Backed by Google and Founders Forum, the InspiringFifty recognises and celebrates the incredible women excelling in STEM 

13th June 2022, London: EQL:HER, the global network committed to securing an equal future for women in STEM, has revealed its ‘InspiringFifty’ list of the 50 most influential women in the European tech ecosystem. With Google and PwC among its supporters, the InspiringFifty initiative celebrates and amplifies diverse women in tech to encourage women from all walks of life to follow in their footsteps. 

Recent data has highlighted that as of March 2022 women still only make up 19% of the European tech workforce. EQL:HER is on a mission to change this by providing role models that reflect the rich diversity of society, and so inspiring the next generation of women leaders in tech. With a stellar women judging panel including Jacqueline de Rojas CBE – President of techUK and Janet Coyle – Managing Director of Business Growth at London & Partners, InspiringFifty attracted nearly 600 nominees from across Europe. Those to make it into the InspiringFifty include: Abadesi Osunsade, Founder & CEO of Hustle Crew; Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Founder of Stemettes; Dr Gioia Rau, Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre; Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, CEO of BenevolentAI; Nicola Mendelsohn, VP of Global Business Group at Meta; and Sonali De Rycker, Partner at Accel. 

Elka Goldstein, CEO, EQL:HER, said: “We are delighted to announce our InspiringFifty winners today and give some of the incredible women in our ecosystem the credit they deserve. Our judges had no easy task whittling down our final InspiringFifty and I hope that highlighting these women’s achievements will inspire budding young leaders from all walks of life to know they can – and will – reach their goals even when the odds don’t seem in their favour.” 

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, President of techUK, said: “Role models and representation are integral to ensuring that diverse talent can see itself reflected in the organisations that are seeking to recruit them However, it is one thing to argue that companies offer equal opportunities and demonstrate diversity, but it is quite another for colleagues to feel like they belong. It is the smallest steps that will lead to change. I know first hand how important it is to be supported and have a network and I am proud of the work InspiringFifty is doing to elevate the voices of those around us and for creating space for this conversation during London Tech Week.”

Carloyn Dawsone, CEO, Founders Forum added: “There are never enough opportunities to celebrate women’s achievements in the tech ecosystem, which can inspire others to pursue a career in tech and fulfil their dreams. It’s always important to shine a spotlight on the great progress being made, and to thank those leading the way in setting the path for the next generation. Diverse role models can inspire others to be courageous, join in and to be curious, all of which are essential to thinking differently, changing how something is done, taking a risk and moving the industry and individuals forward.”

InspiringFifty is powered by EQL:HER, Founders Forum and London Tech Week and supported by The Financial Times, Google, PwC and the Young Presidents Organisation. Along with Jacquiline de Rojas CBE and Janet Coyle, InspiringFifty was judged by Elke Jeurissen, Marion Debruyne, Vittorio Colao, Gilian Tans, Constantijn van Orange and Carolyn Dawson and the final list can be found here. EQL:HER will be back for its eighth year on Monday 13th June as part of London Tech Week – more information can be found here.