SAVE. THE. DATE.

That’s right, mark your calendars for your favourite D&I Women & Allies in Tech event on March 1st, 2024. We invite you to join us in a special celebration where we honour and acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of Europe’s most inspiring women, allies, and forward-thinking companies in the tech world.

Get ready to be inspired as we shine a spotlight on these trailblazers who have redefined boundaries, shattered glass ceilings, and left an indelible mark on the tech industry.

First things firsts, what are 2024’s categories you might ask? No worries, we got you! In case you are wondering:

Who can nominate? 

ANYONE. We encourage you to nominate yourself, your colleague, a friend, your manager or someone in tech who inspires you.

Introducing the categories

The One to Watch Award

Who will be the next leader disrupting the tech scene?

Celebrating emerging leaders in engineering and product who have an impressive track record and an exciting future in the tech industry.

Who is the One To Watch Award for? 

Nominees should be:

1. A senior software engineer or product professional who identifies as she/her or they/them

2. Based in Europe/UK

3. With impressive and untraditional career development in recent years

4. Advocates diversity and invests their time into mentorship and STEM initiatives

Meet Késsia Castro, Xena One to Watch Winner 2023

The Allyship Award

We need more active allies for women who have less access – it’s that simple.

Celebrating the people who actively promote and encourage the progression of women in technology.

Who is the Allyship Award for?

Nominees should be:

1. A male leader who identifies as he/him or they/them

2. Based in Europe/UK

3. Demonstrated a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion in tech

4. Is a champion for promoting the work of women and/or underrepresented groups in technology with quantitative evidence to support this

5. Acknowledges the impact of unconscious bias on the progression of women in the industry

Meet Víctor Moreno Alhambra, Xena Allyship Winner 2023

The Leadership Award

It’s time to start giving women in leadership the recognition they deserve!

Celebrating women who go above and beyond to excel in their technical leadership roles.

Who is the Leadership Award for?

Nominees should be:

1. In a leadership position with proven experience in overseeing engineering or product teams of +1o employees

2. Based in Europe/UK

3. Must have a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience

4. Demonstrated a flare for innovation, risk and achievement with quantitative evidence of success and growth

5. A passion for women in tech and girls in STEM

Meet Chiedza Muguti, Xena Leadership Winner 2023

The Founder of the Year Award

Female entrepreneurs can break into tech – and we plan to show you the trailblazers in the industry.

Celebrating the female founders who have created an organisation that is original, innovative, and a first of its kind.

Who is the Founder of the Year Award for?

Nominees should be:

1. An entrepreneur in tech who identifies as she/her or they/them and has founded +2 startups throughout the course of their career

2. Based in Europe/UK

3. Has created a product or service that is original and innovative in the tech industry

4. Is a champion for women in technology with quantitative evidence to support this

Meet Georgina Kirby, Xena Entrepreneur of the Year Winner 2023

The D&I Leader Award

For those that devote their time to pushing inclusion forward.

Celebrating the forward-thinkers who have always advanced diversity and inclusion in tech.

Who is the D&I Leader Award for?

Nominees should be:

1. A leader who identifies as she/her or they/them with at least +5 experience in the tech industry

2. Based in Europe/UK

3. Ambassador for equality, diversity and inclusion in tech while ensuring organisational buy-in

4. Is a champion for promoting the work of women in technology with quantitative evidence to support this within their organisation

5. Spearheads and develops initiatives that educate key stakeholders about the impact of unconscious bias on the progression of women in the industry

Meet Sarah Cordivano, Xena D&I Leader Winner 2023

The Rising Startup Award

Celebrating trailblazing startups led by female (co)founders with social impact at the core of their mission and champion the progression of underrepresented groups.

Who is the Rising Startup Award for?

Startups should:

1.  Have at least 1 co-founder that identifies as she/her or they/them

2. Based in Europe/UK with no less than 20 employees and maximum 5 years since establishment

3. Demonstrated a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion in tech

4. Is a technology-driven business dedicated to promoting the work of women or underrepresented groups in technology with quantitative evidence to support this

The Inclusive Tech Investor Award

Celebrating the VCs that embrace diversity and maintain a portfolio that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Who is the Inclusive Tech Investor Award for?

Must be a Venture Capital firm:

1. Based in Europe/UK

2. Has a diverse investor and partner team

3. Actively pursues a diverse portfolio that invests in the work of women or underrepresented groups in technology with quantitative evidence to support this

4. Demonstrated a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion in tech

The D&I Tech Employer of the Year Award

Celebrating the tech companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion inside-out by building inclusive environments, empowering minorities and committing to making an impact.

Who is the D&I Tech Employer of the Year Award for?

This award is dedicated to tech companies that have:

1. At least 1 HQ in Europe/UK

2. Is committed to building diverse teams across the business

3. Inside-out a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion through specialised D&I teams and/or ERG Groups

4. Supports and encourages Women in Tech initiatives within their organisation

5. Acknowledges their role and impact on the progression of women in the industry

Meet Expedia Group, Xena D&I Tech Employer of The Year Winner 2023