Finding Your Place in the AI Driven World - HER+Data MCR Meetup - April 2026

HER+Data MCR is a community working to connect, inspire, support and empower the NW UK’s Women in Data. Our goal is to bring together women and non-binary people who work in data or who would like to work in data - to support one another, share experiences and talk data - big or small! Whether you’re a student just embarking on a career or a seasoned data professional, this group is for you. We want to connect and inspire amazing data women with diverse expertise and passion for data and tech.

In the evolving world of AI, our April 2026 event theme is: Finding your Place in the AI Driven World

The event is very generously hosted by Kraken who are providing the venue, food and drinks. The event will take place at their offices at 11 Symphony Park · Manchester, gb.

Please let us know of any accessibility and dietary requirements/allergies as soon as possible.

Agenda
(All times in GMT)
18:00 - 18:30 Networking with food and drinks
18:30 - 18:40 Welcome and announcements
18:40 Lightning talks and Q&A
20:30 Close

Speakers
1. Wuraola Oyewusi
Bio: Wuraola Oyewusi is a Data Scientist, Technical Instructor, and Pharmacist, currently a postgraduate researcher at the University of Manchester, where she focuses on artificial intelligence in healthcare. She previously worked as a Researcher in Data Science and Data Curation at Imperial College London and led Research and Innovation at Data Science Nigeria.

As a LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 250,000 learners, Wuraola has authored multiple top-rated courses on AI, data science, and healthcare analytics. Beyond her academic and teaching roles, she promotes digital literacy and accessibility through her Tech in Yoruba YouTube series, where she teaches AI and technology concepts in the Yoruba language.
Her work can be found at wuraolaoyewusi.com

Talk: There is a lot happening in AI, and the way things work has truly evolved. It's tempting to ignore it, but I would strongly encourage you not to. In this session, we will explore "What You Should Know About AI."
From the recommendations shaping what you watch and read, to the tools now writing, analysing, and making decisions alongside us, AI is no longer a future conversation. It is happening now, and it is reshaping every field, every industry, and every profession.
In this session, we will introduce key concepts in AI, explore how it is already woven into our everyday lives, and, most importantly, discuss the ways you can and should engage with it. Because here is the truth: the question is no longer whether AI will affect your work and your world. It already is. The real question is whether you will shape how it is used, or be someone it happens to.
Women have always been at the forefront of innovation, advocacy, and change. This moment in AI is no different. Your voice, your expertise, and your perspective are not optional. They are necessary. Come ready to learn, to question, and to leave with a clearer sense of where you fit in this story.

2. Esther Alucko
Bio: Dr. EstherA is a leadership coach, speaker, award-winning strategic consultant, and author of You Are Not One Type of Leader and The Ripples Effect Advantage. She helps senior leaders and high-performing professionals navigate career plateaus, organisational change, and leadership challenges with practical frameworks and human-centered insight. Her talks and workshops focus on expanding leadership range, building confidence, and responding effectively across roles and environments.

Talk: In fast-evolving fields like data, AI, and technology, technical skills alone are not always enough to drive career progression. Many professionals find themselves delivering results yet struggling with visibility, confidence, or securing the next opportunity.
In this session, Dr. EstherA explores how to move beyond simply doing the work to intentionally positioning yourself for growth. She will share practical strategies on how to communicate your value, build visibility, and navigate career transitions with clarity, whether you are early in your journey, returning to work, or aiming for your next step.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights to confidently take ownership of their career path and unlock new opportunities in the data and tech space.

3. TBC
Bio: TBC
Talk brief: TBC

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Our Meetup page is very generously sponsored by Kraken!