By Eleanor, who attended the event
On 15th February 2025, we gathered for another fantastic Women in Tech Oxfordshire meetup hosted by Humand Talent. With over 50 professionals in attendance – ranging from seasoned engineers to aspiring tech founders – the evening was all about community, inclusivity, and practical takeaways.
Exploring the IETF with Ruth Trevor-Allen
Speaker: Ruth Trevor-Allen, Nominet
Talk Title: IETF Is Engaging, Techy Fun!
Ruth set the stage by introducing the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a global community of engineers, network operators, vendors, and researchers. The IETF spearheads the development of voluntary internet standards—so if you’ve ever sent an email or browsed a web page, you’ve benefited from their work!
Highlights from IETF Meeting 121 (Dublin)
- Newcomer-Friendly Initiatives
Ruth shared how the IETF has ramped up its mentorship programmes and newcomer events to encourage broader participation.
Quote from Ruth: “When I first attended, I thought I’d be an outsider. But the IETF’s structured newcomer track made me feel welcome. It’s a brilliant model for other tech communities to adopt.”
- Focus on Accessibility & Diversity
According to the IETF Participation Stats, the organisation has seen growing global representation; however, the gender gap persists. By offering travel grants, inclusive social gatherings, and networking sessions, the IETF hopes to lower barriers for underrepresented groups. - Why It Matters for Women in Tech
The success of modern internet standards relies on diverse perspectives, including the experiences of women in the field. A recent study by the Computing Research Association indicates that diverse engineering teams can drive more robust, user-focused innovations.
If you missed Ruth’s talk but want to learn more, check out these resources:
- Ruth’s Presentation Slides
- Experience of Women Participating in the IETF Report
- Slides from the Systers Lunch at IETF 121
- Getting Involved in the IETF Community
Ruth is open to further questions—feel free to reach her on LinkedIn.
Fireside Chat with Entrepreneur Lindsay Willott
After a quick intermission (during which we gave away tickets to Productivity Conf 2025!), we settled in for a fireside chat with entrepreneur and investor Lindsay Willott. As a two-time exited founder – The Marketing Practice and Customer Thermometer – Lindsay shared compelling insights into the start-up and scale-up journey.
Key Discussion Points
- Supporting Women in Tech & Business: Lindsay emphasised the importance of mentorship networks. Recent data from McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report echoes this, highlighting how female-led mentorship programmes can measurably increase retention and career advancement for women in technology.
- Entrepreneurship & Investment
Quote from Lindsay: “If you’re pitching for investment, your numbers matter, but so does your story. Investors back passionate, resourceful teams – don’t underestimate the power of narrative.”
- Resilience & Mindset
Lindsay underscored that the entrepreneurial journey can be an emotional roller coaster. She recommended building a strong support system and sharing knowledge with fellow founders to maintain a balanced perspective.
Recommended Reads from Lindsay:
- ReWork by Jason Fried
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Whether you’re new to start-ups or a seasoned founder, these books offer both practical guidance and inspirational wisdom.
Upcoming Events
Women in Tech Oxfordshire – April Meetup
Join us for our next Women in Tech Oxfordshire event in April—another evening of networking, learning, and community-building. RSVP here to save your spot.
International Women’s Day Dinner – 5th March, 7 pm at Victors
Celebrate International Women’s Day at our dinner event. Expect lively discussions, great food, and a chance to connect with fellow women in tech. Spaces are limited, so register here soon.
How to Get Involved
Interested in Speaking?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences, research, or career journey at an upcoming event. Submit your interest and our team will be in touch.
Stay Connected
For the latest event updates, hiring opportunities, and industry insights, follow Humand Talent on LinkedIn. We’re committed to supporting diverse voices in tech and would love to have you be a part of our network.
Thank You!
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. It’s inspiring to see how the Women in Tech Oxfordshire community continues to grow in both size and impact. Let’s keep learning, collaborating, and paving the way for more women in technology.
#WomenInTech #TechEvents #IETF #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SaaS #Networking #CareerGrowth #DiversityInTech #TechCommunity #WomenLeaders
