Empowering Women in STEM: With Love From Ada

At Axiologik, women are not just shaping the future of our business—they are at the forefront of innovation, driving change across the wider STEM industry. Inspired by the legacy of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, the women at Axiologik are breaking barriers, pushing the limits of possibility, and championing diversity in tech.

In a male-dominated sector, their journeys and successes are paving the way for future generations. On this Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrate these trailblazers who continue to push the boundaries of technology, serving as role models and advocates for greater inclusion in STEM. Their stories illuminate the urgent need for more women in STEM, proving that diversity is not just important—it’s essential to driving innovation and progress.

Karen Lewis: Breaking Stereotypes and Building Networks

With over 20 years of experience in client servicing and customer success within digital AI and SaaS industries, Karen understands the value of relationships and collaboration. As part of Axiologik’s Commercial team, she is passionate about ensuring client success while advocating for greater diversity in STEM.

Karen believes that sparking an interest in STEM at a young age is crucial: “Early exposure fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills—tools children will need to succeed. It also helps break down traditional gender roles, encouraging young girls to see themselves in STEM careers.”

Karen’s advice to women considering a career in STEM is simple yet powerful: “Just go for it. There are no rules, no barriers you can’t overcome. Be bold and brave.”

Polly Price: Revolutionising Healthcare with STEM

Polly’s role in product management and agile transformation has led her to some of the most impactful projects in the public sector, including her proudest achievement: the Cervical Screening Digital Transformation Project. This initiative, which consolidates multiple databases into a unified system, is set to revolutionise cervical screening, potentially aiding in the eradication of cervical cancer by 2040.

Polly finds personal satisfaction in her work, especially as a mother of daughters. “Knowing that my work is contributing to a life-saving service is something I’m extremely proud of,” she says.

Her advice? “Understand what excites you about STEM, and don’t be afraid to network. Leeds is an incredible hub for tech—make connections and seize opportunities.”

Cat Hardy: Championing Soft Skills in STEM

As Axiologik’s Talent Partner, Cat Hardy is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment. She is passionate about promoting STEM to younger generations and breaking down the misconception that STEM is only about technical skills. “STEM is more than coding—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration,” she says.

Cat emphasises the importance of soft skills in the tech industry. “Qualities like communication, relationship building, and adaptability are crucial for success.” She looks for cultural fit when hiring, focusing on what a candidate can add beyond technical abilities.

Aimee Rankine: Inspiring Women in Tech

Aimee is a skilled Delivery Manager with experience across various sectors, including healthcare. Most recently, she supported the successful implementation of the NHS Cervical Screening Management System, an impactful project that exemplifies the power of technology in healthcare.

“I didn’t set out to have a career in STEM—I kind of fell into it,” Aimee shares. However, her curiosity and love for science and math naturally guided her back to the field. She enjoys the dynamic nature of tech and the real-world impact it can have, particularly in healthcare. “The cervical cancer programme is a great example of what good tech can do.”

Aimee sees STEM as integral to shaping the future. “STEM is at the core of everything we do. It’s hard to think of any sector that doesn’t involve science or technology in some way.” She emphasises the importance of diverse perspectives in creating better products and services. “Historically, tech hasn’t always served everyone equally. That’s why we need more women in the industry—diverse voices lead to better outcomes for everyone.”

Her advice to women considering a career in STEM? “Go for it! We need intelligent, resilient women.”

Paula Scrufield: Leading by Example

Paula, a Business Analyst and Project Manager with 12 years of experience, has built her career on adaptability, quality, and leadership. She acknowledges the challenge of imposter syndrome in male-dominated environments but believes it’s essential to champion oneself and others.

“I’ve often wanted to stay under the radar,” she admits. “But if we want to inspire the next generation of women in STEM, we need to step up, celebrate our achievements, and show younger women that they can thrive in this industry.”

Paula’s proudest achievement is balancing her career with motherhood in a challenging industry. “The most powerful moment for me was when my son told me he wanted to follow in my footsteps. That was the best recognition I could ever receive.”

Her advice? “Be brave and embrace it. You have more skills than you realise.”

The women at Axiologik are more than just leaders in their fields—they are advocates for diversity, mentors to young professionals, and champions of change. Their stories highlight the importance of stepping out of the shadows, building networks and embracing technical and soft skills.

As they continue to push boundaries in their careers, they remain committed to empowering the next generation of women in STEM. Their advice is clear: be bold, be resilient, and don’t be afraid to take up space in an industry that needs more diverse voices. Inspired by Ada Lovelace’s legacy, these women prove that the future of tech belongs to everyone—especially those willing to challenge the status quo.