About us
HER+Data MCR ("Her plus Data Manchester") is a community working to connect, inspire, support and empower the NW UK’s Women in Data! We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
HER+Data MCR is a Meetup group which brings together anyone who identifies as a woman or non-binary and has a connection to data - whether they work with data, would like to work with data, and/or simply have an interest in data! The scope is intended to be broad to include as many gender minorities within STEM as possible while also maintaining a focus on the topic of data - we talk data science, analytics, research, visualisation, software, applications and experiences women share working in male dominated environments. We have members whose backgrounds range from academia to industry, students to CEOs, neuroscientists to idea implementers. We meet once a month (on the 2nd Thursday), provide ample time for networking, and showcase 2-4 women/non-binary in data speakers who talk about their career paths, role models, challenges faced and data projects that they work on. We also conduct masterclasses a few times each year on topics such as CV writing, interviewing techniques and salary negotiation to empower women to progress in data roles.
HER+Data is a space where everyone can share their stories and develop. We're volunteer driven so we keep our events simple and informal. There will be great content, laughter and a room full of data women and non-binary people from various backgrounds. So come along, ask questions, and get inspired! And if there are specific topics that you would like to see discussed then please let us know. We are always happy to explore new ideas and new collaborations. HER+Data was originally founded in Dublin, Ireland as XX+Data by Karen Church and the Manchester chapter was founded by Rachael Ainsworth.
Connect with HER+Data MCR:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/herplusdatamcr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/herplusdatamcr
Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/herplusdatamcr-youtube
Email: herplusdatamcr@gmail.com
By joining our community, you are agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
Upcoming events
1
No Single Path: Thriving in Tech, Data and AI - HER+Data MCR Meetup - July 2026
Lloyds, Westminster House, 11 Portland St, Manchester M1 3HU, Manchester, GBHER+Data MCR is a community working to connect, inspire, support and empower the NW UK’s Women in Data. Our goal is to bring together women and non-binary people who work in data or who would like to work in data - to support one another, share experiences and talk data - big or small! Whether you’re a student just embarking on a career or a seasoned data professional, this group is for you. We want to connect and inspire amazing data women with diverse expertise and experience.
This event is very generously hosted by Lloyds Banking Group in their Manchester office on the 6th floor at Westminster House, 11 Portland St, Manchester, M1 3HU. Please note that Lloyds has two entrances. While Google Maps may direct you to the back entrance, kindly use the front entrance located near Slug & Lettuce on Portland Street. A team member will be waiting to welcome you there.
✨ Please note:
- Due to venue policies, this event is for 18+ attendees only.
- If you have any allergies/special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
- If you have any access needs, please get in touch beforehand so we can ensure you have the best experience at the event.
Agenda
(All times in BST)
18:00 - 18:30 Networking with food and drinks
18:30 - 18:40 Welcome and announcements
18:40 Lightning talks and Q&A
20:30 CloseIn July, we'll do something different. This time we will have a fireside chat - an informal conversation where our panellists will share their personal journeys into technology, data and AI.
With graduation season upon us and AI rapidly reshaping the industry, we'll explore the many different pathways into tech and data, from graduate schemes and apprenticeships to career changes. We'll discuss the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Speakers
Tilly Spencer is a graduate software engineer on the Lloyds Banking Group Technology Engineering Scheme, gaining experience in quality and software engineering, as well as DevOps. This is Tilly's third career, having started out as an interpreter and translator, then moving to work in programme management at an international charity, before completing the Code First Girls Degree to switch into a tech role. She is a regional Deputy Lead for LBG's Women ConnecTech staff network, and has helped to establish a mentorship project for women joining the graduate scheme as career switchers. She is dedicated to improving the recruitment and retention of women in the tech and data sector.Noushin Islam is a Technology Engineering Graduate at Lloyds Banking Group. After transitioning from a business background into tech, she is passionate about helping others navigate careers in technology and AI. She will share her journey into the industry and reflect on what it means to build a career during the rapid rise of AI, exploring career pivots, early-career challenges and the opportunities emerging for the next generation of data and technology professionals.
Olivia Matthews is a Data Science & AI Graduate at Lloyds Banking Group who transitioned into tech from a background in Sport & Exercise Medical Science. Determined to find the right path for her, she declined her Masters offer and took a chance on the Code First Girls programme, despite no guarantee of securing a place. She is passionate about helping others feel confident exploring careers in data and increasing awareness of the different pathways available. Olivia will share her journey into tech, offering her perspective on breaking into the industry through Code First Girls, building confidence, and cutting through the noise in an ever-evolving AI landscape.
Danielle Linford is a Software Engineer at Lloyds Banking Group, having transitioned into tech after a career change and completing a software engineering apprenticeship. Without a traditional computer science background, she built her skills on the job and developed a strong foundation in front-end development.
Danielle is passionate about making technology more accessible to others, particularly those without a technical background. She actively supports early careers and contributes to workshops and initiatives that help people take their first steps into coding. Through her journey, she highlights that there isn’t one fixed route into tech — combining hands-on experience, curiosity, and support from others can be just as powerful as a traditional path.By registering for this event, you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
Follow us on LinkedIn for updates!Our Meetup page is very generously sponsored by KrakenFlex!
31 attendees
Past events
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