“I absolutely love what I do and I’m so grateful that the data centre industry found me. If I had known about it earlier, I would have chosen it in a heartbeat.”
Lizzy McDowell | Director of Marketing, Kao Data
“It might seem like a narrow field from the outside, but data centres are actually a vast playground for growth, skill development, and even leadership roles.”
Nkemjika Asiegbu | Senior Thermofluids Engineer, Iceotope
“Right now, the industry is experiencing a period of abundance driven by AI which is reshaping tech on a scale not seen since the invention of the PC.”
Julie Callagee | CFO, Atmosphere Data Centres
“The future of tech needs a broader, more inclusive approach, especially when it comes to ethics, AI, and the biases that are embedded in our systems.”
Claire Ayles | Owner, Eleven Hundred Agency
Empower
Showcasing the remarkable women shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
Recognise
Meaningful contributions from the many women making outsized impact in digital infrastructure.
Possibility
A shared belief in the mission and the drive to make a difference.
Purpose
These women aren’t just building data centres - they’re building society’s future.
Belong
Gender does not dictate one’s role or success.
Real stories. Diverse journeys. A stronger future for critical infrastructure.
Critical Careers: Women in Digital Infrastructure is an initiative launched by Kao Data to celebrate the remarkable women shaping the future of digital infrastructure.
The initiative showcases real stories from women across all ages, backgrounds, disciplines, geographies and career stages who are thriving in a critical industry that underpins our modern world.
Through personal interviews, this book highlights the inspiration, lessons, challenges and advice that define their journeys.
What's next?
This is just the beginning. As it evolves, Critical Careers will become a larger platform for even more storytelling, tackling issues of access, inclusion, representation, and the changing nature of work in a digital world. Future editions will spotlight emerging talent, challenge industry norms, and amplify underrepresented voices.
We believe It will grow into a community that not only reflects who’s in the industry today, but inspires who will lead it tomorrow.