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Women In Tech 4

[Unfiltered]

30th September 2025

DiSH MCR, Heron House, 47 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5LE

9:00am Registration. 9:40am Talks Start. 4:30pm Closing Remarks & Evening Social

Women in Tech Unfiltered is back — again — for its fourth edition!
 
By now, you know what to expect: raw, authentic, and brutally honest conversations.
 
Our Women in Tech conference doesn’t shy away from the tough topics — from the impact of menopause on tech leaders and harnessing hormones for success, to the experiences of LGBTQ+ women in tech and the pressing question: where are all the Black women in tech? Over the past two years, we’ve explored a wide spectrum of thought-provoking discussions, and this fourth instalment promises to be just as powerful.
 
Open to all genders, the conference is designed to spark the conversations many shy away from — breaking down the barriers that prevent women from entering or staying in tech careers. Expect hands-on workshops, engaging panels, and plenty of opportunities to connect during our evening social. Whether you’re a woman in tech or an ally ready to drive change, this is a space for bold conversations and real impact.
 
Don’t miss out on this sell-out event!
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What to expect

Women in Tech [Unfiltered] is designed to cater for all, whether you want to hear from our experts, boost your network at our after party or have your voice heard in our 99 second talks – there are opportunities for women and allies alike. 

Hear from a number of keynote speakers delving into topics such as “Women in Tech: Do You Like Me?” and what it takes to lead with purpose when the odds are stacked against you in “Courage, Honesty, and Leadership in a Cyber Crisis”. Our speakers have been chosen for their experience in the tech industry, the rawness of their talk topics and their willingness to talk openly about their subject.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to forge connections with the Manchester tech community. From our breakout areas and tech showcase to our evening social – you can connect with members from every corner of the industry.

At MTF we are dedicated to ensuring the conversation and support doesn’t stop at the end of the day. For this reason, we are inviting women led businesses, allies, mentors and champions to come forward to offer their support beyond the conference.

Our community will continue to be a hive of discussion and thought provoking content from women working in the tech industry, as well as a space for trusted suppliers to enhance their business with partners who share the same vision of increasing diversification. 

Lunch at the Women in Tech Conference is provided by an MTF favourite – Carribean Kitchen, serving a host of Carribean delights! Please ensure that any dietary requirements are specified on purchase of your ticket.

New for 2025! The MTF event app is a virtual environment which puts you in the centre of the festival! Log on, explore sessions and choose your own agenda. Plus! Interact with other guests, access pre-conference content, pose questions to our speakers and more! The best part? You get access to the app for upto 6 months after the festival where all of our talks will be posted so you don’t need to worry about missing a thing! 

SPEAKERS

Click the images below to discover our speakers bio’s!

Shantelle Morris

Tech Delivery Coordinator
Nexus Rental

Jodi Morton

Former Partner & U.S CDO KPMG
& COO | Empiriq

Patricia Gestoso

Founder | Director Scientific Support | Coach
Gestoso Consulting | Dassault Systemes

Rebecca Fox

Global Technology and
Business Leader

Lola Raji

Tech Consultant ( Programme Manager)
Nabeltech Consultancy Ltd

Hayley Brinicombe

Software Engineer
ThinkMoney

Rachel Hardwick Cox

Group Technical Program Manager
Booking.com

Adam Brown

Managing Director
End2End Talent Solutions

Hayley Brinicombe

Software Engineer
ThinkMoney

AGENDA

Discover the agenda for the day below and explore the talks in details using the drop down menu.

Have your QR Code at the ready and head to our registration desk to collect your pass for the day, before you head on down for networking and refreshments. 

Take your seats in the main conference room

Join us for our opening remarks and information for the day

Lola Rija
Tech Consultant ( Programme Manager)
Nabeltech Consultancy Ltd

This talk is designed for women navigating leadership, career progression, and influence in the tech industry—especially those ready to rise but unsure of the invisible dynamics that often define success. Drawing from over a decade of experience leading digital transformation, agile delivery, and executive coaching across the UK’s top organisations, Lola Raji breaks down the “unwritten rules” that shape how women thrive (or stall) in tech. This session is honest, empowering, and rooted in strategy, lived experience, and clarity—not fluff.
Audience Takeaways:
  • Learn the 5 invisible dynamics that impact women’s growth in tech and leadership.
  • Discover mindset shifts and positioning strategies that make the difference between overlooked and in-demand.
  • Understand how to build visibility, power, and credibility in male-dominated spaces.
  • Leave with practical actions, not just inspiration.
 
 

Shantelle Morris
Tech Delivery Coordinator
Nexus Rental

 
Having attended the past two Manchester Festival WIT events, I’m inspired to share my own experience navigating the Tech industry as a visibly Black woman, where authority, race, and appearance intersect in powerful and often overlooked ways. I aim to share my lived experience as a visibly Black woman in Tech- navigating spaces where authority, race, and appearance intersect in ways that are often unspoken, yet deeply impactful.
 
I will explore the systemic and social barriers faced by Black people in Tech through data on STEM pipelines, personal anecdotes, and an examination of unconscious bias, including colourism, texturism, and featurism. Drawing parallels to broader culture, I’ll highlight how figures like Rihanna used visibility and privilege to create inclusive spaces (e.g., Fenty Beauty), and what that teaches us about representation and allyship.
 
I’ll also address one of the most often-unspoken challenges in Tech: the presence and perception of Black women in positions of authority.
 
Attendees will leave with practical tools and insights to better support, sponsor, and advocate for Black women in Tech—ensuring representation is inclusive, not performative

Take a break or network in our breakout spaces


Rebecca Fox
Global Technology and Business Leader


Hayley Brinicombe
Software Engineer
ThinkMoney

 

Tech’s rapid evolution has created an industry that looks more like a fortress than a field — built up with layers of jargon, complexity, and a silent expectation that you need to be a “natural” or a “genius” to belong. It’s time we break that down.

Our talk, Breaking Down the Fortress: Why Tech Needs to Get Less Intimidating, will explore:
 
  • Why confidence, not capability, is the real barrier for many.
  • How tech jargon and complexity create invisible walls.
  • Why diverse perspectives — not just technical skills — are critical for real innovation.
  • How AI could either lower barriers or raise them even higher — and what we must do to ensure it’s the former.
  • Practical ways individuals and teams can create more welcoming, human tech environments.
 
We’ll weave in real stories from our own journeys in tech leadership and share actionable steps the audience can take away — whether they’re hiring, mentoring, learning, or leading change.
 
We promise it’ll be honest, thought-provoking, and just rebellious enough to get people thinking differently about the culture we’re building in tech — especially at a time when AI is reshaping the field faster than ever.

Take to the stage and have your say for 99 seconds!

Join us at DiSH MCR for a networking lunch! 

Join us back in the main stage as we set the scene for an afternoon of talks.

Jodi Morton
Former Partner & U.S CDO KPMG
COO Empiriq

 
From the importance of taking risks to using your voice at the table, Jodi Morton shares the lessons that guided her journey to the executive level in data and technology. This candid session will explore how women can lead with impact, stay resilient, and cultivate powerful networks while driving change in complex environments.
 

Patricia Gestoso
Founder | Director Scientific Support | Coach
Gestoso Consulting | Dassault Systemes

Deepfakes are images, audio, or video generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence technology to credibly replace one person’s likeness with that of another.
 
When talking about deepfakes, most media refer to the threats they may pose to democracy or how they are used for scams. The reality? 96% of deepfakes are of a non-consensual sexual nature, of which 99% are made of women.
 
Unfortunately, most tech companies and governments have concentrated their efforts towards assessing if digital content is a deepfake or not rather than preventing and outlawing their use for non-consensual sexual purposes.
 
In this talk, I’ll share the negative impact of non-consensual sexual deepfakes on girls and women, an overview of current legal and tech trends to tackle them, insights into how generative AI has commoditised the creation, promotion, and sale of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, and individual and collective steps towards a world without non-consensual sexual deepfakes.
 

Take a break or network in our breakout spaces


Adam Brown
Managing Director
End2End Talent Solutions

In this talk, we’ll explore the concept of dynamic diversity—a forward-moving, intentional approach to inclusion that goes beyond static metrics and token representation. Focusing on the apprenticeship space, we’ll unpack how diverse talent from marginalized communities brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and untapped potential to industries that are eager for innovation and growth.

We’ll examine why apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools for driving upward mobility, and how embedding real diversity at the heart of these programmes doesn’t just benefit individuals—it transforms organisations and unlocks long-term social and economic value.

Through stories, data, and practical insights, this session will challenge the audience to rethink how they approach recruitment, development, and culture, and show how a dynamic approach to diversity in apprenticeships can create lasting movement—not just moments of progress.


Rachel Hardwick Cox
Group Technical Program Manager
Booking.com

Take to the stage and have your say for 99 seconds!

Join our evening social to network with delegates and join in the conversations following the days talks! 

Purchase your Tickets

Tickets for Women in Tech are £46 and include entry to the conference, early access to the event app to build your own agenda, entry to the evening social and access to conference recordings and content for up to 6months following the festival! Your ticket also includes refreshments and lunch!

Don’t forget, MTF is a two week festival so check out our other events and once you’re ready to book your tickets, follow the links below!

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FUNDING

Many of our attendees have their costs covered by their employer, find out more about how to ask for funding.
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AFTER PARTY

DiSH MCR, Heron House, 47 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5LE

Following the conference, we will be hosting our inclusive and accessible after party at DiSH MCR, giving you the opportunity to network and forge connections in the community. 

During the evening we will have music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and somewhere comfy to sit. There will be positive networking opportunities and the chance to grab a bite to eat.

I’ve never seen a conference with such a high level of visible diversity and inclusion, and I’ve never seem so many delegates that were positively BUZZING from all of the inspirational talks and stories. What a brilliant, brilliant day.

Thank you to all the organisers, I can’t wait for next year!
Paul O'Donnell
Attendee
So many ‘WIT’ events focus on how women need to lean in. They are all focused on how women need to change. My biggest takeaway from today is that we need to talk more about changing the system. Not about changing women in under-represented groups. Honestly the best conference I’ve been to for a long time.
Holly Donohue
Attendee
The unfiltered requirement did not miss. Each speaker brought their authentic selves to that stage and very moving stories. Thank you all for your honesty and openness. Thank you for the most inclusive agenda I’ve seen.

You understood that representation would matter, and rose to the challenge!
Natalie Navickas
Attendee

Take to the MTF Stage

At MTF we are proud of the incredible community we are part of, that’s why at the end of every conference we welcome members of the community to take to the stage and have their say for 99 seconds! 

It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned speaker or new to the tech scene we want to hear from you! In fact, some of Manchester’s most experienced speakers started with a quick 99 second pitch! 

We welcome sign up’s on the day, so make sure you grab a member of the team if you want to take to the stage! 

OUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our sponsors and patrons, who are making Women in Tech [Unfiltered] a reality

JOIN OR SPONSOR COMMUNITY

From an exhibition stand at our core conference to sponsorship of one of our mid-year events, MTF offers businesses of all sizes an opportunity to join together and engage with the Manchester Tech Ecosystem. 

From boosting brand awareness to securing your next big hire, our sponsorship packages offer a year of benefits designed to hit your business goals, regardless of your priorities!

Enquiry today or explore the different opportunities for MTF 2026

Find Out More >
MTF25_Shantelle

Shantelle
Morris

Linkedin

ABOUT

Tech Delivery Coordinator, Nexus Rental
My core background spans Operations Management, Process and Continuous Improvement, Organisational Development, Leadership, and more recently, Tech Delivery. All of this has been a journey which I am still building upon.

 

This diverse experience has provided me with a strong foundation in both people and process management, making my transition into Tech smoother. Facilitation and presenting have been integral to my roles for many years. I regularly lead workshops and have spoken on various online platforms. I’m now eager to expand into broader speaking engagements and panel discussions, both virtually and in person.
MTF_JodiMorton

Jodi
Morton

Linkedin

ABOUT

Former Partner & U.S CDO | KPMG
COO | Empiriq

Jodi is a seasoned data, finance, and business transformation executive with over 30 years of leadership experience. She has a distinguished track record in data strategy and governance, financial operations and large-scale organizational transformation.

With expertise spanning data strategy, AI, enterprise technology, finance and accounting she has successfully led high performing teams, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and implemented strategic initiatives that drive innovation, differentiating insights, efficiency, and cost savings.

Most recently, Jodi served as Partner and U.S. Chief Data Officer at KPMG, where she built and scaled a world-class data organization. She drove data strategy, governance, analytics, and data and analytics transformation programs. Her leadership in data and analytics has earned her multiple industry recognitions, including being named one of CDO Magazine’s Global Data Power Women for five consecutive years.

Prior to KPMG, she held various executive roles at Freddie Mac, including Vice President, Single-Family Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Vice President, Single-Family Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Jodi began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the audit practice, focusing on the financial services industry.

Jodi is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and published expert in data innovation, frequently contributing insights at industry conferences and executive forums.

She is passionate about leveraging data and finance to drive organizational growth, governance excellence, and long-term strategic impact, making her an asset to organizations seeking to leverage data to drive growth and value.

PatriciaGestoso

Patricia
Gestoso

Linkedin

ABOUT

Founder | Director Scientific Support | Coach Gestoso Consulting | Dassault Systemes
Dr Patricia Gestoso is an award-winning inclusion strategist and technology expert with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, specialising in computer simulation, artificial intelligence, and inclusive and ethical design of tech workplaces and products. 
 
Through her company, Gestoso Consulting, she empowers leaders to leverage AI for sustainable growth and responsible innovation. She’s also the Director of Scientific Support at Dassault Systèmes BIOVIA, an engineering and scientific software company. Her previous roles include Global Head of Training and Contract Research.
 
In 2019, Patricia developed the Ethics and Inclusion Framework, a tool to help software companies identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for the actual and potential negative impact of the services and products they create. The framework has been featured in peer-reviewed articles and institutional websites.

Since 2020, she’s been involved with the British NGO We and AI – which works to encourage, enable, and empower critical thinking about AI – where she has collaborated on projects such as the development of a Race and AI toolkit and “Living with AI”, an e-learning course by The Scottish AI Alliance.

Patricia is also a certified work-life coach who helps ambitious women in tech to break the glass ceiling and achieve career success without burnout. She leads partnerships in the UK for European Women on Boards, an NGO that aims to increase gender equity at the board and executive levels.

She has authored articles and delivered keynotes that explore the intersection between artificial intelligence and various domains, including the future of work, industry trends, ethics, inclusion, sustainability, deepfakes, bias, automated agents, colonisation, and education. She also writes and speaks on the topics of female leadership, barriers and strategies for the retention and promotion of women in tech, and how AI has been weaponised as a misogyny tool.
Patricia is a reviewer for publications in the domain of AI ethics and European scientific research programs, and has been featured among the most influential women in UK tech.
Rebecca Fox - Image 2

Rebecca
Fox

Linkedin

ABOUT

CIO | Cyber Security
Rebecca Fox is a dynamic and accomplished CIO, leading global IT strategy for a major cybersecurity firm. With a background in software engineering, she combines deep technical expertise with a sharp business mindset to drive digital transformation and operational excellence. A results-driven leader, Rebecca focuses on innovation, efficiency, and global collaboration to deliver impactful technology solutions. She is a regular speaker on leadership, technology strategy, and the evolving role of IT in business success.
LolaRija

Lola
Raji

Linkedin

ABOUT

Digital Transformation Leader, Tech Consultant, and Strategic Speaker
Lola Raji is a digital transformation leader, tech consultant, and enterprise agile coach with over a decade of experience driving large-scale innovation and change in some of the UK’s most influential organisations. Known for her dynamic approach to strategy, agility, and leadership, Lola has carved a name for herself as a trusted partner to C-suite executives, public sector leaders, and forward-thinking brands looking to adapt, grow, and lead in the digital age.

 

She has delivered critical programs across industries including finance, telecommunications, government, insurance, and fintech. Her client portfolio includes global organisations such as Sky, BT, Accenture, the UK Home Office, Legal & General, Belron, Aldermore Bank, and Motonovo Finance—testament to her ability to consult at the highest level.

 

Lola’s expertise sits at the intersection of digital strategy, enterprise agility, and technology adoption. She has led major cloud transformations, scaled agile frameworks such as SAFe and LeSS across global teams, and implemented AI-powered solutions to improve efficiency, customer experience, and operational maturity. At one global telecom firm, she spearheaded an AWS migration that reduced IT infrastructure costs by 60%. At a UK financial institution, she led an agile transformation that cut delivery lead times by 40% and significantly improved customer satisfaction.

 

Beyond tech execution, Lola is also a skilled program and portfolio leader. She’s managed multi-million-pound initiatives with full accountability—ensuring that delivery meets business goals, stakeholder needs, and industry benchmarks. She champions Lean Portfolio Management and enterprise agility to align teams with strategic priorities and unlock faster value.

 

As an executive coach and branding strategist, Lola trains and mentors professionals and leaders to show up powerfully in their careers. She’s coached more than 2,000 people into high-paying roles in tech and digital delivery, developed agile playbooks for enterprise teams, and helped C-suite leaders navigate change, build high-performance cultures, and embrace innovation.

 

Lola is also a recognised voice in the industry. As a keynote speaker and panelist, she’s been featured at conferences, summits, and tech events where she shares insights on topics like:

 

  • The Future of Agile & Digital Transformation
  • Scaling Agile Beyond IT
  • Women in Tech & Leadership
  • AI, Automation, and the Future of Work
  • Leadership in the Age of Digital Disruption

 

Her style is engaging, practical, and deeply grounded in real-world experience. She doesn’t just speak about trends—she’s lived them, led them, and helped others navigate them. Whether addressing a room of engineers, executives, or entrepreneurs, Lola brings a refreshing blend of strategic depth, authenticity, and clarity that leaves people inspired and equipped to take action.

 

In addition to her consulting and speaking work, Lola is passionate about building purpose-driven ventures. She is the founder of Nabeltech, a training and career accelerator that helps professionals transition into non-technical tech roles. She also leads Female Bloom, a women-focused coaching platform and event series designed to support ambitious women in career transitions, business growth, and personal development.

 

Lola holds multiple certifications in agile coaching, portfolio management, and enterprise transformation. Her approach combines technical expertise with a people-first mindset—focusing not just on delivery, but on legacy, leadership, and long-term impact.
HayleyBrinicombe

Hayley Brinicombe

Linkedin

ABOUT

Software Engineer | ThinkMoney

Hayley Brinicombe is a software engineer at ThinkMoney who came into tech later in her career — bringing a lifetime of real-world experience, resilience, and passion for problem-solving. She’s proof that it’s never too late to break into technology, and she’s driven by the belief that tech should be welcoming to everyone, not just the insiders.

MTFAdamBrown

Adam
Brown

Linkedin

ABOUT

Managing Director | END2END Talent Solution

Adam is a driven leader specialising in transforming apprenticeship programmes into powerful engines of dynamic diversity and commercial growth. As the visionary founder of END2END Talent Solutions—based in Manchester and launched in 2024—Adam oversees a holistic, zero-cost managed service that helps organisations of all sizes unlock unused Apprenticeship Levy funds amounting to over £49 million for partner clients.

He’s passionate about breaking down systemic obstacles and equipping diverse candidates with the tools and confidence to thrive—evidenced by his high-impact voice at industry events such as Manchester Tech Festival, where he delivered keynotes on multicultural inclusion within apprenticeship pipelines .

With a sharp focus on consultative placement and employer mentorship, Adam embodies a strategic mindset: apprentices don’t just fill roles—they become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. His hands-on approach has led to hundreds of placements, strong client loyalty, and partnerships that span SMEs to academy trusts .

Outside work, Adam is known for hosting inclusive networking events (e.g., DiSH Breakfasts), championing small-business collaborations, and shaping industry conversations around leveraging the Apprenticeship Levy to close gaps in recruitment and retention.