Rakhee Shah | Technology Control Lead - MD | Citi
I am a financial services professional with over 25 years of experience, specializing in audit, risk management, and control functions.
I graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Accounting and Finance in 1994. My career began at KPMG, where I honed my skills as an auditor. In 1998, I joined Citi as a junior auditor and progressed within the Internal Audit team and since then have managed various Operations and Technology control functions.
I am deeply passionate about fostering the advancement of women in the workplace and have championed numerous initiatives to empower women. My commitment extends beyond professional obligations, dedicating significant personal time to establishing and leading programs that equip women with the tools and support they need to thrive. A key focus as been creating supportive environments where women can confidently step into leadership roles.
A prime example of this commitment is my work in Citi’s Returner program, designed to provide opportunities to individual re-entering the workplace after a career break. As a committee member and then the program lead (2022-2024), I spearheaded the program's expansion to 13 sites, resulting in the successful hiring of over 200 individuals globally. This achievement contributed to the program receiving the WIBF Award for 'Most Successful Returner Programme,' recognizing our effective strategies in reintegrating professionals after career breaks. Furthermore, I have lead and co-lead various other programs for women’s development including the CitiWomen's Mentoring Program, shortlisted for the 2020 WBIF Best Mentoring Program, and a Senior VP Sponsorship program offering dedicated senior sponsorship to foster career advancement. I also planned and executed two three-day conferences for women in Director/Managing Director roles, focusing on advocacy, development, and sponsorship. Recognising the importance of work-life integration, I established a Families Matter Affinity Network to provide support and resources for employees balancing work and family. Beyond these initiatives, I actively volunteer for various diversity events and contribute as a speaker and panellist in diversity forums.
I firmly believe that investing in these programs attracts, retains, and develops top talent, driving innovation and success. I am proud of the progress made at Citi and am committed to continuing this important work.
Dr Natalie V Bailey | Psychologist, Founder & CEO | Thriving Pathways CIC & Well Minds Together
Dr Natalie V. Bailey defied expectations, rising from a young mother at 18 on a council estate to become a Chartered Psychologist, Founder & CEO, TEDx Speaker, Published Researcher, and a leading voice in early intervention in mental health, parenting, and caregiving services.
Dr Bailey plays a key role in the Reach and Resilience team within the NHS, advancing mental health accessibility for Black Caribbean and African communities. Recognising the importance of representation, she initiated a mentorship initiative within her NHS team for assistant psychologists from the global majority—providing guidance, coaching, and a psychologically safe space for career progression. Through Thriving Pathways CIC, she delivers workshops and resources for underserved communities, ensuring that mental health and parenting education remain accessible. Her research-based publications include work in the International Review of Psychiatry (2020) and Mental Health, Mental Illness, and Migration (Springer, 2021). Her thought leadership on race and mental health is featured in Reimagining Race in Psychology (Routledge, 2024), shaping conversations on representation, inclusion, and systemic change. Dr Bailey is shaping the future of mental health accessibility by championing the power of intentionality. Through her work, she leads conversations on intentional growth, intentional well-being, and intentional parenting, equipping individuals, families, and communities with the tools to thrive. As she expands her impact through keynote speaking, training, and community-based workshops, she remains committed to breaking barriers and ensuring psychological knowledge is not just accessible, but transformational.
Gabriella Kehily | Investment Advisor | J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Gabi is an Investment Advisor in Private Banking specialising in serving Ultra-High-Net-Worth UK Clients, with a particular focus on Business Owners, Executives and Family Offices.
She delivers bespoke investment solutions tailored to the unique needs of her clients advising on discretionary and advisory portfolios. Her holistic approach to asset allocation and risk management encompasses a diverse range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, structured products, and alternative investments. Gabi is passionate about impact investing, connecting and empowering the next generation of professionals. Previously, Gabi worked as an Investment Counsellor at Citi Private Bank where she began her career, having graduated with a First Class Honours in BSc Economics from the University of Nottingham. At University, Gabi played an active role as the President of Nottingham Economics Society hosting numerous Finance events for over 3,600 students. Beyond her advisory role, Gabi is a Relationship Manager for Women in Banking and Finance (WIBF), whereby she collaborates with key corporations to ensure their engagement drives meaningful impact. Additionally, Gabi serves on the Future Leaders Shadow Board, contributing to initiatives including the Future Leaders and Student Engagement Strategies working alongside leadership to promote positive change in the industry. As a One Young World Ambassador, Gabi is deeply committed to fostering personal development and empowering women in the financial sector. She regularly partners with local schools, universities, and professional organisations sharing her insights and advice to educate and inspire the next generation.
Amelia King | Management Consulting Analyst | Accenture
Amelia began her career in June 2023 as a Management Consulting Analyst at a leading technology consulting firm, specialising in financial services, after earning a first-class degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Sheffield.
Since then, she has worked with Tier 1 and Challenger Banks, gaining hands-on experience in execution and advisory roles across Banking and Capital Markets. Currently, Amelia supports a $1.1bn trading portfolio for a Global Tier 1 bank, partnering with managing directors to develop complex business and technology strategies across 15 market trading desks amid large-scale organisational transformation. Prior to this, she held roles as a Business Analyst and Project Manager, successfully delivering remediation and core modernisation projects. Her ability to drive results on complex & difficult transformation programmes while building trusted client relationships has earned her a strong internal reputation. Beyond client work, Amelia drives business growth and talent development. She leads five analysts on an industry maturity analysis, providing insights for strategic growth. As Analyst Lead for Financial Services, she oversees 11 analysts, focusing on talent retention and development, while mentoring analysts and apprentices. A strong advocate for gender equality, she leads Learning & Development initiatives within her firms Women in Financial Services network, supporting female talent and promoting industry-wide inclusivity. Amelias rapid career progression and ambition distinguish her among 750 Consulting Analyst peers. Recognised as a Rising Star and future leader, she has been selected for internal leadership programmes and honoured with awards such as Banking Analyst of the Year.
Charlotte Oyeleye | Head of Philanthropy for EMEA, APAC and LATAM | Bank of New York (BNY)
Charlotte is the Head of Philanthropy for the EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions at the Bank of New York (BNY).
She is responsible for delivering the bank’s philanthropic strategy, focusing on building a more inclusive economy through strategic investments in social mobility and economic empowerment initiatives. At Barclays, she worked in the Public Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility department, delivering initiatives to support underserved communities. She was also a Senior Consultant in Financial Services Advisory at Ernst & Young. Earlier in her career, she served as a Labour Markets Interventions Analyst at the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, contributing to policies aimed at improving employment outcomes for disadvantaged groups. Charlotte sits on TheCityUK’s Next Generation Leadership Council, collaborating with high-potential future leaders to influence the direction of the financial services industry. She also sits on the Board of Junior Achievement Uganda, where she supports young people to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their future. She is passionate about mentorship and has dedicated time to supporting young women through UK-based social mobility charities. She is also a two-time judge for the upReach Student Social Mobility Awards and has presented at the UK Cabinet Office and addressed parliamentary researchers on the powerful role philanthropy can play within financial services. Charlotte holds an Executive Education in ESG Leadership from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, a Master’s in International Public Policy from University College London, and a BSc in Economics and French from the University of Bristol.
Lauren Cassells | Design Lead | Financial Conduct Authority
Lauren Cassells is leading research & innovation programmes at FinTech Scotland, where she leads initiatives aimed at advancing beneficial and responsible adoption of emerging technology and innovations through research and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Additionally, she is the Design Lead for the Innovation Lab at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), focusing on designing and delivering the Digital Sandbox and TechSprint programs — regulatory product development hackathons that tackle challenges within the financial services sector leveraging innovative technologies such as tokenisation, quantum computing and artificial intelligence. As co-chair of the Women in Banking and Finance UK Shadow Board, she champions women’s voices in finance while also participating in the City of London Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce and mentoring for Women’s World Banking’s Inclusive Tech programme, showcasing her dedication to empowering those around her and advancing gender diversity in the sector. With a strong background in fintech, Lauren’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between regulation, innovation and driving impactful adoption, ensuring that new solutions meet both market needs and regulatory standards. Her dual roles, along with her commitment to supporting women’s representation in finance, highlight her dedication to fostering a culture of innovation while promoting sustainable growth in the payments industry and beyond.
Laura Scott | Vice President, Business Management | Royal Bank of Canada
I studied Economics at Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) and first joined RBC as a summer student working in Business and Client Services, returning year after year.
After graduating, I joined the Equity Order Management team in Capital Markets on the trading floor, supporting institutional and retail equities traders. I then transitioned to a business analyst / project management role in Portfolio and Change Management for rates derivatives projects, where I was promoted to senior business analyst in 2021. After developing an interest in business management, I joined Global Credit as an associate on the Business Management team in 2022, and was promoted to business manager for all of Global Credit at the beginning of 2024. An opportunity to take a business management secondment in London came up in summer 2024, and I was lucky enough to start the international chapter of my career in September 2024. I am currently working as a business manager for Global Markets Flow Sales in Europe and enjoying exploring London. I have been a lifelong RBCer and look forward to seeing where my career takes me next. Outside of work, I’m usually trying out different restaurants, planning my next trip, or going for a run!
Dr Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici | Social entrepreneur | Little Globy
Dr. Cristina-Steliana Mihailovici is a distinguished expert in Nautical Science and Engineering, an accomplished lecturer, researcher, writer, and STEM Ambassador, and a passionate advocate for sustainability, education, and equality.
Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering, she has dedicated her career to shaping the future of the maritime industry while actively promoting inclusivity, climate action, and cultural awareness. Her extensive research spans over 30 internationally published academic papers, focusing on maritime sustainability, safety, human factors, seafarers rights, and well-being. Beyond academia, Dr. Mihailovici is a prolific writer with a lifelong dedication to literature. She began publishing poems and essays at the age of 12 and, in recent years, has embarked on a meaningful educational project for children, having as co author her wonderful daughter, Nicole Noelia. Their series of educational storybooks, featuring their original character Little Globy (our planet), aims to promote positive values, cultural awareness, and a love for learning among young readers. As a Sustainability Ambassador, Dr. Mihailovici continues to advocate for education, climate change action, cultural enrichment, and equality for all. She is deeply committed to empowering communities, inspiring the next generation, and making a lasting, positive impact across maritime, STEM, and social innovation sectors.
Aarthi Ilangovan | Business Intelligence Engineer | Amazon UK Services Ltd
I am a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon UK, with over a decade of experience spanning software engineering, data science, and business intelligence across India, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
My career journey began as a Software Engineer Intern at HCLTech, followed by four enriching years at Tata Consultancy Services, where I progressed from a Software Engineer to a Data Analyst, earning technical excellence awards for my contributions. Pursuing my passion for data science, I moved to Germany for my Master's in Data Science, where my thesis was nominated among the best submissions of the year. During this time, I worked as a Data Scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, developing sophisticated solutions for patient data analysis using Python for pathological classifications. I further enhanced my expertise at HRS Group in Cologne, where I spent over two years implementing machine learning models for online marketing and collaborating with partners like Google and Microsoft to drive data-driven marketing strategies. Currently at Amazon, I leverage my diverse technical background to deliver impactful business intelligence solutions. I recently received the Innovation Maven award for developing a machine learning model that optimised delivery station forecasting, generating $0.5MM in annual savings. My technical expertise spans multiple programming languages and platforms, including Python, R, SQL, Java, and various cloud technologies. Beyond my professional work, I serve as a school governor for two primary schools in London and actively mentor underprivileged girls from my hometown in India, helping create pathways for the next generation in technology.
Caitlin Rozario | Founder and facilitator | interlude
Caitlin Rozario is on a mission to make work better. As the founder of interlude and Head of Brand and Culture at tech startup Metrikus, she's passionate about creating healthier, more sustainable ways of working that help people do remarkable things - without chronic stress, burnout and overwhelm.
Her workshops with interlude are industry agnostic, and have helped teams across industries build sustainable productivity practices that enhance both performance and wellbeing. Caitlin is a regular speaker at conferences like WORKTECH and Earthfest, and her insights have been featured in publications like Startups Magazine and Workplace Wellbeing Professional. Caitlin's squiggly career has spanned starting the first ever D&I network at marketing rocketship Brainlabs, to ideating award-nominated campaigns at Metrikus (and even a stint at Buckingham Palace). Caitlin is a voracious learner, with degrees from Cambridge and UCL, as well as a recent MBA from Quantic. She puts that appetite to use by learning as much as she can about timeless insights and modern research into better, healthier work. Inspired by her own experience overcoming a life-changing health challenge, Caitlin is determined to change workplace culture for the better one workshop, team, and conversation at a time.