Recognising the female role models that will inspire the next generation in technology

It’s no secret that the technology industry suffers from an acute diversity problem. Walk into any tech event and the number of women in attendance will be a fraction of the overall delegation. The same goes for corporate management teams, with many companies still failing to promote women into senior roles.

However the CRN Women in Channel Awards is encouraging a step change in attitudes towards women in tech and recognises the achievements of the leaders and exceptional employees who act as role models for young women in the industry.

Last year’s mandatory reporting of gender pay gap figures was a reminder that the tech industry is not reflective of the diversity of our society. However, the CRN Women in Channel Awards 2018 showed the desire of industry leaders to demonstrate best practice across the channel, promoting tech as a credible career choice for young women in the UK.

Ranging from graduates and industry newcomers to top leaders and entrepreneurs, entries to the 2018 CRN Women in Channel Awards shone a light on the successes of women at all stages in their career who work in tech in the UK.

York-based Varlink, a leading distributor of mobile computing, data capture and EPOS hardware, have seven nominees in this year’s awards across several categories. CEO, Mike Pullon, said: “It’s very exciting that so many of our employees have been nominated this year. Varlink really buck the trend when it comes to the tech industry as over 40% of our workforce is female and that number is increasing as the business continues to grow. Varlink are an equal opportunities employer and this is represented in the diversity of our personnel across all areas of our business.”

Varlink’s nominees include:

Jodie Armstrong – Marketing Executive

Katie Gray – Marketing Executive

Lorien Lightfoot – Head of Marketing and HR

Kayleigh Raymond – Business Development Manager

Amanda Thompson – Senior Account Manager

Sue Veal – Sales Office Manager

Gintare Zalaite – Senior Purchasing Agent

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at The Brewery, London, on October 17th.