Women in Tech & Cyber: Routes In, Routes Up

Celebrating the women shaping the future of tech & cyber in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

Join us for a powerful, uplifting, and practical session spotlighting the women leading, building, securing, and transforming technology across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

Hosted by MK Cyber as part of MK Tech Week, this event brings together senior leaders and practitioners from across cyber, AI, security, marketing, and business to share real stories, honest experiences, and actionable insights on navigating careers in tech and cyber.

You’ll hear from an exceptional panel of women, each bringing a different perspective on how they entered the industry, the routes they’ve taken, and how they’ve progressed. Each panelist will deliver a 5‑minute lightning talk sharing their personal route into cyber or tech — the pivots, challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned along the way — followed by a facilitated panel discussion and audience Q&A.

Whether you’re exploring your first step into the industry, growing your career, returning to tech, or already leading teams, this session is designed to connect you with practical guidance, relatable role models, and a supportive community.

Expect an atmosphere that’s warm, open, and purposeful — with space for meaningful conversations, skill‑sharing, and genuine connection.

This event welcomes:

• Women working in cyber security, AI, data, cloud, software, engineering, product, research, or adjacent roles
• Students, career‑changers, returners, and early‑career professionals
• Leaders, hiring managers, founders, and ecosystem supporters
• Allies (all genders) who want to actively support women in tech

What You’ll Experience

✨ Lightning Talks: “My Route Into Cyber”

Short, honest 5‑minute talks from each panellist, sharing the real story behind the job title.

🎤 Panel Discussion: “Routes In & Routes Up”

Candid conversation and live Q&A covering:

• Breaking into the industry
• Career progression and visibility
• Imposter syndrome
• Switching tracks (tech ↔ non‑tech)
• Leadership, advocacy, and confidence

💬 Micro‑Breakouts: Topic Corners

• Breaking into tech & cyber
• Stepping into leadership
• Starting something (founders & side projects)
• Being an effective ally

🤝 Purposeful Networking

Guided networking designed to help you make meaningful, useful connections — whether you’re hiring, exploring, learning, or growing your network.

Why Attend?

• Meet and connect with inspiring women across the region
• Learn practical, real‑world career insights
• Build relationships that support your next move
• Discover opportunities across the MK Tech & MK Cyber communities
• Contribute to a more inclusive, thriving tech ecosystem