Event Recap: Empowered Together - Data, Allyship, and Engineering
Last week, Investigo’s WomenWiseData, spearheaded by Kalina Tomova, joined forces with LSEG’s WINTech and the BEING network to host “Empowered Together: Data, Allyship, and Engineering”, an event shining a light on diversity in technology. Bringing together industry leaders and an engaged audience, the evening was full of real-time tips, actionable takeaways, and a deep commitment to advancing women and underrepresented communities in data and technology.
The event’s core theme, allyship, emerged as a central pillar for building equitable teams and workspaces. Kalina kicked things off by highlighting the significance of inclusivity in technology. She pointed out the risks when diverse voices are left out of key areas like testing, engineering, and product development. To drive the point home, she used a compelling example: facial recognition technology. When it first hit the scene, its error rates were as high as 34% for darker-skinned women because it had mainly been tested on lighter-skinned men. This stark reminder showed just how vital it is to involve a diverse range of perspectives from the start.
The expert panel, featuring Sanjeevan Bala, Manivannan (Mani) Janakiraman GCB.D, and Marilyn N. A., moderated by Triona O’Keeffe, CIO for Data and Analytics at LSEG, shared invaluable perspectives on topics ranging from sponsorship and mentorship to diversity in leadership. The power of sponsors - those people who advocate for you behind the scenes and help open doors. Unlike mentors, who offer guidance, sponsors actively champion your success, especially in high-stakes situations. For underrepresented groups in tech, having a sponsor can be a game-changer for career growth.
A significant takeaway from the event was the importance of embedding diversity into decision-making processes, particularly when business decisions impact 5% or more of revenue. The panellists agreed that ensuring a diverse group of people are making these decisions is not just good practice; it leads to stronger business outcomes.
Another highlight was the emphasis on role models, with the panellists encouraging attendees to seek out individuals who embody the qualities and career paths they aspire to.
Emerging Trends: Data, Diversity, and Allyship
The discussion at the event ties into broader trends in data and technology. One notable trend is the growing importance of ethical AI. As companies continue to integrate AI into their operations, there’s a rising demand for transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in AI systems. Ethical AI frameworks are being developed to address the kinds of biases Kalina mentioned, where technology can exclude or misrepresent certain groups if the data is not diverse or comprehensive.
Similarly, the push for diversity in leadership is also picking up speed, with businesses realising that having a varied leadership team isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s a catalyst for innovation and better financial performance. Research shows that companies with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers when it comes to profitability. This aligns with the panel’s advice on making sure diverse groups are at the table for major decisions.
The increasing focus on allyship is also reflective of a shift toward building more inclusive workplaces where diverse voices are not only welcomed but empowered to lead. More organisations are investing in allyship training and building communities like WomenWiseData to foster greater inclusivity across all levels of business.
As always, the event fostered a strong sense of community. Attendees left feeling inspired, connected, and more equipped to drive change within their own organisations. For those who couldn't make it, stay tuned for future WomenWiseData events - we’re just getting started.
