Sheffield schoolgirl is trailblazer in computer technology

Sheffield High School pupil Nayana Dasgupta was pronounced the ‘One to Watch’ after impressing judges with the school coding club she set up.

Over 500 senior leaders from the world of business and technology gathered in London for the UK’s biggest programme that champions women in technology.

With winners aged 14 through to women leading teams of thousands, the evening showcased career opportunities in technology.

The One to Watch Award went to Nayana for her ‘tremendous potential in computer technology and programming identified in school at the age of 11, resolving technical problems in class before IT technicians arrived.

Quickly installed as School Digital Leader, she has undertaken numerous extra-curricular activities to create interest among girls in computer science and coding. This was instrumental in her school’s decision to introduce Computer Science at GCSE from 2016.’

Nayana is particularly interested in areas where women are severely under-represented, working with the Stemettes to draw girls into areas such as cyber security. She has also contributed articles to a leading university publication.

Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of Everywoman, said: “We launched these awards six years ago to uncover the women doing amazing things in technology - women not necessarily known within their wider business let alone outside their company or the industry.

“We are demonstrating the diversity of opportunity the industry offers so that more women will be inspired to bring their talents to it.

“Each year the judges are overwhelmed by the quality of finalists, and 2016 is no exception.”