Natalie Maddox-Hussain | Co-Founder | Women Empowering Defence
I am a highly accomplished and results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience as a civil servant in the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles across Commercial, Human Resources, Programme Management, and Cost Forecasting, leveraging my expertise to drive strategic decision-making and operational excellence. My work has played a crucial role in shaping high-impact defence initiatives both domestically and internationally, where I contributed to mission-critical operations supporting global security efforts. In March 2023, I transitioned into the private sector, joining Mace Group as an Associate Commercial Director. In this role, I apply my extensive experience in commercial strategy, contract management, and programme delivery to spearhead major defence projects. My ability to navigate complex commercial landscapes, foster collaboration, and drive efficiency ensures the successful execution of critical defence programmes. Beyond my professional roles, I am a passionate advocate for leadership, diversity, and inclusion within the defence sector. Recognising the need for an independent platform dedicated to empowerment and representation, I co-founded Women Empowering Defence (WED) in June 2023. This initiative is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, championing the contributions of women in defence, and driving meaningful change through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development. With a career spanning both government and private industry, I bring a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to strengthening the future of defence through leadership, innovation, and inclusion.
Caroline McElroy | Senior Service Designer | Cognizant
Originally from New Zealand, I began my career as a Technology Graduate at a leading bank, Westpac.
Early on, I had the unique opportunity to share my two lifelong goals with our CXO: continuous learning and helping others. These guiding principles bring me immense joy as I work toward them every single day. Whilst working as a Graduate and progressing to a Service Designer at Westpac, to achieve my goals, I became Vice President of Public Relations for our Toastmasters community, promoting and fostering a safe environment where individuals could build confidence in public speaking. I also joined an organisation part time, called The Social Experiment, as a Systems Thinking Facilitator, empowering young learners to take action, grow their confidence and make an impact in the world. Today, as a Senior Service Designer for a global technology consultancy, I champion these values as a STEM and TechSheCan ambassador. This volunteer work includes inspiring students, particularly female students, not only with knowledge about Generative AI but also with the exciting opportunities of careers in technology. Finally, I actively contribute to fostering a positive work culture as a lead member of our social committee, boosting morale and engagement. Additionally, as a member of our employee forum, I serve as a bridge between employees and senior leadership, ensuring open communication and collaborative decision-making. Through these roles, I aim to create environments where individuals and communities thrive, driven by the belief that learning and helping others are essential to meaningful progress.
Krusha Vekaria | Packaged App Development Analyst | Accenture
I am a Software Engineer with over two years of experience, specializing in Front End Development for large-scale projects in the public sector.
My curiosity for technology led me to study computing and mathematics at A Levels, and ultimately culminating in a First Class Master’s degree in Computing from the University of Sheffield. Joining Accenture as a graduate, I quickly immersed myself in the world of software development, gaining invaluable experience on complex public sector projects. Over the past years, I have developed both technically and professionally, now leading teams to deliver innovative solutions. I focus on fostering creativity and pushing boundaries while maintaining a commitment to excellence. With a solid background in both theory and practice, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and problem-solving skills to every project. My ambition is to continue driving innovation and evolve into a creative technologist, using technology to positively impact individuals and communities. Beyond my professional role, I am deeply committed to advocating for women in STEM. During university, I led the nationally acclaimed Women in Engineering society at my university, reaching hundreds of young girls to inspire them about careers in STEM. At Accenture, I continue this mission as a co-leader of the UK’s first ‘Girls in AI Summit’ in partnership with TechSheCan. This initiative provides a platform to inspire and educate young girls, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to shape the future of technology.
Elena Garcia | Vice President - Infrastructure and Energy Capital | Macquarie Capital
I have a Double Degree MSc in Civil Engineering both by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and by the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris.
After having done a couple of internships in civil engineering in South America during my university years, I have worked in the UK in the financial sector since I left university back in 2015. I joined JP Morgan markets division straight after finishing university, first as a summer intern, and was then offered a full-time position within the Sales, Trading and Research division, focusing on balance sheet solutions and derivatives strategies for financial institutions in Europe. I stayed there for six years, and although I loved following the financial markets and the fast pace, I missed the tangibility of the infrastructure sector I had come to know as part of my university studies, and so I decided to pursue a career change. I then moved on to Macquarie’s Infrastructure and Energy Capital team, which invests Macquarie Group’s balance sheet in infrastructure projects across Europe, focusing on the energy transition, digital and socioeconomic sectors, mostly via private equity and debt instruments. Despite the unusual career path, I have not regretted my decision for a single day, the team covers a broad spectrum of sectors and capabilities, and I have had the chance to work with amazing professionals that I look up to and continue to learn from.
Lea Bellion | Project Manager | Cognizant
After gaining a first class honours degree in media production with animation from the University of the West of England, Bristol, Lea has had a varied career in events at the BBC, as a rep on a ship, organising events for a hotel, as an all-rounder for a start-up Will register, and in various customer-facing roles at Britvic Soft Drinks.
Following this, Lea worked at the engineering firm Renishaw for 10 years in various corporate head-office roles (projects, sustainability, trade compliance), where she also worked for over two of those years in Germany. Lea is now a digital marketing project manager at Cognizant, where she has been developing her project management and leadership skills, alongside studying for an MBA in Technology Management with the Open University. In addition to this, Lea is one of four volunteer directors for a community interest company that runs her housing estate of around 450 properties, and 1000 residents. In her spare time, Lea designs and makes silver jewellery and has this year pledged to donate some of her creations to support charitable causes. Lea has been conducting research into the sustainability and environmental issues surrounding jewellery making, initiating discussions with the Environment Agency, and bringing together various parties in the industry to tackle this important topic.
Navreet Kaur | IT Audit Associate | Northern Trust
Navreet Kaur is a dynamic IT Audit Associate with a strong foundation in data analytics, business intelligence, and risk management.
Born in Punjab, India, raised in Italy, and now based in London, she brings a global perspective and a deep passion for technology and finance. A graduate of University College London with a BSc in Information Management for Business, Navreet has been involved in improving the IT risk and control environment, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging data analytics tools like Power BI and Tableau to drive efficiency and implementing data driven solutions. Beyond her professional achievements, Navreet is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in tech. As a committee member of the Asian Leadership Council at Northern Trust, she organizes initiatives that promote diversity and cultural awareness. She has also mentored students, led programming workshops, and collaborated on AI-driven research projects, contributing to innovation and knowledge-sharing. With a track record of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and continuously learning, Navreet is committed to making a lasting impact at the intersection of technology and finance.
Charlotte Hanson | Service Delivery Manager | BAE Systems
Charlotte is an APM PMQ qualified Project Manager who has for the last 4 years been working as a Service Delivery Manager in Maritime Services.
This role involves managing multiple fleetwide equipment contracts delivering both routine and urgent, spares and repairs for the Royal Navy. Alongside this role, Charlotte is the Maritime and Land Sector Representative for the Employee Resource Group, the Gender Equity Network (GEN). This group ensures employees have equal access to tools and opportunities regardless of gender. Through her role in GEN and her personal enduring experience with endometriosis and adenomyosis, she identified a need for additional workplace support and advocacy in this area and created the Reproductive Health and Fertility Group. She has chaired this group since its inception in 2024, running monthly sessions for hundreds of engaged attendees, inviting both internal and external speakers to share their personal lived experiences with reproductive health and fertility. She has created a safe and inclusive space to educate, inform and advocate for the needs of her colleagues. Charlotte is engaged in ongoing policy discussions within the business to improve workplace support, taking steps to close the gender health gap and support women to thrive professionally. In the near future, she is looking to explore a new role in Employee Experience, marrying her core project management skills with her unwavering drive to improve the workplace for her colleagues both current and future.
Alexia Williams | Through Life Technical Lead | Defense Organisation
Alexia is a Through Life Technical Lead at a Defence organisation, where her career has spanned the entire Defence Portfolio.
Starting as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice, she progressed to a Master's Degree Apprenticeship in Through-Life System Sustainment, driving innovation in the maintenance and availability of long-life assets. Her projects include reducing turnaround times for military engine repairs and using data analytics to enhance Navy asset availability. Beyond her technical role, Alexia is a Non-Executive Director at EAL and a Trustee on the Board of Enginuity, supporting education and skills development in engineering. Passionate about promoting STEM careers and apprenticeships, she has contributed over 200 hours in the past year to outreach activities. She also serves as Chair of the IfATE Apprentice Panel, an Apprentice Representative for the UCAS Apprenticeship Stakeholder Group, and a member of the IET Young Professionals Committee and IMechE Bath and Bristol Young Members Panel. Alexia's dedication and leadership have earned her multiple awards as an apprentice and engineer. Rising from Apprentice to Technical Lead in under six years, she exemplifies the values of trust, integrity, and safety. Through her work and advocacy, Alexia is not only driving engineering excellence but also inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.
Julia Barr | Commercial Manager, Nuclear - Defence & Civil | Mott MacDonald
Having studied Law at university, I spent 4.5 years in legal publishing at a small Oxford firm before moving to London to take on a PA/editorial role at Westminster Abbey.
I moved up to Scotland and found a role as an executive assistant at a private school; unfortunately, some restructuring and reduced hours meant that role was no longer tenable and I was lucky to find a role as a programme office coordinator with Mott MacDonald. I have been with Mott MacDonald ever since: I went from the programme office of a £1.6B defence infrastructure programme to working on one of its projects. A few months in, I was promoted to Assistant Project Manager, looking after multiple workstreams and coordinating on-site working, which had to move from 9/5 to 24/7 to keep workers safe during the Covid pandemic. A mentoring opportunity led to the offer of a commercial management role, which I thought I’d be terrible at but in fact really suited me. I have since progressed to offering our project teams management and support on contracts, governance, dispute resolution, finances and audit, as well as taking on a compliance manager role on a confidential project. As a mum of three children who works full time and whose partner works away from home in the Forces, I am passionate about promoting and realising the employment potential in the military community. I am the Families Lead on Mott MacDonald’s Armed Forces Steering Group, representing military family employees’ views to senior management.
Lisa Rawlings | Senior Talent Acquisition | Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK
Lisa Rawlings is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning military and civilian sectors.
Currently serving as Senior Talent Acquisition at SNC MS UK, Lisa drives strategic recruitment initiatives within the defence sector, including the development of a Military Pathway Programme that enhances diversity and retention by supporting veterans’ transitions to civilian careers. Lisa is the Chair of the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee (Wales), where she advocates for veterans’ rights, influencing policy changes and improving access to services. She is also the Co-founder of the Female Veterans Alliance, a pioneering network providing support, mentorship, and community for women transitioning from military to civilian life. Additionally, she has co-founded three Veterans Support Hubs, offering essential services for veterans and their families, addressing issues such as mental health, isolation, and employment. Lisa’s academic achievements include a Master of Science in Global Governance and ongoing studies for a second master’s in Human Resource Management, showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development. Recognised with several honours, including Role Model of the Year at the Welsh Veteran Awards, Lisa’s work is a testament to her passion for making a positive impact on individuals and communities.