DIVERSITY CHAMPION PRESENTED WITH FIRST TRUST BANK QUEEN’S GRADUATE OF THE YEAR AWARD 
28 November 2019
Sheree Atcheson, BEng Computer Science 2013, a diversity and inclusion champion and an award-winning global change maker in pushing for equality in the tech industry – who recently moved to UK bank Monzo as Head of Diversity and Inclusion – has been presented with the 2019/20 First Trust Bank Queen’s Graduate of the Year Award.
The Award was the highlight of the annual Charter Day Dinner held in the Great Hall at Queen’s on Friday 22 November, hosted by the Queen's Graduates' Association (QGA).
Delivering the citation at this year’s Charter Day Dinner, First Trust Bank University Road Branch Manager, Charlotte Maguire said: “Our 2019 First Trust Bank Queen’s Graduate of the Year has what has been described as ‘infectious confidence with expertise in the diversity and inclusion space’.
“She also has the ability to ensure people of all levels, understand the business benefit of diversity and inclusion whilst becoming champions, in their own roles.”
Born in Sri Lanka, Sheree was adopted when she was three weeks old and raised in County Tyrone. From 2002-09 she attended St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon before coming up to Queen’s to study Computer Science.
Having undertaken a placement at University spinout company Kainos while a student, she joined the firm after graduating with a BEng in 2013 as a Software Engineer.
From early in her career, Sheree noticed how few women were recognised in the UK tech industry, which led to her to launch the UK wing of Women Who Code in Belfast, where she is now their Global Ambassador. Women Who Code aims to eradicate the gender bias in the IT industry by creating local havens for tech women through monthly hack nights, tech talks and career trainings.
Speaking to Queen’s ahead of the Award presentation, Sheree said: “I became aware of the importance of having underrepresented groups represented in technology because there were not many women on my course.
“It is the same issue we see in society as a whole. I did start helping out with inclusion related pieces through the SWAN network at Queen’s and appeared in various campaigns because I was acutely aware of how important relatable role models are in showcasing that this industry doesn't just want, but very much needs you.”
Among Ms Atcheson's selected career and personal highlights are:
- ‘30 under 30’ Sunday Business Post (2019)
- Ai Publishing's Most Inspirational Woman in Technology (2019)
- International Woman Leadership Gold Award – Top 50 Professional & Career Women Awards, Sri Lanka & Maldives (2019)
- Investing In Ethnicity – Top 10 BAME Workplace Hero (2019)
- Women In Tech – Employee of the Year (2019)
- Participated in BBC Northern Ireland studio/online seminar called Make it: Super Assembly with Sheree Acheson (2019)
- Contributor to Forbes on the need and business of diversity, inclusion and belonging in industry (from 2018)
- Presentation of ‘Women in STEM: All Sorted Now?’ at Inspirefest (2018 )
- Nominated for Northern Ireland Young business Woman of the Year (2017)
- Founded I Am Lanka to highlight Sri Lanka’s local and international role models who have accomplished great things in their lives and careers (2017)
- Blogger HuffPost (2015-18)
Highlighting Sheree’s inspirational leadership, Ms Maguire continued: “It’s fair to say that the members of this year’s Judging Panel were blown away by the range and extent of Sheree’s achievements and contributions, not just in the last 12 months but since she left Queen’s.
“Her passion for the world of technology and the role of women in it, the Panel said was ‘hugely motivational’.
Describing her as a textbook graduate, Ms Maguire added: “Sheree is not only a highly respected mentor and an inspiring role model for so many in tech and business, she is also a trailblazer for equality, diversity and inclusion and a most worthy recipient of this Award from her alma mater.”
The annual award is presented by the Queen's Graduates' Association, with the support of First Trust Bank, to an ‘outstanding graduate, who has made a significant impact’.
Congratulating Sheree on her achievements, QGA President Victoria Denoon, said: “Sheree is an exemplary alumna and an inspiring role model for so many young women in tech and business.
“Named in the Top 35 of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Technology in 2017, she has won numerous awards, and follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner – another impressive female recipient – Lisa McGee of Derry Girls fame.”
Speaking in September about winning the Award Ms Atcheson said: “It is very exciting! I am honoured to represent Queen’s in this way, as attending the University was a big thing for me when I arrived there back in 2009.
As a champion for women and diversity and inclusion, Sheree knows her winning the Graduate of the Year accolade has the potential to inspire others. She went on: “I am the first woman of colour to ever win the Graduate of the Year Award. The last, and only other person of colour, Dr Cecil Cyrus, was over 10 years ago.
“Being the first woman of colour to win this is incredibly humbling and hopefully, inspiring for future graduates to stand up, make noise and put their stamp on their industry.
She concluded: “Many people have graduated from Queen’s and it feels very special to be the person to win this prestigious award for 2019.”
Previous Graduate of the Year Award winners include Johann Muldoon MBE, who was Best Woman Architect in Europe winner (2017) and who was present at this year’s Dinner; Jonny Bramley, BAFTA award-winning BBC Sport Executive producer (2016); and Ramona Nicholas, entrepreneur and former RTÉ Dragons’ Den panel member (2013).
Visit Queen's Graduates' Association for further information on the QGA and go to the QGA Facebook page for a selection of photos from this year’s Charter Day Dinner. For general enquiries on the Graduate of the Year Award or the Charter Day Dinner contact Queen’s Alumni Officer (Volunteering), Natasha Sharma, Development and Alumni Relations Office, telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 3135.
For general enquiries or to submit graduate news stories, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO), tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
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