Over 1,000 students attend Women in Tech event at SETU
More than 1,000 secondary school students from across the South East attended the sixth annual Women in Tech event at South East Technological University (SETU), highlighting the growing interest in technology careers and the region’s expanding digital sector. Held at SETU Arena in Waterford on Thursday, 12 March, the event brought together students, educators and industry professionals to explore opportunities in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics.
Guest speakers included Rebecca Troy, software developer with Sun Life Ireland, alongside technology leaders Meredith Stowell from IBM and Likhitha Gaddi from Google. Likhitha Gaddi shared her personal journey into technology and her role at Google, highlighting resilience, overcoming setbacks and the wide variety of careers available in tech, from engineering and data to creative roles such as UX design.
Meredith Stowell explored the global impact of large-scale computing systems and how technologies such as AI and quantum computing are shaping the future of the industry. Speaking from her role at IBM, Ms Stowell encouraged students to develop technical, creative and problem-solving skills to prepare for technology careers that may not yet exist. Rebecca Troy highlighted how a career in tech can offer financial independence, flexibility and strong career opportunities. Speaking about her experience at Sun Life Ireland, she encouraged students to consider technology as a pathway to rewarding and secure careers close to home. Meanwhile, RTÉ broadcaster and advocate, Zoe Ryan, acted as MC for the proceedings.
Industry partners including Sun Life, Google, Security Risk Advisors and Nearform sponsored the event, showcasing the strong collaboration between education and industry in the South East’s growing technology ecosystem. Representatives from each company offered students valuable insights into career pathways within the sector.
Amanda Freeman-Gater, Assistant Head of the Department of Computing and Maths at SETU, said the event plays an important role in inspiring future technology leaders. “Women in Tech is about showing students the exciting opportunities that exist in computing and helping them see that they belong in this field. By bringing together industry leaders, educators and role models, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators who will help shape Ireland’s digital future,” Ms Freeman-Gater said.
The Women in Tech initiative forms part of SETU’s wider commitment to promoting diversity in technology and supporting the development of the skilled graduates needed to meet Ireland’s growing demand for digital expertise.
Sun Life Ireland was delighted to be lead Sponsor for the SETU Women in Tech event this year. On behalf of the company, Alana Hayes, Early Career Development Consultant and CSR External Relations Lead at Sun Life said, “Supporting females in technology is something we are passionate about. We were recently accredited as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland for Women and to be able to share the future possibilities with the girls at the event, talk to them about achieving their potential and having a great career in Tech right here in Waterford was exciting. We had a great team of volunteers who shared their experience of what having a career in tech can look like. Supporting the girls to grow, lead and shape the future of our organisation is central to Sun Life Ireland’s journey and they will be a be a key part of our future.”
For more about SETU’s Women in Tech event see www.setu.ie
