Public Speaking, Inclusive Hackathons & Career Ownership: She Bytes Back x Planes Studio
You asked for it, and we delivered! After a very successful series of online events, on 9th May we launched our very first in-person meet-up at Planes Studio in East London. With the theme being all about taking up space and embracing bold action, it was an absolute pleasure connecting with the 50+ strong community who came along on the day.
Just have a flick through some of the pictures we captured from the event:
The kickoff
The stat is alarming: 50% of women in tech leave the field by 35. This isn't just a number - it's a sign of a broken system. The tech industry often gets glamorised, but the reality for many women is a struggle with imposter syndrome, lack of inclusion, and feeling unheard.
That's where She Bytes Back steps in. Founded by Amber Shand, it's a space built by and for Gen Z and millennial women in tech. We foster genuine connections and ensure everyone feels included. Our events go beyond just learning - we aim to ignite confidence, spark inspiration, and empower members to build lasting connections.
How to land paid speaking opportunities by Pascalle Bergmans
Our community thrives on bold action, and what's bolder than getting paid to own the stage? We were thrilled to welcome iconic public speaking coach Pascalle for her talk, "Speak Up, Cash Out."
Pascalle didn't just talk the talk, she walked us through the tools needed to land paid speaking gigs. From crafting powerful storytelling frameworks to building a magnetic personal brand, mastering strategic outreach (and more!). Pascalle's session left us feeling unstoppable! We walked away equipped with the knowledge and, most importantly, the confidence to craft epic keynotes and get paid for our expertise thanks to the power of her SPARC method.
How to run a hackathon by Kate Westbrook
Our community thrives on making a difference, and what's more impactful than creating a hackathon that welcomes everyone?
Kate didn't just share ideas, she unveiled the Planes Hackathon Framework – a powerful toolkit to design and run inclusive hackathons that fosters participation and innovation. From pinpointing your ideal audience to fostering accessibility, crafting compelling challenges, and ensuring seamless logistics, Kate's framework empowers you to create events that truly includes everyone!
Leaving the session, we felt equipped and inspired to organise hackathons with the Planes Hackathon Framework as our guide.
Practical tips for taking more ownership at work by Kunmi Williams
Stepping onto the stage for the first time, Kunmi didn't hold back – she ignited a fire in our bellies, equipping us with the tools to thrive in supportive workplaces.
Forget empty motivational speeches – Kunmi offered a treasure trove of actionable strategies. Her secret weapon? Parul's free tech brag document template. Kunmi championed the power of community, reminding us that collaboration and support within a positive work environment are vital for success.
Leaving the session, the energy was electric. With Kunmi's guidance, we were ready to take ownership of our careers, celebrate wins, and propel ourselves forward with confidence!
The results? Overwhelmingly positive:
96% of attendees rating their experience 5/5
100% of attendees said they would come back for a future event
100% of attendees said they would recommend the She Bytes Back event to a friend or colleague
Here's what some of our amazing members had to say:
“This event was a huge win for my confidence journey, thank you Amber for creating She Bytes Back. It's such a supportive community filled with so many inspiring women who want to see each other win. As someone who isn't the most confident, it felt like a safe space to step outside my comfort zone and not fear judgement. I absolutely loved all the talks and Pascalle's SPARC framework was super insightful! I never thought I'd consider public speaking, but her tips are making me rethink that. I left feeling super inspired and buzzing from the positive energy in the room. Thank you, She Bytes Back, for this incredible event!” - Simone Sharpe
“This was my first She Bytes Back event and it was truly one of the most useful accessible tech events I have ever attended! There was truly NO gatekeeping at all and was such a welcoming environment. Amber has a talent of bringing together such wonderful people who genuinely want to uplift one another as well as prioritise ambition and BOLD action. Truly enjoyed this event and can’t wait for the next ones!!” - Hafsa Hersi
“First time attending, I love the vibes and I learned so much not only from the speakers but the people who showed up! Highly recommend this to anyone who’s here to network in a safe space. Amber and I met in person for the first time today and she was a gem of a person! I’m so happy to see this community and be a part of it.” - Rhea Sam
“This event was great! It felt like such a welcoming and safe space for women to share their experiences with working in tech. It was inspiring to hear from successful women who are being confident enough to speak about their experiences and struggles, and how they’ve overcome them.” - Laura Keen
Feeling inspired? Invest in the future of tech!
She Bytes Back is looking for progressive companies to host future events in London. By providing a platform for women in tech to connect, learn, and grow, you'll be actively fostering a more diverse and inclusive tech landscape.
Partner with She Bytes Back and host an unforgettable event at your company office. Reach out to Amber at amber@ambershand.co.uk to learn more!
Join the movement! We can't wait to welcome you to the next She Bytes Back event. Check out our latest events and stay tuned for upcoming announcements by subscribing to our newsletter!
