Women In Tech 3
[Unfiltered]
28.03.25
28th MArch 2025
DiSH MCR, Heron House, 47 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5LE
Welcome to Women in Tech [Unfiltered], Manchester Tech Festival’s third conference dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent true diversity in the tech industry.
What makes us different? We promise that our content (like all MTF events) is raw, authentic and unapologetically honest. With no topic out of bounds, we tackle the topics that reflect the entire cross section of women in tech – no matter how difficult the topic is to discuss!
Oh, and we also welcome all genders, so whether you’re a software engineer looking to advance your career, a leader looking to enhance your workforce or a mentor looking to aid the next generation, as long as you are passionate about breaking barriers – you’ll find Women in Tech [Unfiltered] is just the fit for you!
Women in Tech [Unfiltered] Organising Board Member
What to expect
Women in Tech [Unfiltered] is designed to cater for all, whether you want to get hands on in one of our workshops, boost your network at our after party or have your voice heard in our 99 second talks – there are opportunities for women and allies alike.
Hear from a number of keynote speakers delving into topics such as “Women in Tech: Do You Like Me?” and what it takes to lead with purpose when the odds are stacked against you in “Courage, Honesty, and Leadership in a Cyber Crisis”. Our speakers have been chosen for their experience in the tech industry, the rawness of their talk topics and their willingness to talk openly about their subject.
Alongside the main stage, you will have the opportunity to get hands on in a number of workshops that offer a deep dive into some of the most important women in tech topics.
Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to forge connections with the Manchester tech community. From our breakout areas and tech showcase to our evening social – you can connect with members from every corner of the industry.
At MTF we are dedicated to ensuring the conversation and support doesn’t stop at the end of the day. For this reason, we are inviting women led businesses, allies, mentors and champions to come forward to offer their support beyond the conference.
Our community will continue to be a hive of discussion and thought provoking content from women working in the tech industry, as well as a space for trusted suppliers to enhance their business with partners who share the same vision of increasing diversification.
SPEAKERS
Check out our lineup of speakers by clicking their images below!
Amy Newton
Festival Director
MTF
Fay Selvan
CEO
the Big Life Group
Kanika Selvan
Managing Director
Beetroot Consulting
AGENDA
Explore the talks in detail using the drop down menus below. The days agenda will be announced in the upcoming weeks so make sure you sign up to our mail list to be the first to hear!
When a ransomware attack hit The Big Life group—a £35m social enterprise with a mission to change the world—Fay Selvan, its Chief Executive and Founder, didn’t just lead through the chaos; she stayed true to her organisation’s core values: honesty, courage, and focusing on people not problems.
In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, Fay shares the unvarnished reality of steering an organisation delivering mental health, addiction, wellbeing, and family services through one of its toughest challenges. She’ll reveal how they upheld integrity under pressure, navigated tough ethical decisions, and kept the focus on the people who rely on the organisation, even in the face of adversity.
This is more than a story about a cyber-attack—it’s a testament to the power of values-driven leadership and the resilience required to turn a crisis into a moment of growth. If you want to learn what it takes to lead with purpose and change the world, even when the odds are stacked against you, this is the talk for you
Fay Selvan
CEO
the Big Life Group
Kanika Selvan is back—and she’s asking the big question: “Do you like me?”
After the buzz around her 2024 “Pet to Threat” talk, Kanika is returning to the Women in Tech [Unfiltered] stage with something just as bold: “Women in Tech: Do You Like Me?” This time, she’s diving into the harsh truths of the likeability bias—the unspoken pressure on women to be liked at work and how it shapes the way we engage, lead, and are judged.
Kanika’s taking us on a fast-paced journey through the research, breaking down the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous when it comes to being “likeable.” She’s questioning why this quality gets so much airtime and whether it’s even worth chasing in the first place.
Get ready for a mix of raw honesty, relatable stories, and Kanika’s trademark humour. From throwbacks to early 2000s R&B to pearls of wisdom from her mum (plus a special appearance from her dog Macduff), she’s sharing her own ups and downs with likeability bias in the tech world.
At the heart of it all, Kanika is asking two simple but powerful questions: “Do you like me?” and “Should I care?”
This talk will challenge the way you think about being liked and what it really means for your career.
Kanika Selvan
Managing Director
Beetroot Consulting
Purchase your pass
Tickets for Women in Tech [Unfiltered] are £36 each and include admission to the day conference and after party at the Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub. Ticket price also includes refreshments & lunch.
AFTER PARTY
DiSH MCR, Heron House, 47 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5LE
Following the conference, we will be hosting our inclusive and accessible after party at DiSH MCR, giving you the opportunity to network and forge connections in the community.
During the evening we will have music, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and somewhere comfy to sit. There will be positive networking opportunities and the chance to grab a bite to eat.
Thank you to all the organisers, I can’t wait for next year!
You understood that representation would matter, and rose to the challenge!
Take to the MTF Stage
At MTF we are proud of the incredible community we are part of, that’s why at the end of every conference we welcome members of the community to take to the stage and have their say for 99 seconds!
It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned speaker or new to the tech scene we want to hear from you! In fact, some of Manchester’s most experienced speakers started with a quick 99 second pitch!
We welcome sign up’s on the day, so make sure you grab a member of the team if you want to take to the stage!