About

Sandra Patel – Co-Chair

Sandra is CEO of tech and digital recruitment firm Transition Partners. Since founding the company in 2011, she has built a global organisation based on authenticity, innovation, results and integrity. Over her 20 years of experience within the recruitment industry, she has grown a solid network of like-minded individuals, promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the tech landscape, and produced successful podcasts and events. As a business leader and entrepreneur, she is passionate about supporting the local community, driving a positive change, widening access, and improving digital skills to build a more equitable society that promotes aspirational tech leaders of the future and the ecosystem.

Daneile Moore – Co-Chair

Daneile is a dedicated public sector professional with over 20 years’ experience, working in roles across Economic Development, Funded Business Support, Business Transformation, Marketing, Communications and Events.

She is currently Marketing and Events manager for the AD:VENTURE business support programme, supporting business growth and providing valuable guidance to start-ups and scale-ups across the region.

With a passion for inclusion and fostering economic development, she works with a wide range of West Yorkshire organisations and local partners to support under represented communities in business and ensure opportunity and equity are available for all.

Cleveland Henry (Advisor)

Cleveland is a Senior Technology professional with a career spanning over 25 years, most notably within digital transformation in the Health and Care sector. He passionate thought leader that collaborates with the health sector to aid progression of the industry, so he is often found presenting at conferences nationally and internationally, sharing his ideas and insight.

Cleveland is also a proud Non-executive Director at Leeds & York Partnership FT NHS and a Trustee & Deputy Chair at Leeds Community Foundation.

Rachel Lintott – Project & Operations Manager

Rachel originally qualified as an Occupational Therapist, striving to enable people as a clinician. Then, around 15 years ago Rachel transitioned into digital transformation & change, as a Delivery Director she leads large technical teams.

Rachel moved to Yorkshire 19 years ago, and is now an adopted Yorkshire person, loving the sites across the region, always seeking out new walks & places to eat (nothing better than a lovely pub after a walk).

Rachel feels passionate about digital inclusion and the importance of bridging the gap between those who can access / use digital technologies and those who can’t. Reducing marginalisation through supporting our community is paramount.

Suz Ferreira – Finance Manager

Suz is a finance professional who after years as an accountant retrained as a financial adviser with a mission to help women build wealth. She is deeply passionate about economic empowerment and financial inclusion. Recognising that many of us didn’t receive financial education growing up, Suz also delivers workplace personal finance sessions to help close the financial literacy gap.

She is an active member of the Fintech North community and is currently developing an innovative wealth building app designed specifically for women.

Suz also runs Women’s Wealth & Wellbeing networking, a supportive and inspiring community for women. In addition, she proudly supports Smart Works Leeds, a women’s employment charity. ‘It’s an honour to contribute to such an incredible organisation that delivers truly life changing support.’

Jane Clynes – Event Manager

With over 25 years of experience, Jane Clynes Events specialises in planning and managing weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and charity events.

Jane works closely with clients such as Manning Stainton, BigChange, Women in Healthcare, and UK Israel Business, and co-founded the Pride in Diversity Awards.

Key events include the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards, Leeds Jewish Community Pride Awards, and Dancing Strictly – all raising between £6,000–£50,000 per event for charities.

Jane offers complete event management, from concept to delivery – including venue, theming, catering, media, together with ideas and creativity to maximise  opportunities.

Whether it’s a formal dinner or a fun family event, Jane creates bespoke experiences that make a difference.

Jonathan Sanderson – Community & Partnership Manager

Jonathan Sanderson is a prominent figure in UK tech recruitment and the founder of Corecom Consulting and a Founding Director of Corecom Technology Academy. For 17 years, he has led the company, developing the “Corecom process” to provide exceptional service to clients.

Beyond his work in recruitment, Jonathan has played a key role in the Yorkshire tech community. He champions diversity in the sector through Corecom’s ED&I services and has helped launch tech careers for people from all backgrounds by co-founding Corecom Technology Academy.

Jonathan is also a passionate advocate for social and environmental responsibility, making Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) a core part of Corecom’s business. His commitment is demonstrated through the company’s ‘green’ headquarters, use of recycled technology, and partnerships with sustainable businesses.

Aishia Ullah – Marketing Lead

Aishia is a Client Success Manager at Code First Girls, the UK’s largest provider of free coding education for women. She works closely with clients to support and grow their digital skills programs, helping more women and underrepresented groups succeed in tech.

With a strong background in tech recruitment, Aishia has gained a deep understanding of the tech landscape and has embedded herself within the tech ecosystem within Leeds.

Alongside all roles, Aishia has incorporated her passion for Diversity & Inclusion through delivering training and hosting events and advocating for inclusive recruitment practices and providing opportunities for people to get into tech.

Kat Plant – Sponsors Liaison Manager

Kat has spent over 20 years working in B2B client services and communications, with particular expertise in the SaaS scale-up industry. In her current role as client relations manager at IDS Group, she specialises in nurturing partnerships, building trust, and understanding what clients truly need to succeed.

Kat’s people-first approach sees her bring a human touch to every new client and colleague relationship, combining empathy with clear communication to create genuine, long-lasting connections.

Alongside her focus on clients, Kat is passionate about supporting the Leeds digital community. She is dedicated to encouraging collaboration across the region, helping individuals and organisations to learn from one another and establish a stronger, more inclusive digital ecosystem.

Penny Hindle – Digital Engagement Lead

Technical Programmes Development Lead at Code First Girls, the UKs largest provider of free coding education for women. Penny has a background in Software Development and Product and has been an active member of the Leeds Digital community since she started her career.

Penny is also a volunteer with Smart Works Leeds, helping women gain confidence and skills to re-enter the workforce. Penny is committed to creating opportunities and fostering an inclusive digital and tech community in Leeds.

Aimee Kowzan – Ambassador

Aimee is the Regional Manager for FDM Group Leeds. At FDM, we’re committed to supporting key demographic groups who face a barrier to entry into digital from Graduates, to Ex-forces personnel, Returners-to-work and Apprentices.

Aimee has spent 10 years at FDM tackling digital exclusion and working to bolster opportunities in Tech & Digital across the region

Rachel Swann – Ambassador

Rachel works with tech and SaaS businesses who focus on the human approach, have innovation and are value-led, having spent 30 years driving commercial and company growth across sectors.  She now only works with people who make her smile, where they can work together and enjoy doing so.

B2B still needs a focus on the C – if it doesn’t work for the end user, then it won’t work well for long.  She runs her own consultancy and believes in making introductions for mutual benefit and loves meeting new people and making connections.

She has a mission to fundamentally transform the education system, as well as democracy, and make tech more accessible for all, which is part of the reason for joining the team at the Leeds Digital Ball.

Max Nowicki – Ambassador

Max is the Delivery Director and Co-Owner of Transition Partners. With people and community at the heart of everything he does, Max is passionate about engaging and building diverse communities, promoting inclusivity at every level, and ensuring everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.

For years, Max has been championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across the digital and technology community throughout Europe. He has hosted and supported a wide range of events designed to educate, share experiences, and create more accessible opportunities for all.

His commitment to celebrating uniqueness and empowering others continues to inspire lasting, positive change and is one of the key reasons he is proud to support the Leeds Digital Ball.

Josie Smith – Ambassador

Josie Smith has over 25 years’ experience in senior technology leadership roles, helping organisations including BT, Marks & Spencer and Vodafone modernise digital platforms, simplify complex systems, and build secure, resilient foundations for growth in a digital world.

She is known for her people-focused leadership, building inclusive, high-performing teams and mentoring emerging talent, while actively supporting diversity in technology and broader access to digital careers.

Alongside her professional work, Josie is passionate about widening access to STEM and digital skills through community initiatives. Her involvement with the Leeds Digital Charity Ball reflects her commitment to tackling digital exclusion and supporting a more inclusive digital future for the region.

Kat Mather – Ambassador

Experienced technology and transformation leader, specialising in leading complex digital change and building high‑performing delivery teams. With a career spanning large‑scale programmes, stakeholder engagement, and strategic portfolio leadership, she’s passionate about using technology as a force for positive impact.

Having spent her Uni career here in Leeds, Josie is proud to support the city’s vibrant digital community and its collective efforts to raise funds for vital local causes. She is a strong advocate for collaboration, inclusion, and giving back, and committed to helping Leeds continue to thrive as a welcoming and forward‑thinking digital hub.