Jo Larby -Technical Product Manager and Accessibility Lead at Leighton
Following her appointment to the board of Women in Tech North East (WiTNE) we spoke to Jo Larby, Technical Product Manager and Accessibility Lead at Leighton about the organisations plans for the coming year and the importance of organisations like WiTNE.
How did you first get involved with Women in Tech North East?
When I first started working in tech, I didn’t really appreciate how important communities like Women in Tech North East could be. My university course had fewer than a dozen women on it, and I just assumed that being one of the few women in the room was normal.
One of my managers suggested I attend a Women in Tech North East event after seeing it on LinkedIn. At first, I was hesitant. I didn’t know anyone and definitely felt imposter syndrome creeping in. But I went along, and the discussion happened to focus on imposter syndrome and challenges that many women experience in the workplace. It was the first time I realised these weren’t experiences unique to me.
From then on, I kept going back. Over the years, I’ve met an incredible network of people, spoken on a role model panel, and built relationships that have extended far beyond the events themselves. What started as a daunting first step has become a genuine community for me.
What inspired you to join the board?
As the organisation evolved, it became clear there was an opportunity to help shape its future. Coming from a technical background, I felt I could bring a different perspective to the board.
Many women in tech communities naturally attract people from across recruitment, marketing, operations and other supporting roles, which is fantastic. But it’s equally Jo Larby important that software engineers, developers and other technical professionals feel represented too. I wanted to help ensure the organisation continues to support the full breadth of the tech community while further enabling technical discussions, learning and confidence building.
Why are organisations like Women in Tech North East still so important?
Tech remains a male-dominated industry, and women are statistically more likely to leave it during different stages of their careers, whether that’s due to caring responsibilities, career breaks or other life changes.
Communities like Women in Tech North East create a space where people can have honest conversations they might not feel comfortable having within their own workplace. They provide support, encouragement and practical advice from people who’ve experienced similar challenges.
They’re also about creating better workplaces for everyone. By bringing together women, allies and advocates, these communities help start conversations around equity, inclusive policies and career progression that benefit the wider industry.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
The appointment was genuinely a surprise. Even after applying and interviewing, hearing I’d been selected was a real honour.
What excites me most is the opportunity to help others experience the same sense of belonging that I found. Looking back, it’s amazing to think I was once nervous to attend my first event, and now I have the chance to help someone else feel welcomed and included.
Sometimes seeing someone with a similar background succeeding reminds you that they’re just another person who’s worked hard and wants to make a positive difference. That’s something I’d love to pass on.
What would you like Women in Tech North East to achieve over the next year?
The community has grown incredibly already, and I’d love to see that continue organically.
Alongside our successful quarterly events, I’d like to explore more technical learning opportunities, mentoring, webinars and shared resources that help people develop their skills and confidence. Technology is evolving rapidly, particularly with AI lowering barriers to entry for many people, so there’s a real opportunity to support both newcomers and experienced professionals as they continue learning.
Ultimately, it’s about ensuring everyone feels they have a place within the community, whatever stage they’re at in their career.
leighton.com