Abstract: 

Session Objective: To address the reasons for the existing gender gap within the data science and STEM industry.
Learning Outcomes: To learn practical steps that can be implemented in any working environment for addressing the gender gap in data science industry.
General Idea: Only about 30% of professional data-related roles are held by women as of 2019. There’s an even more significant gender gap in tech and data science leadership roles and in technical roles which is also a barrier to gender equality. Women are the key piece to the puzzle of realizing the highest maturity levels of digital enterprises, but unless we realize this, our progress in data science and technology will remain stagnant. In order to close the gender gap in STEM, and to accelerate advances in the sciences, we must encourage and support women on all levels, from government to enterprise, and establish equal employment opportunities for all.

Bio: 

Nollie is a savvy business intelligence and business analytics leader with over 13 years of diverse financial services background including performance driven results in strategic planning, action plan execution, leadership, project/programme management, business intelligence and analytics, operational efficiency, business and target operating models and process engineering and re-engineering. As a dynamic leader, has consistently developed high performing teams through effective coaching, team building, motivation, strength driven performance, and 360-degree performance focus. Nollie is a highly motivated, innovative and performance-driven Head of Business Intelligence and Analytics offering comprehensive achievements and experience in Retail and Corporate Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Insurance, Financial Services and Management Consulting particularly in the contact centre environment, operations, mobile payments, operating models, electronic delivery channels, digitization, cash management, and financial regulatory compliance in South Africa and Rest of Africa. Nollie holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) with a focus in Strategy and Digital Innovation. She recently completed her Data Science and Business Analytics post graduate program with the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. The focus of this program was advanced statistics, machine learning and predictive modelling.