Born: 1991 (Sri Lanka)
Biography:
Sheree Atcheson, born on 28 February 1991, is a Sri Lankan-born Northern Irish computer scientist and Group Vice-President of Diversity & Inclusion at Valtech. With an impressive career in the tech industry and a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, Atcheson has become a well-known figure in the field.
Atcheson was adopted by a Roman Catholic family in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland when she was just three weeks old. Growing up, she attended St Patrick’s Academy in Dungannon, where she developed an early interest in technology by playing computer games with her brother. Inspired by her passion, she decided to pursue a career in the tech industry.
Her journey began with a job at her local pharmacy, working at the counter. However, she knew that she wanted to explore the world of computer science. Atcheson enrolled at Queen’s University Belfast to study the subject. As an undergraduate student, she was one of the few women in her class, which sparked a determination within her to address the gender imbalance in the field.
After graduating, Atcheson joined Kainos as a software engineer before moving on to SR Laboratories. In 2016, she joined Deloitte, where she worked as a business consultant for strategy and architecture. During her time at Deloitte, Atcheson played a crucial role in designing and implementing the company’s inclusion strategy, eventually becoming the lead for inclusion.
In 2019, Atcheson took on the role of Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Monzo, a digital bank based in the UK. Her contributions to fostering an inclusive workplace were highly regarded, but she left the position in June 2020. Later that year, in August, Atcheson assumed the position of Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Peakon, a software platform that focuses on employee engagement and retention.
Beyond her corporate roles, Atcheson has made significant strides in advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. As the Global Ambassador for Women Who Code, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach in the United Kingdom. Under her leadership, the membership of Women Who Code has grown to over 8,000 members, with the Belfast branch alone accounting for more than 1,000 members.
Atcheson also founded I am Lanka, a project created to celebrate and highlight role models from Sri Lanka. The initiative began when she embarked on a search for her birth mother and received an overwhelming response from Sri Lankan individuals who were inspired by her story. Through I am Lanka, Atcheson continues to uplift and empower others by amplifying the stories of people from her country of birth.
In recognition of her achievements and influence, Atcheson has received numerous awards and honors. Computer Weekly named her one of the Most Influential Women in UK Tech, a testament to her significant impact on the industry. She was also recognized as one of the United Kingdom’s Rising Stars by WeAreTheCity. In 2019, Queen’s University Belfast awarded her the Graduate of the Year title, further validating her contributions to her field.
Throughout her career, Sheree Atcheson has dedicated herself to advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Her passion and commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace have made her a trailblazer in her field. Through her advocacy and achievements, Atcheson continues to inspire future generations of women in tech.
Awards:
– Most Influential Women in UK Tech by Computer Weekly
– Rising Stars by WeAreTheCity
– Graduate of the Year by Queen’s University Belfast