Awarding and celebrating female tech role models

The RightBrains Awards in collaboration with Computable recognise exceptional female talent and leadership, and incredible male allies, who are driving change within the industry. We are celebrating that the entire industry wins by making the circle bigger together with our community partners. It’s only through strong collaboration and support that we can move the needle!

We are ecstatic to announce this year's nominees!

Digital Leadership & Diversity Award nominees: 

Anke den Ouden, Microsoft Netherlands

Anke den Ouden, through her nearly three decades of diverse experience, leads Microsoft Netherlands with a strong focus on gender equality and diversity. She has initiated numerous projects to engage young girls in tech and promote gender inclusivity within the Microsoft Partner Ecosystem. Anke's leadership blends empathy, trust-building, and mentorship, fostering both business success and personal development. Her efforts have driven innovation, broadened market appeal, and built a robust pipeline of future talent.

Sarah Polan, HashiCorp

As EMEA Field CTO and cloud identity expert, Sarah bridges internal and field teams to enhance product feedback. She champions process transformation, DevSecOps, and Zero Trust in multi-cloud environments. Originally an opera singer, Sarah’s resilience has driven her to empower women in tech through career progression advocacy, diversity initiatives, and educational outreach.

Frauke Wessel, De Pieter Raat Stichting and Rafaelstichting

Frauke Wessel is a coach and mentor and excels in leading digitalisation and employee development, and currently training executive boards on IT issues. She guides organisations into the future by identifying and resolving core issues through persistent inquiry. Balancing listening and assertiveness, Frauke effectively communicates her vision. As a mentor, she empowers young women in IT, fostering their growth into senior leadership roles. Her efforts drive innovation, enhance team performance, and promote gender diversity within the tech industry.

Annabelle Kraanen, Solace

Annabelle Kraanen excels in building strong client relationships and leading innovative initiatives. Her enthusiasm and proactive approach have significantly enhanced client engagement, including successful events like the Solace Benelux User Group. Annabelle’s deep technical curiosity, from quantum technology to AI, and her dedication to personal and professional growth make her a valued asset. She promotes inclusivity and diversity at Solace, setting a strong example for others through her commitment to workplace norms and values.

Dragana Mijatovic, Eraneos

At Eraneos, Dragana leads the Organisational Excellence & Transformation business unit, emphasising adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. Her inspirational leadership is marked by her ability to listen, present solid arguments, and provide constructive feedback with infectious positivity. Dragana effectively balances masculine and feminine skills, combining results-oriented thinking with creativity and discipline. She actively promotes gender equality through initiatives like the Women United event, resulting in a team where over half are women. Her approach fosters freedom and creativity, driving exceptional team performance and innovation.

Dieneke Schouten, Centric

Dieneke Schouten, Chief Operations Officer of the Public Division at Centric, seamlessly bridges Business and IT with her extensive knowledge of software development and systems. Known for her strategic long-term vision and engaging leadership, she inspires colleagues and clients on a digital journey. Accessible and personable, Dieneke champions gender diversity through initiatives like Woman@Centric and mentoring. Her efforts have led to a notable increase in gender balance, innovative practices, and improved team performance within her division.

Noha Shafik, MSc, bol.com

Noha Shafik is an inspirational leader and advocate for women in IT, known for her transparency and clear communication. With a distinguished career at companies like ING, IKEA, and Bol.com, she drives digital transformation and promotes gender diversity. Through her keynote speeches and her lighthouse-metaphor that illustrates the guiding principles for decision-making, she has empowered many women. Committed to continuous growth and sustainability, Noha's leadership fosters a motivated, thriving team and a holistic approach to professional development.

Floortje Rasenberg, Budget Thuis

Floortje Rasenberg is a transformative leader driving significant change in a steadily growing company. Known for her innovative ideas and strong drive, she balances compassion with a readiness to listen and act on feedback. Floortje has implemented new processes to support company growth, actively promotes gender diversity, and appoints ambassadors to foster community growth. Her leadership style, characterised by ambition and inclusivity, has led to improved team performance and innovation.

Digital Talent Award Nominees:

Mallory Brickerd, Eraneos

Mallory Brickerd is a dynamic person who excels in driving innovation and fostering a positive work culture. With a proven track record in managing complex projects and teams, she blends strategic vision with hands-on execution. Mallory’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through her initiatives that promote equal opportunities and empower underrepresented groups. Her leadership not only inspires but also contributes to the organisation’s success by enhancing team collaboration and driving sustainable growth.

Tsnatee Elisa, Tsnatee

Tsnatee Elisa is making an ongoing impact on digital technology and diversity.  During her time at Dell Technologies, she started initiating branding videos to attract female talent and led workshops on career development. She went on to co-found the employee resource group MOSAIC, which grew to more than 100 people. Today she runs her own consultancy promoting personal branding, female empowerment and cultural diversity through workshops, speaking opportunities, and masterclasses.

Véronique Van Vlasselaer, SAS 

Véronique van Vlasselaer excels in making complex AI technology accessible. With a PhD and a strong focus on responsible AI, she stands out as a thought leader in her field. Her dedication to promoting gender diversity is evident through her initiatives, such as participating in events like Inspiring 50, Women In Data Science and initiatives like the SAS Women Initiative Network. Véronique’s creative approach and effective communication skills make her a valuable asset in tech, fostering innovation and inclusivity in her teams.

Annabel Hazewinkel, Darktrace

Annabel Hazewinkel excels in managing and strengthening Darktrace's partner network, engaging with clients and partners on cybersecurity challenges and opportunities. Her deep technological knowledge in machine learning and AI, combined with her ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, sets her apart. Annabel's commitment to continuous learning, through weekly internal training and specialisation in operational technology, enhances her expertise. She actively promotes gender diversity, raising awareness of the challenges faced by women in IT and striving to improve workplace inclusivity.

Carolina Felix Visma Connect B.V. 

Carolina Felix, as a digital designer a key member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) committee, excels in both her technical and leadership roles. She stands out for her ability to connect, her curiosity, and her creativity. Carolina has upskilled herself in UX/UI and digital design through various bootcamps and training sessions, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning. Her active participation in the DE&I committee helps drive diversity and inclusion efforts within the organisation, supporting various initiatives and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Maaike de Munnik - Kaasenbrood, Visma Connect B.V

Maaike de Munnik-Kaasenbrood has shown remarkable growth from Junior Analyst to Medior Scala Developer within her team. She is a dedicated and ambitious professional with excellent communication skills and personal leadership. Maaike’s eagerness to learn and her proactive approach enable her to tackle new challenges effectively. Her ability to translate the latest XBRL specifications into practical impacts on her organisation’s tooling showcases her technical prowess and commitment to team success. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude contribute significantly to a productive and enjoyable team environment.

Eva Meijer, Happybase

Eva Meijer plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and technological innovation at Happybase, which has become a leading B2B platform. Her unique blend of technical excellence and empathetic leadership sets her apart. From intellectual property law to tech entrepreneurship, Eva’s journey exemplifies the impact of perseverance and passion. She fosters an inclusive culture, promoting diversity within IT. Her ability to merge strategic vision with support for women in technology makes her a prominent role model in the digital field.

Marialisa van der Poll, FULL FORCE DIGITAL

Marialisa van de Poll excels as a Business Analyst IT, quickly mastering her role in a high-performing IT environment. Her rapid acquisition of relevant knowledge and her ability to challenge the status quo, especially in diversity, make her stand out. Despite lacking a formal STEM background, Marialisa's self-study and proactive approach have significantly advanced her career. She actively promotes gender diversity, contributes to discussions on inclusivity, and engages with networks like RightBrains and Women in Technology NL.

Kasja Maksymiak, PostNL

Kasja Maksymiak works at PostNL and is the founder of the Low-Code Ladies community on LinkedIn. Despite facing skepticism and lacking a formal STEM background, Kasja has persevered and achieved Mendix MVP status. Her resilience and technical skills, coupled with her commitment to creating safe spaces for women in tech, set her apart. Kasja has transformed setbacks into opportunities for growth, becoming a role model in the low-code industry. Her leadership in building the Low-Code Ladies community and influencing Mendix’s roadmap highlights her dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Maiara Favaretto Moreno, Jedlix - Smart Charging

At Jedlix, Maiara Favaretto leads financial management and supports business growth in the innovative IoT and e-mobility sector. With over a decade of experience in both multinational companies and startups, Maiara has demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership, including pioneering mindfulness initiatives after overcoming burnout. She values diversity and inclusion, exemplified by her role as the first female member of the management team and her balanced approach to leadership. Maiara's efforts in promoting gender equality and her role in the Happiness Council have contributed to the company's steady growth, successful deals, and improved team performance.

Richelle van Veldhuisen, RISE works

Richelle van Veldhuisen is the founder and director of RISE works, an organisation focused on increasing diversity in IT. Richelle is dedicated to promoting gender equality in the industry. Her achievements include raising the percentage of women transitioning to IT significantly in her previous organisation – and she continues to develop her expertise through an MBA in strategic management and other learning opportunities. Richelle actively supports women’s transition into IT through her academy, providing targeted training and personal guidance to foster a more inclusive tech sector.

Judith Kreukels, WIQD (Women in Quantum Development)

Judith Kreukels is a passionate expert who embodies excellence in equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). She advocates not only for women but for all minority groups, demonstrating a profound commitment to these values. Judith has significantly expanded WIQD into a broad organisation and community through initiatives like a mentoring programme. Her contributions include inspirational talks, panel sessions, quarterly and annual events, and workshops, all of which drive diversity and innovation.

Mafalda Barata, Jedlix Smart Charging

Mafalda Barata excels in IoT and e-mobility integration with over a decade of experience. She is a role model in tech leadership and stakeholder communication – and she always finds the right language to address different audiences, from Customer Care to Data teams, from interns to C-level. Mafalda’s polyglot skills, ability to give constructive feedback, and mentorship make her stand out. Her success as the only female tech leader at Jedlix inspires others, and she actively supports female colleagues’ career growth.

Melissa Scholten, Digital Realty

Melissa Scholten drives communication strategy and innovation at Digital Realty Netherlands. She authored a children's book that explains IT concepts in an engaging way, generating over 400 leads in her company’s campaign. Her proactive involvement in DEI initiatives includes organising Girls' Day events and joining global councils. Melissa's efforts have led to hiring female engineers and increasing media coverage on diversity, establishing Digital Realty as an inclusive employer.

Don't forget to register now for the 2024 Celebration Event, which will be taking place on 7 November at the Yact headquarters in Diemen. We can't wait to celebrate these nominees together with our partners, sponsors, community and like-minded women and male allies! Register now