The tech industry is growing fast—but gender representation still has a long way to go. That’s why on 14 May 2025, TechVets and Google joined forces to host a landmark event at Google HQ, London, designed to empower and inspire female veterans, service leavers, and military spouses looking to break into the tech world.
From personal stories of transition to actionable career advice, the Women into Tech event delivered an afternoon of connection, encouragement, and real opportunity. It brought together industry leaders, veterans, and aspiring technologists to show that a future in tech isn’t just possible—it’s ready and waiting.
A Day of Empowerment, Insights, and Action
Attendees were treated to a packed programme of inspirational talks, hands-on career guidance, and valuable networking with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking tech employers.
Key themes included:
• Translating military experience into tech sector success
• Career re-entry for military spouses
• The importance of visible role models in technology
• Building confidence and skills through training and mentorship
Voices That Made It Happen
The highlight of the day? The women who shared their stories on camera and in person—each one showing a different, powerful path into the world of tech:
• Anne McIntosh, Team Leader, UK Talent Acquisition, DXC Technology, spoke about the importance of inclusive hiring practices and why veterans are a vital part of the future tech workforce.
• Sera Laliqavoka, a military spouse, shared her personal journey navigating career development while supporting her partner’s service career—reminding attendees that their aspirations are valid and achievable.
• Lorna Armitage, Co-Founder of CAPSLOCK, offered insights into tech retraining and the pathways available for women returning to work or making a mid-career pivot.
• Rachel Morley-Jones, Security Consultant at Bridewell, shared her transition from military to cyber security and emphasised the value of clear routes into employment through mentoring and support.
• Seru Nainoca, Legal Technology Specialist at the MOD, spoke about bringing leadership and attention to detail from service life into cutting-edge legal tech roles.
• Evie Di Siena, an A-level student and aspiring technologist, brought a refreshing perspective on early engagement and why representation matters to the next generation of women in STEM.
• Heather Elvin, Senior Manager at Expedia Group, discussed emerging talent pathways and how companies are investing in more inclusive hiring pipelines.
• Alex Miller, Consultant at Mandiant / Google Cloud, offered an insider’s view on life at Google and how veterans can carve a place in tech through continual learning and curiosity.
Each story highlighted the same truth: there is no single route into tech—but there is a place for everyone.
Why Events Like This Matter
Too many talented individuals from the Armed Forces community still face barriers—lack of visibility, non-traditional CVs, unfamiliar hiring processes. For women, those challenges are often even greater.
This event helped to tackle those barriers head-on by:
• Demystifying the tech industry
• Highlighting employers that are genuinely forces-friendly
• Creating a welcoming environment where attendees could ask questions, get guidance, and feel seen
The result? A powerful sense of momentum—and a growing community of women veterans and spouses ready to step into tech careers with confidence.
What’s Next?
This was just the beginning. At TechVets, we’re committed to continuing this journey—partnering with industry leaders like Google to deliver events, training, and opportunities tailored to the Armed Forces community.
If you missed this event, don’t worry. The recap video above gives you a taste of what’s possible. And better still—there are more events coming soon.
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👉 Join TechVets now and be part of a growing network changing the face of UK tech.
Whether you served in uniform or supported someone who did, your experiences matter. Your skills are relevant. And your next step could be into one of the most exciting, fast-moving industries in the world.
Let’s break barriers together.
Let’s get more women into tech.
