Celebrating Scotland’s women in technology

Inspiring voices and powerful stories

The afternoon featured an incredible panel of speakers and storytellers, sharing their journeys as women working in technology. Their experiences highlighted both the barriers that persist and the strategies that can make a difference, from building confidence and resilience to the role of mentorship in helping women navigate and thrive in a male-dominated industry.

One of the standout themes was the importance of representation and visibility. Seeing women not only succeed but also lead in technology is crucial in inspiring the next generation, breaking down stereotypes and encouraging more young women to pursue careers in STEM.

One of the most striking messages from the first panel was the reminder that "nobody smashed their 20s". It spoke to the importance of taking risks, embracing failure and recognising that confidence is built over time through experience.

Another powerful insight was the phrase "perception is reality", highlighting how awareness of this dynamic is invaluable in mentorship and support. Both points underscored the role of resilience and understanding in creating an environment where women can grow and thrive in technology.

Exploring ethical AI

Another major focus of the event was a deep dive into the opportunities and risks surrounding artificial intelligence.

We heard inspiring examples of how AI is already being applied in education, such as tools designed to support students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. These innovations have the potential to transform access and inclusivity. But they also raised important questions about the lack of AI literacy in our schools and the need to equip young people with the skills to engage critically and confidently with these technologies.

The discussions on trust and transparency in AI resonated strongly with us. From how data is gathered and used, to how systems are designed and deployed, embedding fairness and accountability from the outset is essential if AI is to deliver on its promise without exacerbating bias or inequality. Governance and ethical considerations cannot be retrofitted; they must be part of the design from day one.

Leadership, authenticity and inclusivity

The third panel brought the conversation to the heart of leadership. Speakers highlighted the importance of empowering authenticity in the workplace, with a reminder that tech leadership is about people first and foremost. When inclusivity is prioritised, everyone has a voice, and the innovation that follows is richer, stronger and more sustainable, reinforcing the notion that the best technology solutions are born from environments where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought out.

Why it matters to Storm ID

At Storm ID, we believe that technology should be a force for good, creating opportunities, removing barriers and improving lives. But that can only happen when the teams building and shaping technology are diverse, inclusive and representative of society.

Events like this are a powerful reminder that progress requires collective effort: from celebrating female leaders and role models, to creating environments where women feel supported to grow their careers, to ensuring that the technologies we develop are designed with ethics, inclusivity and transparency at their core.

That is why the work of Scotland Women in Technology is so important. By amplifying voices, creating networks of support and recognising achievements through initiatives like the SWiT Awards, they are helping to accelerate cultural change across our industry.

Looking ahead

We left the event energised and inspired. It reinforced our commitment at Storm ID to continue building an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, and to ensure that the technologies we design reflect the values of fairness, openness and trust.

A huge thank you to Scotland Women in Technology for creating such a generous and empowering afternoon and to JPMorgan Chase for hosting. Congratulations once again to all those shortlisted. We look forward to seeing the winners celebrated later this year.