
TechGirl
Driving purpose & impact
Empowering the next generation, together
TechGirl is more than an initiative—it’s the purpose at the heart of the HotTopics community. As a global network of 19,000+ senior tech executives, we believe in connecting leaders and inspiring action, and TechGirl is where that action becomes real.
By mentoring, guiding, and championing young women in tech, we are shaping the future of our industry, ensuring that the next generation has the access, opportunities, and confidence to thrive.
TechGirl is a global initiative designed to break barriers and build careers for ambitious young women aged 16+ in education. Through mentorship, real-world challenges, and industry-led learning experiences, TechGirl connects future female leaders with today’s most influential executives.
As members of the HotTopics community, we don’t just talk about the future of tech—we actively build it.


How you can support

Mentor the next generation

Speak at TechGirl events
Inspire future leaders through masterclasses, workshops, and The Studio’s global stage.

Support the TechGirl Festival
Be part of our flagship innovation challenge, where young women tackle real-world tech problems with industry mentors.

Partner with us
Align your brand with the future of technology and help drive real change in the industry.

Get involved: TechGirl Festival
Live from Cambridge United Football Club
The HotTopics TechGirl Festival 2025 is a high-energy event designed to inspire, challenge, and connect the next generation of female leaders in technology. Find out how you can be involved.

Joanna Pamphilis
SVP, CIO Global Head of Investments and Securities Digital Products, UniCredit
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Lara Burns
Chief Digital Officer, The Scouts

Alex Butler
Transformation Director, United Response
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Laura Kendrick
CIO, IPG Mediabrands
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Elizabeth Akorita
Deputy Director, Digital Delivery, Government of the United Kingdom
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Sara Mubasshir
Head of Business Analysis & Change, London Business School

Anna Verdian
Founder, Axelrod.ai

Sabah Carter
Chief Data, Intelligence and Technology Officer, Financial Services Compensation Scheme

David Germain
NED, Portfolio Career

Mathew Mallett
Chief Digital and Information officer, Chartered Insurance Institute
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Anna Barsby
Chief Product & Technology Officer, 888 Holdings

Nareni Hourican
Digital Transformation Director - Global Head of Digital & Innovation, Brown-Forman

Lauren Wilson
Cybersecurity Leader, EDF Energy
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Paul Smith
CIO, Amnesty International
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Georgina Owens
CTO, William Hill International
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Lauren Dally
Director of Application Delivery, Ardonagh Group

Krenar Muhidini
Director of Engineering, EML Payments
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Giles Lindsay
Chief Information Officer, Lif3away Inc.
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Jyotsna Chandrani
Director, Operational and Resilience Risk Tooling, HSBC

Darryl Beckford
Director of Architecture, BT Group (EE, Plusnet)

Srilakshmi Tella
VP, Products, McKesson

Claire Deuchar
CIO , RNLI

Dianna Pieper
CEO and Founder, Innovus Techne

Eugi Bartolo
CPTO, Sifted

Jess Evans
Former CIO, Vanderbilt University

Tanya Hannah
CIO, AON UK LIMITED

Laura Gilbert
Director of Data Science, 10 Downing Street

Randi Levin
White House Advisor, The White House
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Samantha Wilson
CIO, Digital - Retail
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Charlotte Baldwin
CIO, Costa Coffee

Christo Gouws
Technology & Data Director, Marine Stewardship Council

Jevern Partridge
CIO, Rexel UK Limited
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Bridgid Nzekwu
Moderator, Presenter, Executive Coach,
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Christina Scott
CTO & CPO, OVO Energy

Jason Parkhouse
CIO UK&I, Experian
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Deborah Haworth
CISO, Penguin Random House

Louise de Beer
Director of Software Engineering, JVR Solutions
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Joanna Drake
CIO, THG
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Alison Davis
CIO, GE Healthcare

Carol Chen
CMO, Shell
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Jacqui Lipinksi
CIO, Royal College of Art
Hear from the TechGirl community

It was so inspiring to see a room full of powerful women in the technology space and it definitely made me excited to see what I and the other winners of this award are able to do with the fantastic ideas.
Neha Adapala - TechGirl Community member

It's been an invaluable experience to connect with such brilliant minds. Thank you to HotTopics, Peter Stojanovic, and the rest of the team for organizing this event. I'm already looking forward to the next one!
Georgina Lonergan - TechGirl Community member

Connecting with like-minded students and delving into insightful discussions about the future of technology with some of the top female leaders in this field was truly invaluable. I am so grateful to HotTopics for organising this incredible opportunity.
Rose Gowen - TechGirl Community member
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I have been connected to so many amazing people - from established and successful people in the field of technology to like-minded peers whom I can discuss ideas with and build connections with.
Shiloh Amah - TechGirl Community member
I am proud to be part of TechGirl, an initiative that empowers and encourages young women in tech – values that resonate deeply with me.
Precious Boateng - TechGirl Community member
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Proud to be part of this amazing platform created by HotTopics to make technology a diverse career choice and amplifying the power of our individual networks collectively to make a difference.
Jyotsna Chandrani - Global Head of Change Risk Assessment at HSBC & TechGirl Mentor

Absolutely delighted to have been a mentor in this fantastic initiative! It was my pleasure to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Kudos to the entire team for fostering a future generation of talented young women in tech!
Elizabeth Akorita - Group Deputy Director, Digital at Department for Science, Innovation & Technology & TechGirl Mentor
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I LOVE being able to give back to those who are seeking mentorship. I am honoured to be a mentor for HotTopics and help future/current female technology professionals in their TechGIRL program.
Jess Evans - Senior Innovation Advisor at Quantum Thinking & TechGirl Mentor

HotTopics brilliant initiative, TechGirl, is a community of inspirational female technology leaders coming together to help support and nurture girls entering or considering entering the technology sector.
Donia Kaloussi - Enterprise Account Director - Talent Solutions at LinkedIn
Join an initiative shaping the future of tech by empowering the next generation of female leaders. As a partner, you’ll align your brand with a purpose-driven mission, gaining visibility among the world’s top tech executives.
Your support—whether through mentorship, sponsorship, or resources—creates real impact, opening doors for young women in technology. Partnering with TechGirl also connects you with future talent, helping build a stronger, more diverse industry.
Join us in driving meaningful change and shaping the future of tech.
