Hannah Crompton | Data Scientist and Project Advisor to EVP Innovation and Engineering | bp
Hannah is an exceptional Data Scientist and Geoscientist with a passion for developing transformational digital products and driving large scale digital upskilling to solve the world’s greatest energy challenges, enabling energy to be decarbonised, democratised & digital.
Hannah started her career providing technical and commercial energy advisory for governments in the Middle East and Africa. It was here she found her passion for data science as a toolkit to solve large scale data problems.
In 2018, Hannah followed her passion and joined a supermajor Integrated Energy Company as a Data Scientist on their Graduate Scheme and has since led the design, development and delivery of several transformational global digital tools which have resulted in millions of dollars in additional revenue and substantial cost savings. Her focus on innovation, automation, end to end traceability and actionable insights has changed how the company works with data.
Hannah is deeply passionate about digital enablement, establishing a community to build digital capability across the company and she has highlighted the transformational potential of digital through reverse mentoring members of the Executive Team, challenging and influencing large scale digital strategy. She was recently selected for her current role as Project Advisor to EVP Innovation & Engineering (CEO-1) where she focusses on driving delivery for Digital, Engineering and Safety across the company.
In her spare time, she is a Private Pilot and enjoys endurance challenges having completed four marathons in four days and swam across the English Channel in a relay team for charity.
Jessie Chan | CX and Communications Graduate | Atos
I joined Atos as a CX and Communications Graduate in January 2022.
My speciality is all things creative whether that be design system improvement, component redesign, or video production. My favourite part about being a “CXer” is inspiring abstract solutions for specific requirements.
One of my most notable contributions was taking the initiative to learn HTML to meet a key deliverable for the client. Despite initially believing this would be an immovable blocker, we successfully delivered 407 communication templates from scratch, drastically reducing the cost and timeframe for the client.
My biggest strength is having an eye for the details, which is a skill I take pride in from my background, starting as a self-taught 2D artist in illustration. I have been commissioned for work by small businesses across the world and went on to study 3D Games Art at University achieving a First Class degree honours. On top of this, I have previous experience in tutoring maths, English, and science; designing content to support teaching.
On a more personal level, I am a second-generation British-born Hong Konger, and, like many immigrant families, I have witnessed first-hand the struggles that my parents had to face to allow me and my sister to thrive in the UK. They provided us with opportunities that weren’t available to them, which is why I am a strong advocate for diversity and raising awareness for those in similar positions.
Mei-Shiang Shen | Business Consultant | IBM
I earned a First-Class Honours degree in Marketing from Bournemouth University.
I have a Professional degree in Marketing with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and a Digital Marketing certificate at the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM). From my degrees and job roles, I found my passion in user-centred design and technology.
In 2020, I joined IBM’s Consulting Graduate Programme as a Business Consultant. I sit within IBM iX, IBM’s experience design arm which works at the intersection of technology, data and customer-centred design. I deliver business value to a range of clients across sectors, using Agile and Design Thinking methodologies.
Prior to IBM, I carried out a Digital Marketing and Social Media internship at a Marketing Agency based in London. I curated engaging content which aligned to the brand’s guidelines and target audience. Furthermore, I developed innovative social media strategies and produced key SEO marketing data statistics and research with the aim to optimise the client’s reach and customer engagement levels.
I am passionate about Diversity and Inclusion. In 2020, I co-led and founded the Early Professional Emb(race) South-East / East Asian community to foster a supportive and inclusive place for culturally similar individuals. I am an instrumental player within IBM’s UK Asian Business Resource Group, co-organising events and initiatives for the community.
I am a strong believer and advocate for Mental Health. I was previously selected by the UKI IBM Associate Management team as Wellbeing Lead (2021-2022), championing physical, mental, and social wellness for 300+ UKI Associates.
Anjali Chorlton | Graduate Technology Analyst | Barclays
Anjali is a Graduate Technology Analyst in the Chief Technology Office at Barclays, working in the Architecture, Practices and Governance team.
Anjali holds a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and supporting women in the technology space. Her aim is to stay true to her purpose whilst striving to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. Prior to her time at Barclays, Anjali started her career in retail, moving to Banking in 2019. Anjali worked within Personal Banking, playing an integral role in guiding, and supporting branch customers to help them achieve their financial goals, proactively finding ways to enhance the customer banking experience. Whilst supporting frontline customers, Anjali attended university, securing a First-Class Honours degree in BSc Accountancy. Following this, Anjali went on to serve as a Premier Banking Manager, building and maintaining relationships with a high net worth portfolio of customers, whilst maintaining a visible positive presence in the wider business.
Anjali has created a new initiative to engage Early Careers colleagues through monthly sessions, whilst also assuming a position within employee workstreams that aim to celebrate culture. Through her Early Career, Anjali positively impacts people day on day and has been part of several projects and initiatives such as Early Careers Engagement events, speaking at panel events, mentoring activity and volunteering.
Anjali sits on the UK Leadership team for the Multicultural & Faith Employee Resource Group at Barclays, supporting a key relaunch in 2023. As part of this, Anjali has arranged a global panel event for colleagues to diver deeper into culture and how this has impacted personal and professional journeys.
Grace Benham | Chair, "Channel" employee representation group | Royal National Lifeboat Institution
From my first experiences of joining the workforce as the only female working in a butcher shop at age 14, I quickly realised the importance of a culture of diversity, inclusivity, friendliness and support; values I have always held through my career.
As I continued my education, becoming the first graduate in my family, I grew my passion for leadership and engagement. I joined the graduate scheme with Marks & Spencer and at the age of 25 I was appointed Store Manager with the responsibility of a £10M sales business. Focusing on diversity and inclusivity, I mentored aspiring managers, creating the opportunities needed for others to thrive regardless of age, gender and ethnicity.
I then decided to follow my passion for helping others and joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), eventually joining the Engineering directorate. As a non-engineer, I quickly saw an opportunity to develop the people engagement, wellbeing and STEM strategies, while working my way through CIPD qualifications to help broaden my thinking. I co-founded the Bournemouth Council Manufacturing STEM Steering Group, currently lead our award-winning Women in Engineering events, and drive our STEM agenda nationally.
At the age of 33, I am now the Chair of the employee network. I support and lead diversity in all areas of the business, focusing on wellbeing, engagement, case work, employee rights. I continue to live by my values of equity for all by supporting the Race, Young Professionals, LGBT and Disability networks, while co-founding the RNLI Women’s Network.
Helen Choudhury | Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion | The MPA Group
I would describe myself as an EDI change management specialist and a qualified trainer.
I have a legal background and more than 20 years working experience in diversity and inclusion, teaching (in colleges and training centres) and training both nationally and globally.
I have worked in different sectors including Music, Oil and Gas, Finance, Regulators and Investment Banks. I have worked with diverse communities, disadvantaged communities and faith groups which has enhanced my knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
I am always keen on creating an inclusive work environment, where employees can bring their ‘true’ self to work and where no one feels excluded!
I have supported organisations to move from ‘tick box mindset’ to ‘embedding EDI into every area from organisational, business, HR to corporate risk. I have recommended initiatives that link to internal opportunities for improvement, worked with leaders within the businesses to educate them and broader teams on the benefits of an inclusive workplace.
I am currently working as the Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. I lead on and manage all our diversity and inclusion work. I am also the Champion for Menopause (and related health matters) for my sector. Our organisation has over 200 global and national member organisations. My diversity and inclusion work extends to all our members and their staff!
I enjoy bringing people together to share their lived experiences and to celebrate what we have in common but most of all to understand and respect what makes us different.
Kasia Wojciechowska | Regional Head of Client Accounts | Capita
Kasia is a Regional Head of Client Accounts at Capita.
She is an accomplished Consultancy Services and Technology professional working with blue chip organisations to develop and build their strategic talent pipelines.
Kasia has 17 years of experience in the Recruit, Train and Deploy arena which is known for bridging the gap between the academia and the workplace by creating the next generation of IT and business professionals.
She has worked with international FS clients to help them develop and build their strategic tech talent pipelines through the use of emerging talent programmes including future tech talent, women returners and Ex-Forces.
She is passionate about raising awareness on Neurodiversity and hidden disabilities, promoting diverse working environments, and about encouraging girls and women to join the technology industry.
Kasia is currently spearheading the Capita Novus Neurodiversity programme.
Kasia was the winner of Capita People's Choice Award for launching the Neurodiversity initiative.
Kasia collaborates with Cajigo to help females discover opportunities for progression to reignite their passion for their careers as well as ignite change within organisation.
Ellie Bean | Junior Systems Engineer | Atkins
I joined Atkins a little over 2 years ago on their Systems Engineering graduate programme within their Aerospace, Defence, Security and Technology (ADS&T) sector, after having achieved a first class undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Swansea University.
Systems Engineering was a new concept to me but the holistic problem solving aspect and working closely with clients as part of a consultancy appealed to me. In the last 2 years I’ve progressed from Graduate Engineer to Junior Engineer and have worked across 3 different projects within the Defence Industry, within the land and maritime domains.
I’ve worked closely with the client, DE&S, on complex critical systems and been an integral part of delivery teams at vital project phases. My most recent project saw me seconded into and working independently embedded in a client team delivering a new capability for naval ships, which has stretched me outside of my comfort zone to learn new and more advanced skills both technically and professionally.
Internally in Atkins I’ve also been closely involved in a number of different roles including Volunteering Coordiantor in our Young Professional Forum and Apprenticeship Technical Coordinator, managing the technical aspects of the apprenticeships in the business.
Alongside all of this I’m also completing a part-time MSc at Loughborough University in Systems Engineering, an incredibly challenging but interesting endeavour that will provide me with a better technical understanding in my discipline and also achieve my aspirations to achieve chartership in the near future.
Laura Cottey | Royal Naval Medical Officer | Royal Navy
I joined the Royal Navy as a Medical Cadet in 2009 whilst at the University of Southampton.
On completion of university, I started work as a Foundation Doctor at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and quickly integrated into supporting the hospital community. Awarded the Outstanding Foundation Year 1 Doctor of the Year award, I wanted to ensure Junior Doctors voices were heard as the Chair of the hospital Junior Doctor Committee. 2013 to 2016, saw two deployments to the Arabian Gulf as the Medical Officer for a destroyer and in support of mine countermeasure operations, where I was awarded the Oliver Sword, an annual Medical Officer Award for leadership. This time away included an exciting opportunity to lead on a healthy lifestyle project as part of the Second Sea Lord's Feeding the Fleet initiative where I delivered weight management classes, nutrition support and tried a range of innovations to get people active.
With a keen interested in leadership and wanting to develop myself further, I pursued a Masters in Leadership for the Healthcare Professionals graduating with a Distinction and gained the 2nd place student award and distinction at the Defence Academy Maritime Intermediate Staff and Command Course. In 2016, I commenced Emergency Medicine training back in Plymouth and started on an Academic Clinical Fellowship where I led a nationwide study to research ways to improve the working lives of Emergency Department staff. The last three years I have been undertaking a PhD to improve outcomes for military trauma patients.
Natasha Day | Paramedic | British Army
I joined the army in 2014 as a combat medical technician.
I then deployed to Kenya and South Sudan. I setup the defence breastfeeding network in 2020 when I realised that the armed forces didn’t support women integrating back into the work place after maternity leave. I then trained as a paramedic in 2021.