News / Tech
Changing the tech industry from within
Technology is disrupting the world in which we live, and one entrepreneur is on a mission to ensure women seize the opportunities this presents.
“Do not limit yourself, get to the next level and do not worry about the glass ceiling,” says Rav Bumbra (main photo), who seeks to inspire females in Bristol and beyond, and ensure that the digital sector is open to everyone.
The founder of Structur3dpeople, a tech recruiter and diversity specialist, developed the world’s first recruitment and mentoring on the go app, Cajigo, which provides employers with direct access to talent while helping women kick-start tech careers and reach leadership roles.
She is hosting an event, sponsored by Oracle Global Startup Ecosystem, at Engine Shed on Tuesday, October 30 open to female students from the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol, the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, which aims to help, inspire and provide networking links for the next generation of tech leaders.
“We are really proud to be bringing female students from all four universities together,” says Rav.
“We want to get more women thinking about technology careers, leadership roles and startups. It can be daunting moving into a work environment, so to have a network of students already means they can support each other.
“I think it’s really important – when you look at talent in the region, why are we missing out on the skills of women?
“There is a missed opportunity when we look at tech and how it’s disrupting our world. Students need to understand how tech can be an enabler.”
The entrepreneur says she fell into a tech career “by accident” after studying science at university. She moved to Bristol for her first job in tech 25 years ago and is now passionate about opening up the industry she loves and closing the gender pay gap.
“It’s an exciting career – it really changes the world we work in,” enthuses Rav. “My mission is to go out and get people excited about the world of tech.
“I left my corporate job to found a platform that would help people achieve success. We have such a good eco-system in the South West, we can drive the talent and I think it’s really important to get word out there in as many ways as we can.”
Zara Nanu is among the panelists
The women in tech event on Tuesday features role models and panelists, including:
· Zara Nanu, CEO and co-founder of GapSquare.
· Priya Shah, co-founder of Sauce.
· Marina Traversari, Oracle startup global ecosystem programme manager.
· Maisy Ward, undergraduate at Bath Business School, Bath Spa University.
· Sofy Large, senior digital manager for EE.
· Rosie Brown, commercial project manager at Interactive Scientific.
· Gina Thomas, STEM ambassador & programme manager for Dyson.
The event is only open to students studying at the four mentioned universities. To register, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/developing-a-career-in-tech-leadership-or-a-startup-bristol-and-bath-student-event-tickets-50926980971.
Read more: The future of tech in Bristol
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