Calling all rising stars in tech: Makers launch the 2021 Women in Software Power List in partnership with Google Startups UK and Computerweekly

Software developer bootcamp Makers (@makersacademy), in partnership with Google Startups UK (@GoogleStartupUK) and Computerweekly (@ComputerWeekly), today announced the opening for submissions to the UK’s Women in Software Power List. Aimed at the talented women of the coding community, it spotlights 20 emerging leaders across software development and the amazing work they do. Focusing on what they’ve achieved rather than where they are in their careers, the list aims to celebrate the progress, impact, and innovation of talented women in tech.

This initiative calls on members of the tech community – both men and women – to nominate and submit the names of women colleagues who should be recognised for their contribution. Women who work in software can also nominate themselves. All nominees must be working in the sector for six years or less, and be able to demonstrate unique talent and vision in their respective positions.

Each nominee should meet the following criteria, which Makers use to define impact:

1. Growth – in learning and leadership
2. Influence – in the community and among peers
3. Innovation – contributing to interesting projects at work or independently

A panel of judges will select the top 20 women from the nominations. Those selected will be included on the Women in Software Power List and announced at a celebratory event in September. 

In previous years, the Power List has celebrated rising stars from large multinational organisations such as  KPMG and Facebook as well as newer companies such as The Dots and Freddie’s Flowers. 

Makers is also launching the Changemakers List, recognising the organisations who are creating key opportunities for the advancement of women in software. It showcases the organisations that work to support the progress of women and gender minorities in the tech industry. From demonstrating support to launching initiatives, these organisations are being the change they want to see in making software development a more inclusive and progressive space for everyone.

For both categories, the deadline for submission is August 6th. Nominations can be submitted online. 

Makers was inspired to launch the initiative in response to the growing need to get more women into tech. These days, while women represent 49 per cent of the British workforce, they only make up 19 per cent of the digital tech workforce. The proportion of women tech and telecoms professionals is four per cent, a number that has been in decline since 2007. 

Getting women to enter the digital workforce is one challenge – but keeping them there is equally hard. 

“We are thrilled to highlight the significant contribution of the rising stars of the software industry,” said Claudia Harris, CEO of Makers. “We know that shining the spotlight on the work of these 20 incredible women will hopefully inspire others to consider a career in the digital economy. Real-life examples are critical when it comes to shifting perceptions within the industry and we are proud to be celebrating these.”

The 2021 Women in Software Power List will be announced in September.