A former NHS medical physicist who now trains businesses in generative AI has been named Career Changer of the Year at the Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT) Awards 2026.

Clare Parry, Co-founder and Head of Operations at Head for Data, collected her award in front of more than 400 guests at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel tonight. Judges praised her move from medical science into running a growing tech business, and her own upskilling in generative AI, which she now teaches through Business Gateway workshops.

The awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate people driving gender equality in Scottish tech, from those already in the sector to the next generation.

Removing barriers to entry was a big theme of the night as Edinburgh computing teacher Jack Walker from St George’s was named Gender Diversity Ally of the Year.

He was applauded by judges for “bringing industry partners in through his own network, working with the charity and education partners, and deliberately inviting schools in areas of high deprivation.”

Sheryl Newman, Founder of Appetite for Business, was named Inspirational Woman of the Year. Judges noted she “came into tech without a degree” and has been a role model in the Scottish tech ecosystem for more than 25 years.

Recognition was also given to individuals from organisations including Freshworks, Morgan Stanley, 2i and JPMorganChase during the evening. Organisational awards were handed out to Leidos and Ada Scotland Festival.

Silka Patel, Founder and Chair of Scotland Women in Technology said: “There’s a lot of anxiety about what AI means for people’s careers. Tonight’s winners show the opposite: talent is coming into the tech sector from classrooms, hospitals and everywhere in between. I’m especially inspired by those who make time to mentor and support others, both inside Scottish tech and on its edges.”

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During the ceremony Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education Alyn Smith said: “I congratulate all the nominees and award winners who show a breadth of involvement in the technology sector, from the classroom to the boardroom.

“The inspirational stories we’ve heard at the SWiT Awards demonstrate why the Scottish Government champions gender equality across Scotland, recognising the vital contribution women make to our dynamic, innovative and forward-looking nation.

“Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy provides a clear roadmap to create the conditions for businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers to thrive, creating sustainable economic growth and strengthening our competitiveness on the global stage.”

• Rising Star Award – sponsored by Flow: Bolu Omosowon, Software Engineer, JPMorganChase
• Career Changer of the Year Award – sponsored by Leidos: Clare Parry, Co-founder and Head of Operations, Head for Data
• Mentor of the Year Award – sponsored by FanDuel: Andrea Rosales
  • Highly Commended: Linda Scott
• Diversity Initiative of the Year Award – sponsored by The Data Lab: Ada Scotland Festival
  • Highly Commended: Education Academy Scotland
• Inclusive Recruiter of the Year – sponsored by Bright Purple: Leidos
• Everyday Leader Award – sponsored by JPMorganChase: Natalie Nicholas, Channel Lead, Freshworks (former Dropbox)
• Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by Tesco Insurance and Money Services: Sowmya Ramesh, Customer Success Manager, 2i
• Inspirational Woman of the Year Award – sponsored by Harvey Nash: Sheryl Newman, Founder, Appetite for Business
• Female Innovator Award – sponsored by Avaloq: Nicolette Robinson, Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
• Gender Diversity Ally of the Year Award – sponsored by 2i: Jack Walker, Lead Teacher of Computing, St George’s