Building a career, a voice and a future on your own terms
9 September, 4-5pm, St John’s Innovation Centre
Book your place here!
Women4Technology returns this September with a special evening of inspiration, conversation and community as we celebrate the Women4Technology network becoming part of the St John’s Innovation Centre community.
The evening will begin with a thought-provoking keynote from Laura Dowell, followed by a complimentary hog roast and networking reception in the beautiful gardens of St John’s Innovation Park. We warmly encourage everyone attending Laura’s session to stay afterwards to continue the conversation, make new connections and help us officially welcome Women4Technology to SJIC.
One of the most important questions facing the next generation of leaders is:
How do you stay true to yourself in a world that constantly tries to put you in a box?
Our guest speaker, Laura Dowell (pictured), is a Creative Technologist and AI researcher whose career so far spans Meta Reality Labs, Microsoft Research, the LEGO Group and Community TechAid. Her work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-centred design, digital inclusion and emerging technology, bringing together disciplines that are rarely seen in the same room.
In this engaging session, Laura will share her experiences of building a career that doesn’t fit a conventional template and the lessons she has learned about authenticity, confidence, creativity and embracing multiple identities in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Together we’ll explore:
- Why innovation often comes from people with unconventional backgrounds
- The assumptions and biases that influence who gets seen, heard and recognised
- The value of creativity, curiosity and human skills in the age of AI
- Building confidence without changing who you are
- Encouraging more women and young people to see themselves as future technology leaders
- How authenticity can become a professional advantage rather than a weakness
The evening will begin with a short opening reflection from SJIC on unconscious bias, assumptions and the importance of creating more inclusive innovation ecosystems, before moving into Laura’s keynote presentation.
Whether you are a founder, executive, investor, technologist, researcher, student or aspiring leader, this promises to be an inspiring and refreshingly honest conversation about navigating careers, technology and identity in a rapidly changing world.
Speaker
Laura Dowell
Creative Technologist | AI Researcher | Digital Inclusion Advocate
Laura works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, user experience and human-centred design. Through roles with Meta Reality Labs, Microsoft Research, LEGO and Community TechAid, she has developed a unique perspective on the future of technology and the importance of ensuring innovation creates opportunities for everyone. She is passionate about digital literacy, STEM participation and helping the next generation develop the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled future.
Networking Reception with hog roast!
Following Laura’s presentation, guests are invited to join us for a complimentary hog roast and informal networking reception in the gardens of St John’s Innovation Park. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, founders, technologists and members of the Women4Technology community while celebrating the next chapter of Women4Technology at St John’s Innovation Centre.
Attendance at both the keynote session and hog roast is included within your invitation and we encourage guests to stay for the full evening. Please indicate whether you will be staying, and any dietary requirements when you book. Alternatives to pork will be available.
Please note that attendance is by invitation only and places are limited. Book here now!
Event Schedule
- 4:00pm – Arrival and refreshments
- 4:15pm – Welcome from SJIC and keynote by Laura Dowell
- 5:00pm onwards – Hog roast and networking reception
Thank you to our Women4Technology sponsors RSM; and our supporters, Cambridge Female Founders Network, Cambridge Wireless and CAMEntrepreneurs.