Driving Change: Dr. Vanessa Vallely's Mission to Empower Women in Tech and Business
Jan 3, 2025
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Dr. Vanessa Vallely, OBE, is a key advocate for women in technology and business, and the founder of We Are The City and We Are Tech Women. She shares her inspiring journey from banking to championing female talent. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and support in navigating male-dominated fields. Vanessa encourages nominations for the Rising Star Awards, celebrating women's contributions. They also discuss evolving career paths and how societal values around work are shifting, promoting a more inclusive future.
Dr. Vanessa Vallely emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking among women in tech to foster career advancement and support.
The Rising Star Awards provide ongoing mentorship and opportunities for emerging female talent, highlighting their contributions and encouraging visibility in their fields.
Deep dives
Empowering Women in Tech
Dr. Vanessa Vallelli emphasizes her mission of empowering women in tech and business through community building. She recognizes the importance of collaboration and networking for women seeking opportunities and advancement in their careers. This approach not only helps individuals to progress but also creates a supportive environment where experiences and challenges can be shared. Her initiatives, such as We Are The City and the Rising Star Awards, exemplify her commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry by fostering connections among women.
The Rising Star Awards
The Rising Star Awards celebrate and spotlight women who are in the early stages of their careers, specifically those within non-senior levels in various sectors. These awards aim to recognize individuals making significant contributions without occupying managerial positions, thereby encouraging their growth and visibility within their respective fields. This initiative also serves as a motivational tool, providing a platform for networking and mentorship among winners. With different categories aimed at various industries, the awards create a robust framework for acknowledging and supporting emerging talent.
Support Beyond Recognition
Winning an award is just the beginning for recipients, as the process includes ongoing support and development opportunities. Dr. Vallelli discusses how winners are provided with mentorship, access to industry leaders, and a community that encourages collaboration and mutual support. The emphasis is placed on the accountability and responsibility that comes with recognition, fostering a culture of giving back within the community. This continuous support structure helps maintain connections and facilitates long-term professional relationships among awardees.
Navigating the Future of DEI
The discussion touches on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within corporate environments amidst political and economic shifts. Dr. Vallelli highlights challenges and changes that organizations face, such as budget cuts and evolving employee expectations regarding diversity initiatives. Despite these obstacles, there is a growing interest among new companies to establish inclusive practices from the beginning. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for redefining DEI efforts in a way that better supports inclusion and belonging within the workplace.
On today's show (our 750th!) David is joined by the wonderful Dr. Vanessa Vallely, OBE. Vanessa shares her journey from a 16-year-old bank employee to a prominent advocate for women in technology and business. Through her organizations We Are The City and We Are Tech Women, she has created platforms to support, recognize, and develop female talent across various industries.
To nominate someone for the Rising Star Award’s check out this post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vanessavallely_risingstars100-wearethecity-awards-activity-7280557199565701120-5ihd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solutions. Find out more about our solutions at www.nashsquared.com
The music on Tech Talks is created by London artist Lemzi: www.lemzi.com
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