International Women's Day : Celebrating women in technology and allyship

Thoughts, International Women’s Day, Celebrating Women in Technology and Allyship

Join us at Reed’s latest Tech on the Tyne meetup to celebrate International Women’s Day. We are co-hosting our Tech on the Tyne with Digital Up North at Gateshead College, supporting them in a week long series of events to celebrate Women in Technology.

During this free face-to-face meetup you will hear about the different journeys that people have taken, some going to university to study computer science, others more creative subjects and others direct into the workplace. We will explore the role of mentors, male allies and the value that they can bring.

Our speakers:

1. Emma Brown - Enterprise Architect - Gentoo Group

Emma has spent over 16 years at Gentoo, progressing from Application Specialist, to Systems Manager and then Head of Systems.
She has recently taken up the role of Enterprise Architect, her focus spans business strategy, capability development, risk mitigation, and sustainable, cost‑effective technology change.
Emma is passionate about leadership, coaching/mentorship, enterprise architecture, systems thinking, business capabilities, governance, strategy, and enabling teams to deliver meaningful, sustainable change. She is deeply committed to helping organisations achieve their strategic outcomes through well‑designed, integrated technology ecosystems.

2. Fiona Hobbs – Head of Engineering – Fairstone

Fiona Hobbs is a technology leader with over 20 years’ experience building high-performing engineering teams and inclusive, people-first cultures. Outside of work, she enjoys sea swimming, knitting, and creative pursuits that reflect her focus on balance, wellbeing, and connection.

3. Michael Tomaras - Senior Software Engineering Manager – Civica

Michael is a Senior Software Engineering Manager with experience building and leading diverse teams. He's been on both sides of mentorship for the past 5 years and has helped people at key moments of their careers. Through this he's gained experience with key cultural hurdles, and he's hoping to help as many people as possible overcome them.

4. Millie Mann - Senior Delivery Manager - CQC

Millie will share her 18-year journey in digital, moving through IT training, UAT, test management and into delivery management leadership. As a WiT Ambassador, mentor and Equity Diversity & Inclusion Lead, she’ll unpack the pivots, stretch moments and reflect on how non-linear paths can help build stronger leaders

What is Tech on the Tyne?

Tech on the Tyne is a free Technology focussed meetup run by Reed’s technology division for those who are looking to discuss, learn and explore the latest trends, passions and problems within technology.
We offer a fair and open opportunity for those of all skill sets to experience something new, brush up your knowledge, or even discover a new approach from fellow learners.

As a Tech on the Tyne event, this meetup has been designed to share content with you about the latest challenges within the tech and digital space providing a learning and networking opportunity.
Refreshments will be provided

Parking is available at Gateshead College and the Bus / Metro stations are just a short walk away.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!