A FORMER Aberystwyth University student and “inspirational” female role model has been recognised for her contribution to the tech industry.

The TechWomen100 Awards, held by the WeAreTechWomen group, were held on 8 December, during which the achievements of 100 women in the industry were recognised.

Georgia Mantzana, 35, a former Aberystwyth University student and Senior User Experience (UX) Designer for Havering London Borough Council, said being recognised in the awards is “incredible”.

Georgia moved from Greece to Aberystwyth to complete her Master’s Degree in Management and Finance in 2008.

“It’s definitely one of my proudest moments,” Georgia said, “all of the women included are incredible, I was reading some of the other profiles and they were inspiring. I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity, but also to be surrounded in my work environment by inspirational women, and male allies, who support me, help me become better, strive in my career, and to develop myself further.”

Georgia’s labelled her time at Aberystwyth University as “unique”: “My programme was quite diverse, so when I joined there were students from many different backgrounds and cultures. That was what I wanted when I decided to take my studies outside Greece, to blend with other people. I always wanted to work abroad so my Master’s gave me the chance, not only to advance my career, but also to grow as an individual. That is what a good university is about.”

In her current role with Havering Council, Georgia is working “on human-centred service design tying together human, digital, and physical interactions to create a truly differentiated experience for the public good while collaborating with Tech partners including Google, Vodafone and Amazon”.

Offering advice to others looking to break into the industry, Georgia said: “For me, it’s about your mind set.

“You have to follow your dreams, to work hard, and don’t give up. We have been through a pandemic, and we’re still in it. Everybody is experiencing so many ups and downs, personally and professionally.

“But what we all need to think is it’s a phase, it’s not permanent. Students are fearing what’s going to happen to them, but there are endless opportunities out there.

“Don’t let your fears overcome your power.”