On 2nd April 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting another inspiring edition of Women in Tech Oxfordshire – this time in partnership with the brilliant team at Viator, part of the Tripadvisor family. Held at Viator’s welcoming Oxford HQ, the evening was a celebration of real career journeys, supportive community, and the power of representation in technology.
With two exceptional speakers, open-hearted discussions, and lots of meaningful connection, this event reaffirmed why our Women in Tech Oxfordshire series matters. It’s about visibility, authenticity, and empowerment – showcasing the diverse stories that fuel our local tech community and reminding everyone that there’s no one-size-fits-all path into (or through) tech.
🧬 From Biologist to Software Engineer
We kicked off the evening with Marta Verdugo, a Software Developer at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, who shared her career pivot in a talk titled “From Skeletons to Software: Reinventing Myself from Academia to Tech.”
Marta spoke candidly about the emotional and practical shifts she faced while transitioning from a background in academic genetics to software engineering – a leap that required her to let go of a deeply ingrained academic identity and embrace a new way of thinking. Her scientific roots, however, remain a core part of her approach to tech: methodical, data-informed, and always user-centric.
Her story was a powerful reminder that career changes are not only possible – they’re often enriching, bringing fresh perspectives and transferable skills. For anyone considering a move into software engineering, especially from non-traditional backgrounds, Marta’s talk struck a resonant chord.
💻 From Developer to Engineering Leader
Next, we heard from Bogdana Avadanei, who delivered a thought-provoking session titled “From Code to Leadership: My Journey to Engineering Manager.”
Bogdana’s journey started in Romania, where she took her first tech internship – a stepping stone that led her into roles at both innovative start-ups and well-established companies. Her progression to Engineering Manager at Zoopla was shaped by both challenge and curiosity, and her talk explored the often-overlooked internal transformation required when moving from individual contributor to people leader.
She spoke about navigating imposter syndrome, learning to delegate, and the joy of helping others grow. Her advice on intentional growth and empathetic leadership was practical and empowering – and hugely appreciated by everyone in the room.
Thank You to Viator – and the Amazing Team Behind the Scenes
We’re hugely grateful to Viator for hosting us – and to Emilia Udale, Emily Middleton, and Elizabeth Adejumo for their warmth, professionalism, and passion for inclusivity in tech.
Viator isn’t just about travel experiences – behind the scenes, they’re building a forward-thinking, inclusive tech culture that puts people first. It was a privilege to host Women in Tech Oxfordshire in such a values-driven space. The alignment with Humand Talent’s mission – to support people-first growth in tech – couldn’t have been clearer.
Want to See the Slides?
If you missed the talks or want to revisit the key takeaways, you can view the combined slide deck here:
👉 Women in Tech Oxfordshire – April 2025 Slides
👥 Join the Community
We’d love to see you at a future event! Follow Humand Talent on Eventbrite to stay updated on our upcoming tech meetups, panels, and networking events.
We’re always on the lookout for inspiring speakers and supportive sponsors. If you’d like to get involved in shaping the future of Women in Tech Oxfordshire, do reach out:
📩 Email us at hello@humand.co.uk
About Humand Talent
Humand Talent is a values-led recruitment business specialising in software engineering, product, and design. We help fast-growing, purpose-driven companies build inclusive, high-performing teams – from permanent hires to freelance talent and strategic talent solutions.
Based in Oxfordshire and connected to a nationwide network, we’re here to support individuals and companies at every stage of their growth journey. Whether you’re hiring, job-hunting, or simply want to be part of a more human approach to tech recruitment – we’d love to talk.
👉 Explore more at humand.co.uk
📢 Save the Date for Our Next Event!
Our next Women in Tech Oxfordshire gathering is already in the works – and we promise it’ll be just as powerful. Stay tuned for the event link (drop us a message if you’d like to receive it directly), and don’t forget: we’re actively seeking sponsors and speakers.
This is your chance to help shape the local tech conversation, spotlight underrepresented voices, and connect with brilliant people doing brilliant things.
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