Articles

IWD Resident Spotlight - Kate Whyles: Inspiring the Next Generation in Tech

Date Posted: 8:51 AM on Sat, 8 March 2025

Born and raised in Gedling, Kate Whyles’ journey from a local student to an award-winning leader in technology and education showcases the power of creativity and innovation. Now living in Arnold, she is committed to breaking down barriers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and inspiring young women to see themselves in digital careers.

Kate’s education began at Willow Farm Primary School before she moved on to Carlton le Willows Academy. She later pursued an art foundation course at NCN College, followed by a degree in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University. After graduating, she ran an art gallery in Nottingham before returning to NCN College, where she discovered a passion for education and technology. This shift led her to her current role as a Digital Innovation and Development Coach, where she helps students and educators integrate technology into learning.

Her background in art played a significant role in shaping her approach to technology. She sees creativity as a crucial skill in digital fields, particularly in the rise of artificial intelligence. “A creative mind is key to being successful in digital technology,” she says, highlighting how art and tech are connected.

Determined to deepen her knowledge, Kate pursued a master’s degree in Computer Science in 2024. As one of the only women on the course, she became increasingly aware of the gender imbalance in STEM. She questioned why more young women were not drawn to these fields and realised that visibility plays a crucial role. “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” she says, recognising the need for relatable role models in tech.

To address this, Kate became a STEM Ambassador, visiting schools, including those in Gedling Borough, to introduce children to coding. She provides hands-on experience, making complex subjects accessible and engaging. One of her key strategies is using ‘Minecraft Education’ and game-based learning to teach STEM subjects, which has led to increased engagement and attendance. The impact is already visible, with more girls showing interest in technology. A moment that stood out to Kate was when a student expressed surprise at her role, saying, “You work alongside Minecraft? But you’re a girl.” This reinforced the importance of representation in male-dominated industries.

Kate’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was recently named one of the UK’s most influential women in technology through the ‘Tech Women 100 Award,’ recognising her contributions to digital learning and gender inclusivity in STEM. She now delivers keynote speeches worldwide, sharing her insights and encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology.

A key inspiration for Kate is Ada Lovelace, a historical figure from Nottingham who wrote the first computer program. She believes that highlighting real women in influential roles is essential for inspiring future generations.

“International Women’s Day is a chance to shine a light on the work women are doing and achieving,” Kate says. “It’s about inspiring young women to see themselves in any role and helping young men recognise what women can do too.”

Through her work, Kate is actively shaping a more inclusive future in tech, ensuring that young women know they have a place in the industry and the confidence to pursue it.