From the thousands of nominations last year, 30 winners were crowned at the Women in Tech Excellence Awards 2025. They represented the best and brightest of what the tech industry has to offer. From apprentices to founders, women from every level of the career level were recognised.

As we gear up for this year’s awards, we spoke to our previous winners about what it felt like to win, how their lives have changed since and their advice for those entering this year.

How did it feel to win?

Winning was both humbling and energising. It felt incredibly meaningful to have my work recognised on a national stage alongside so many inspiring women shaping the future of technology.

Winner of Role Model of the Year – Other: Kirsty Nunn, Millfield School

It felt wonderful to be proposed for the award by a colleague or colleagues; and was incredibly exciting to win. What a fabulous event, I felt like a million dollars.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Other: Laura Gilbert, Tony Blair Institute

It was genuinely surprising, but also really reassuring. As someone who doesn’t naturally talk about my own achievements, it meant a lot to have the work I care about recognised in that way.

Winner of Innovator of the Year – Other: Neshma Emile, Zumo

Winning the Hero of the Year award felt incredibly affirming and emotional - a moment that recognised not just my work, but the collective effort to make tech more inclusive. It was a proud reminder of why I continue championing change in the industry.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Finance: Arvinder Thandi, Nationwide Building Society

At first, it was disbelief. Then realisation dawned that the work I had been doing consistently behind the scenes genuinely mattered, especially the parts focused on creating opportunities and making tech more accessible to others.

Winner of Graduate of the Year / Apprentice of the Year - Tech and Consulting: Felicity Bruce, Vodafone

It was an incredible honour and a very emotional moment. Hearing my name announced as a winner, surrounded by so many inspiring women in technology, was overwhelming. I genuinely couldn’t believe it was me. It felt like a validation not just of my recent work, but of the entire journey that brought me there.

Winner of Team Leader of the Year – Finance: Maryna Rybalko, Paydock

It felt like magic. It was incredibly affirming and validating to be recognised for my contributions to industry. It inspired me to keep going and pushing for greater cyber consciousness and awareness. It was the pat on the back I needed!

Winner of Cybersecurity Professional of the Year: Rebecca Taylor, Sophos

I felt honoured and shocked to win. I felt extremely humbled to be recognised in such a wonderful category. It was overwhelming in the best possible way and I'm actually still struggling to put this all into words! 

Winner of Outstanding Returner Award: Lynsey Carr, Emerald Publishing

How has winning an award affected your career?

The award strengthened my professional credibility and opened doors to new speaking, writing and external opportunities. It also gave me greater confidence to step forward and advocate more boldly for women and girls in tech.

Winner of Role Model of the Year – Other: Kirsty Nunn, Millfield School

Winning the award has elevated me into conversations and pathways I would never have expected. These have included opportunities to speak at some of the biggest conferences the UK has to offer, the chance to travel and spread cyber awareness, and ability to drive pivotal conversations across industry and academia.

Winner of Cybersecurity Professional of the Year: Rebecca Taylor, Sophos

Positively - I have been invited to speak at multiple in-person Women in Tech panels that will actually bring about change. This is because the award validated that apprentice Software Engineers can create true impact.

Winner of Graduate of the Year / Apprentice of the Year - Tech and Consulting: Felicity Bruce, Vodafone

I feel winning this award gave me visibility around the business and supported with building relationships and trust with colleagues. I also feel more confident within my role as I know I have been recognised. 

Winner of Outstanding Returner Award: Lynsey Carr, Emerald Publishing

More than anything, it boosted my confidence and encouraged me to keep putting myself forward, which has led to other recognitions! It also brought some great visibility and opportunities to connect with others in the industry, which has been really valuable.

Winner of Innovator of the Year – Other: Neshma Emile, Zumo

The award has amplified my voice, opened new opportunities for keynote speaking and collaboration, and strengthened my credibility as both an engineer and an advocate for diversity in tech. It’s also boosted my confidence in the impact of the work I do.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Finance: Arvinder Thandi, Nationwide Building Society

It created new leadership opportunities, expanded my network, and positioned me as someone others look to for guidance. It also inspired me to actively give back — mentoring, sharing knowledge, and supporting non-profit initiatives to empower the next generation in tech.

Winner of Team Leader of the Year – Finance: Maryna Rybalko, Paydock

It has increased my confidence in my abilities.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Other: Laura Gilbert, Tony Blair Institute

What would be the one piece of advice you would offer someone wanting to enter?

Be specific about your impact and don’t downplay your achievements. Tell the story of the difference you’ve made, not just the responsibilities you’ve held.

Winner of Role Model of the Year – Other: Kirsty Nunn, Millfield School

Do it! Put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Be open and honest and when writing your application, speak about yourself like you would to someone you love. 

Winner of Outstanding Returner Award: Lynsey Carr, Emerald Publishing

It’s easy to downplay your own accomplishments, so try writing your entry as if you were nominating someone you really admire. And if it’s easier for you to recognise the achievements of others, definitely nominate them too, because there are so many brilliant women doing impactful work who deserve to be recognised.

Winner of Innovator of the Year – Other: Neshma Emile, Zumo

Don’t underestimate the power of your story - focus on the impact you’ve made and the people you've helped. And enter even if you feel you’re not “ready,” because your work may already be inspiring more people than you realise.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Finance: Arvinder Thandi, Nationwide Building Society

The one piece of advice I would share is something a mentor once told me: “Focus on impact.” My journey was never really about me. Everything I’ve done has come from a genuine passion and a deep desire to help others. I’ve always been driven by creating impact at scale. That mindset led me to join Jooble and design solutions that help millions of people around the world find jobs and support their families.

Winner of Team Leader of the Year – Finance: Maryna Rybalko, Paydock

Own the moment and own the opportunity. We all deserve a chance to shine, and this may just be your chance!

Winner of Cybersecurity Professional of the Year: Rebecca Taylor, Sophos

If your friends and colleagues tell you you’re doing something brilliant, believe them.

Winner of Hero of the Year – Other: Laura Gilbert, Tony Blair Institute