JP MORGAN has been named Employer of the Year at the inaugural Scotland Women in Tech Awards, which were held last night in Glasgow.
The banking giant employs 1,200 in Glasgow, where its technology centre is based.
A spokesperson for the group said that creating a diverse work environment is critical to the bank’s success. “We are proud to be associated with organisations like Scotland Women in Technology that recognize and support the progression of women in technology,” they added.
The event, which honoured women in technology across Scotland, named Jeanette Forbes of PCL Group as Director or CEO of the Year.
Sharon Moore of computer giants IBM was named Inspirational Woman in Leadership, while the Rising Star Award went to Alyssa Ross from FreeAgent. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sheila Flavell, chief operating officer of professional services provider FDM Group.
The awards were presented by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney and education minister Shirley Anne Somerville.
Mr Swinney, said: “Improving skills, enthusiasm and knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at all levels... and encouraging uptake of careers in this sector are vital to Scotland’s society and economic prosperity.”
Talat Yaqoob, director of Equate Scotland, a group which promotes the role of women in technology said: “Our vision of a technology sector where women want to work and where they strive, cannot be met without action from employers, so it was heartening to see so many leading in this area.”
Jackie Galbraith, vice principal at Ayrshire College and one of the independent judges of the awards, said: “I started my career in tech 30 years ago in the mid-1980s and have seen the proportion of women in
the industry or studying computing science decline steadily since then. The Scottish Women in Technology Awards shine a light on women forging careers in tech and those trying to redress the gender balance in this still overwhelmingly male-dominated sector.
“I was really impressed by the quality and diversity of the nominations, in particular from young women who are making an impact in the world of tech. I remain hopeful that they will help the industry rediscover its female origins which can only bring benefits to us all.”
Lynsey Campbell, board member and lead from Scotland Women in Technology added: “These awards have been created to highlight the immense talent we have across the technology sector.
"Despite it being our first awards year, we have had over 100 nominations illustrating the demand for events like this to give Scotland the opportunity to celebrate women.
"This year’s awards have been a huge success and the backing of not just Scottish, but international companies, shows that the sector is eager to engage too.
"We know we have work to do to increase the number of girls studying computing subjects and pursuing these careers, but we hope that these awards, which will be happening annually, inspire girls to get into tech and encourage women to stay and progress to the top of the industry.”
Graeme Smith, managing director, Edinburgh Development Centre at Amazon, which sponsored the awards, said: “It was great to see such incredible talent recognised last night at the inaugural Scotland Women in Technology Awards which was a truly inspiring night of celebration and recognition. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and finalists, and hope their success will inspire more women to study technology and pursue technology careers in Scotland.”
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