From emerging talent to seasoned leaders, the Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) spotlight the women redefining Aotearoa’s tech landscape.
This year’s finalists include inspiring individuals across every stage of their careers—each one making waves in innovation, leadership, and inclusion.
Whether they’re leading DE&I initiatives, breaking into cybersecurity, or forging new paths in cloud technology, these nominees share a common drive: to shape a more diverse and dynamic future for tech in New Zealand.
Mel Lee, a Practice Manager at Datacom, is nominated for the DE&I Champion award. The award recognises individuals who lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the tech industry—something Mel is deeply passionate about.
“I have a background in business and project management. Now, I lead the 365 Business Central team, which helps businesses improve their finances and operations. I enjoy leading the team and applying my experience to drive success,” she explains.
Her tech journey evolved from a business background. “ I never thought that I'd end up in tech. But over time I realised how much I enjoy solving problems and working with technology, it’s become a career I'm passionate about today.”
Mel started at Datacom as a project manager, then moved into a practice lead delivery role before stepping into her current position. “Today, I'm proud to serve as a practice manager where I focus on strategic leadership, people, development and practice group.”
Reflecting on her nomination, she says: “It means a lot to be recognised for something I care about. It does motivate me to keep working towards more inclusion and diversity in technology.”
Nominated for the Graduate award, Olivia Walker is a standout early-career professional making a strong impact in the tech industry. Her journey began with a diploma in Art and Design before shifting to creative media and then a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. After receiving a Women in Tech scholarship from Datacom, she visited the Wellington office to thank the team—an unexpected gesture that impressed the Cloud Director and earned her an internship.
While interning alongside her studies, Olivia dove into cloud infrastructure, networks, and cybersecurity, eventually discovering a passion for customer-facing roles. “I was constantly trying to find where I fit in,” she says. “But I’ve always been drawn to a sales role.” Olivia’s love for building connections continues to guide her career.
Olivia’s eagerness to grow quickly earned her recognition. After expressing interest in onboarding a customer, she was asked to handle a cloud product inquiry with little prior knowledge. She rapidly upskilled, guided the client through the process, and closed the deal. “It was a small win, but a sentimental one,” she reflects. Her initiative left a lasting impression on both colleagues and the customer.
Reflecting on her nomination, Olivia admits it came as a surprise. “I constantly hold myself to a high standard, so part of me feels like I don’t deserve it yet,” she says. “But I’m super grateful and excited.”
In just two months, Olivia progressed from Associate Consultant to Sales Enablement Advisor. She continues to build expertise in sales strategy and customer psychology while gaining recognition for her initiative and drive. Her advice for women in tech: “Be bold. Ask questions, speak up, and put yourself out there.”
Nominated for the Rising Star award in the Partner category, Subhathra Paramasivam is recognised for her leadership and swift rise in the ICT industry. After earning a computer science and engineering degree in India, she began her career as a Data Loss Prevention Analyst, driven by a passion for coding.
She moved to New Zealand two years ago and joined Datacom—her first role in the country, where she stepped into the world of Security Operations for the first time. “Cybersecurity wasn’t something I initially considered,” she says, reflecting on how her career path evolved.
Although new to the local industry, Subhathra quickly embraced the opportunity to grow. She was drawn to Datacom’s tools, environment, and supportive culture, which inspired her to build her skills. In just nine months, she was promoted to Senior Cybersecurity Analyst. Today, she works with a dynamic team, detecting and responding to cyber threats across industries.
Her nomination for the Rising Star award marks a major milestone. “It’s overwhelming in the best way. Being recognised after starting fresh in a new country means so much,” she shares.
To women entering tech, her advice is: “Don’t wait to feel 100% ready. Take the first step, stay open to learning, and be willing to leave your comfort zone.”
Maryanne Sutherland, Practice Lead at Datacom, has been nominated for the Shining Star award in the Partner category, a recognition reserved for women with over a decade of outstanding achievement in ICT. With 20 years in the industry, Maryanne exemplifies leadership and innovation in the cloud technology space.
Her career, which began at a London helpdesk, has grown from hands-on infrastructure roles to cloud consultancy. “I didn’t go down the traditional university path,” Maryanne shares. “I fell into tech during an OE, and it stuck. I’ve built my career through hands-on experience, night courses, and earning Microsoft certifications.”
Since joining Datacom four years ago as an Azure cloud consultant, she quickly became known for her technical depth and leadership, rising to the Practice Lead role within two years. “I’ve had great leaders throughout my career who saw potential in me and helped shape my growth. Now I lead an amazing team and still step in as a technical lead on major projects.”
Being nominated for her first industry award is a milestone she doesn’t take lightly. “It’s incredibly humbling. I see it as recognition for years of dedication, and a message to my two daughters that hard work pays off.”
To women starting in tech, Maryanne advises, “Jump in with both feet. It’s a fast-paced and rewarding field. Stay current with your learning and certifications and build a strong network by connecting with industry leaders, following them, and engaging with the community. Having the right people around you makes all the difference.”
Simone Gall, General Manager of Project and Transition Services at Datacom, is nominated for the Achievement award. This award recognises women with over 21 years in tech who have delivered outstanding business impact—a reflection of Simone’s long-standing contribution to the industry.
Reflecting on her nomination, Simone says: “It’s really humbling… I didn’t get to where I am just because of what I’ve been doing—it took a village. I’ve been mentored, supported, and given opportunities throughout my career.”
Simone’s journey into tech began in high school, where she studied electronics. Her career evolved through hands-on technical roles, project coordination, programme management, and leadership across infrastructure, networking, cloud, and cybersecurity.
She first joined Datacom after moving to Aotearoa. “When I joined Datacom, I felt like I was home. It was such an amazing team and environment, I felt I could really learn and grow here.”
Now in a senior leadership role, her focus is on innovation, strategy, and empowering her team. “I stay close to my purpose. It’s not just about the tech, it’s about the people… I love seeing others succeed.”
Her advice to women in tech: “Start where you are—there’s room for you.”
