Kat Hudson
• Aida Mobarez
• Vikki Szymanski

The panel ended with a reflection Poem, one Claire Wrote at a difficult time in her life and wanted to share, even when things are tough you can make it through:

Please see one of the most powerful and inspiring speeches from the Barbie film that resonated on the reality of being a woman, this crosses over to how hard it can be in tech. Link here: Watch on YouTube

Celebrating 25 years we heard from the amazing BCS Women Tristi Tanaka and BCS Birmingham Branch Adebimpe Ibosiola who told us about all the amazing work BCS are doing and their journeys

The Founders Panel

The final panel, led by Harry Nijjar :, showcased female founders using tech for good, tackling real-world challenges and creating meaningful impact.

We heard from:

• Harry Nijjar
• Rosie McInerney
• Helene Choo
• Dora Marčec
• Matilde Lerias
• Omotoke Ajidagba

SCC

To close the event, Natalie Sherratt and Rose Palacios (SCC) reminded us of the power of allyship, leadership, and lifting others up.

How Can We Change Tech Together?

Event end

The event was never about just conversations but the reality and what changes we need to make

The message was clear — this was never just about conversation, but about commitment to change.

The tech industry has a powerful opportunity to build a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive future. That starts with creating clearer pathways into industry, empowering individuals through mentorship and leadership, and committing to fairer, more inclusive practices.

Poem Women in Tech (We Made it)