Biography:
Toni Scullion is a Scottish computer science teacher known for her dedication to advancing computing science education and closing the gender gap in the field. Born and raised in Scotland, Scullion has made significant contributions to the promotion of computer science in schools and the empowerment of female students.
Scullion’s passion for computing science developed early in her life. She pursued her interest by studying computer science at university, where she gained a deep understanding of the subject. After completing her education, Scullion embarked on a teaching career and joined St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, where she focused on inspiring the next generation of students to pursue computing science.
Motivated by her own experiences and the existing gender imbalance in the field, Scullion founded the charity dressCode. The organization aims to advance computing science education in schools, with a particular focus on encouraging female students to explore the subject. Under Scullion’s leadership, dressCode has made significant strides in narrowing the gender gap in computing science.
In addition to dressCode, Scullion co-founded the Ada Scotland Festival. This annual event brings together partners committed to addressing gender balance in computing science education in Scotland. The festival has become a vital platform for inspiring young women to pursue careers in computing science and promoting diversity within the field.
Scullion’s work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has been nominated for the Secondary Teacher of the Year award at the Scotland Women in Technology awards multiple times, winning this prestigious recognition twice. Her achievements extend beyond teaching, as her charity dressCode has also received multiple awards, highlighting the impact it has made in advancing computing science education.
Scullion is a sought-after speaker at various events, where she shares her insights and experiences regarding her work with dressCode and closing the gender gap in computing science. She has been a keynote speaker at conferences such as the EduTech Conference, MBN Solutions, Cyber Scotland Connect, Edinburgh’s Women in Tech Conference, and many others. Her influential talks have inspired and motivated audiences from all walks of life.
Recognized both nationally and internationally, Scullion has received numerous accolades for her contributions to furthering women in technology. She was honored as the Champion of Champions at the Scottish Cyber Awards in 2017 and won the Secondary Teacher of the Year award at the Scottish Women in Tech Awards in 2018. Scullion continues to receive recognition, securing the Cyber Security Teacher of the Year award at the Scottish Cyber Awards in 2019 and the Gender Diversity Champion of the Year award at the Scottish Women in Tech Awards in the same year. Her commitment to mentoring and leading by example also earned her the Best Mentor and Team Leader of the Year awards at the Women in Tech Excellence Awards in 2020.
Scullion’s influence and accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. She has supported efforts by the University of the South Wales to attract more female students to their computer science degree program. Her work has been recognized in Edtech50 magazine, and she has been acknowledged through motions in the Scottish Parliament, commending her on her success in various awards and acknowledging her efforts in launching dressCode.
Toni Scullion’s efforts to advance computing science education and promote diversity in the field have made a profound impact. Her dedication to empowering young women and closing the gender gap reflects her commitment to the progress of women in technology. Through her work with dressCode, Scullion continues to inspire future generations, leaving an indelible mark on women’s history and the field of computing science.
Awards:
– Champion of Champions at the Scottish Cyber Awards 2017
– Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Scottish Women in Tech Awards 2018
– Cyber Security Teacher of the Year at the Scottish Cyber Awards 2019
– Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Scottish Women in Tech Awards 2019
– Highly Acclaimed Security Serious Unsung Heroes awards 2019
– Gender Diversity Champion of the Year at the Scottish Women in Tech Awards 2019
– Women in Tech Employer awards – Best Mentor 2020
– Women in Tech Excellence awards – Team Leader of the Year 2020
– Women in Tech Excellence awards – Hero of the Year 2020
– Security Serious – Best Educator Award 2020