Realising our digital ambitions

I’m Maria Teresa Douglas, the proud Product Owner for Data and Analytics here at Imperial.

I joined Imperial in January 2023, and in my role, I have the privilege of driving the development and enhancement of data and analytics products that fuel innovation and insights across our esteemed institution.

It’s an exciting journey where I get to leverage the power of data to enable evidence-based decision-making, which helps individuals at Imperial unlock their potential.

“Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.”

How did I get here?

I arrived in the UK in my early 20s, with little English but a passion for technology and embarked upon a degree in Computer Science.

On the back of this I have spent the past 25 years working in technology and data analytics for various companies; IBM, Microstrategy, Bank Santander, Sony, and Sainsbury’s. This journey has been a remarkable one, with each step contributing to my growth as a tech leader.

My homeland was originally Peru, once the home of the Incas. Funnily enough the Incas had an ingenious system called ‘Quipus’ for collecting and encoding data. They used intricate knotted cords to keep records and convey information, so maybe it’s in my DNA to work with data!

“It’s in my DNA to work with data!”

My future aspirations

As I continue my career path at Imperial, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and data-driven decision making.

My vision is not only to empower every member of our institution, but also to create a community of colleagues and friends who support and uplift each other.

Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.

My advice

To all aspiring women in tech, let me share with you the guiding principles I follow, drawn from the wisdom of inspirational figures.

“Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.”

Surround yourself with supportive allies and never forget your roots and the strength they provide.

Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.

Together, we can shape a future where women thrive and leave a lasting mark in the world of technology.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Read Spotlight on: Maria Teresa Douglas, Product Owner in full

I am a Technology Delivery Manager which means I work on activities and projects that support our community by delivering technology to meet their needs.

I am currently working on many activites including an identity and access project, finalising a telephony migration to MS Teams, and supporting migration work for OneDrive and from group spaces.

My main role in project work is removing obstacles for the team and ensuring all the steps fit together to ensure the best outcome for staff and students.

“Always be open to new things, always give your best, and approach everything with empathy.”

I recently won the ICT Award for Respect, where my colleagues nominated me for the work I am doing and how I work with them.

They said, “Ingrid goes out of her way to make meaningful connections and to collaborate. She works very hard to deliver quality results, and is a valued team member – always keen to learn”.

I am lucky to have been highly commended for my Innovation as part of the Unified Access project work.

You can read about all the ICT Award nominations online and check out the other winners.

How did I get here?

I have been at Imperial for two years, I was able to join Imperial via a returner’s program after taking a career break.

Prior to my career break, I worked in the retail sector for Habitat.  I started there as a Business Analyst and moved up to Senior Business Analyst and Business Area Manager.

I later started managing the UK IT team for the buyers of all stores (excluding UK and Ireland).

“A career break can feel like a lifetime in Technology, so there is still a lot of learning to catch up on.”

My future aspirations

A career break feels like a lifetime in technology, as things change quickly, so I feel like there is still a lot of learning for me to catch up on.

But my real passion is understanding social and cultural impacts on organisational behaviour and how to affect change.

I come from a Chinese Reunion Island Mauritian background and being married to a British Greek Cypriot, I am especially interested in the area of social impact.

My advice

My advice to aspiring women in Tech, and also women returning to work, is to always be open to new things, always give your best and approach everything with empathy.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Read Spotlight on: Ingrid Joannou, Technology Delivery Manager in full

As a developer, I am dedicated to building various digital products that support the needs of Imperial. Within ICT’s products team, I engage in multiple aspects of the product life cycle, utilising programming languages such as JavaScript/React.js to construct robust systems.

“Recognise the boundless potential within you. Whether or not you realise it, your contributions hold significant value within the industry.”

How did I get here?

I embarked on a unique career journey, replacing a university spot for an apprenticeship. In June 2022, I began my career as a software developer at Imperial College. While initially drawn to media and law, I ultimately found my calling in the world of technology. Beforehand, I took a gap year, exploring various career paths to discover the industry that best aligned with my skills and interests. This path of self-discovery led me to pursue an exciting role in tech, where I continue to learn and grow.

My future aspirations

Looking ahead, my future aspirations encompass a transition into leadership positions within the tech industry, where I am able drive progress and shape impactful initiatives. Additionally, I wish to serve as a mentor, empowering the next generation of young girls to pursue STEM careers fearlessly.

“Trust that you belong and embrace challenges that provide opportunities for growth.”

My advice

Recognise the boundless potential within you. Whether or not you realise it, your contributions hold significant value within the industry.

Trust that you belong and embrace challenges that provide opportunities for growth.

Be confident and never stop learning, as your diverse expertise will propel you.

Bonus material

You can read more about Joyce’s early career journey on:

• Imperial People
• You should never be the one to tell yourself no – blog post
• Imperial Magazine – I chose an Imperial apprenticeship – and amazing things happened!

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Read Spotlight on: Joyce Kadibu, Software Developer Apprentice in full

I work as an Oracle Payroll Functional Consultant at Imperial providing subject matter expertise to product owners and product technology specialists. I work alongside the Payroll and Pensions Manager on HR and payroll activities. The squad I work in is critical in ensuring everyone gets paid correctly at the end of each month!

“Go for what you believe is best for you. Be the best version of yourself, keep growing and enhancing your skills.“

How did I get here?

I have 13+ years of experience in Oracle Space – an eminent enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. During the last year and a half I have worked as an Oracle Payroll Functional Consultant / Product Engineer, implementing new payroll policies.

In my previous roles I gained exprience at the University of Manchester and Liverpool John Moores University in their finance, HR and payroll domains.

I started my career with a world-leading enterprise provider, where I was interacting with global teams which really helped me understand how business works. My work has spanned across Asia and the UK, and I have travelled overseas to train and support colleagues on new solutions. These worldwide experiences have helped me grow professionally.

“My work has spanned across Asia and the UK, and I have travelled overseas to train and support colleagues on new solutions“.

My future aspirations

I want to lead Product Development for a leading organisation in the next 5 years. I aspire to be a leader and mentor for my team.

My advice

You will get a lot of wonderful opportunities, go for what you believe is best for you. Be the best version of yourself and keep growing and enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Read Spotlight on: Shivani Gaind, Product Engineer in full

While technology plays a key part in delivering Imperial’s digital ambitions I look at new ways to improve the service management function and governance around our processes. This includes all the activities to design, create, deliver, and support IT services.

My team recognises that the core concept of IT Service Management (ITSM) is to deliver IT as a service. As a team we design agile service management processes to help ICT deliver IT services that meets the needs of our customers, like you!

“My role gives me great satisfaction knowing I can share my knowledge and experience with my team and ICT colleagues to identify areas of improvement.”

How did I get here?

In March 2019 I joined Imperial College’s ICT division as a Customer Services Manager for Support Services. My role was to liaise with departments and ICT staff to ensure issues were being resolved. Along the way I met some talented and inspiring people that taught me a lot about what they do at Imperial and how they make a difference.

In August 2020 I was appointed as the IT Service Management Lead for ICT. I am responsible for ensuring the overall success of the service management function. My job includes producing knowledge articles to enable AI technology in the future, and to identify manual processes that can be replaced with automated functions – so you can get quicker resolutions to your IT enquiries.

My role gives me great satisfaction knowing I can share my knowledge and experience with my team and ICT colleagues to identify areas of improvement in order to deliver processes that help improve the quality and efficiency of our IT services.

My future aspirations

This summer I am excited to be taking on a new challenge to broaden my skill set further by taking on more technical and complex activities as the Software Asset Management Lead in the ICT Digital Infrastructure team.

This role will be focusing on a new automated software delivery strategy that enhances the end user experience for staff and students.

My advice

Continue with your aspirations and never stop learning.

Set yourself challenges and goals to keep you motivated and don’t be afraid to ask questions – everyone learns and digests information in different ways.

Most importantly maintain a good work life balance.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone learns and digests information in different ways.”

Bonus Material

You can find out more about Kam Chaggar on Imperial People.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Read Spotlight on: Kam Chaggar, IT Service Management Lead in full