TECHNOLOGY
at the University of Westminster. She also campaigned to save Bletchley Park – ‘it’s so important to preserve that part of our history,’ she says – and, more recently, set up #techmums, which offers free training for mums on low incomes and with no computer experience. The six-week programme, based in Tower Hamlets, covers app design, coding, social media and online security. Mums can meet local service providers and entrepreneurs, and find out where to get further training and support.
Making connections
‘The whole idea is to upskill mums so they can earn more money and create a better life for themselves and their families,’ says Sue. ‘That’s why I got into technology in the first place. It’s great to see how it empowers them, and builds their confidence. An understanding of technology opens so many doors. It connects you to the world.’
It makes a practical difference, too. ‘One mum made a living selling school uniform,’ says Sue. ‘Every day after school her son used to get on the bus and go all over London delivering samples for her. Now she’s emailing images to her customers instead. It’s so simple – but the knock-on benefits for her, her son and her business, are huge.’
Sue hopes that #techmums may inspire some of the women to go further, and learn more about technology. ‘I think it was Lao Tzu who said that a journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. I always say to people at the start of these courses, “If I
can do it, so can you”. All I did was work out where I wanted to be and put one foot in front of the other until I got there.’
She believes the time is ripe too for women to take advantage of new opportunities in technology. ‘The internet is creating a more level playing field,’ she says. ‘Big corporates are recognising that they need the best talent – and that can come from anywhere.’
‘‘ If I can do it, so can you. All I did was work out where I wanted to be and put one foot in front of the other until I got there”
So, looking back over her impressive career, what would Sue say has been the highlight to date? ‘I should probably say speaking to the UN, or meeting the Queen,’ she laughs. ‘But the honest answer is probably meeting
Will.I.Am. I’m such a fan! He really gets technology. I told him I taught mums to code and he fist-bumped me. I’d like to say I played it cool but I’m not sure I succeeded…’.
THE 2015 HITESH TAILOR LECTURE: IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU
Dr Sue Black will return to LSBU on 18 November to deliver this year’s Hitesh Tailor Lecture. ‘I’m delighted to be coming back to the University,’ she says. ‘My time there changed my life. The message I really want to get across is that technology really does have the power to transform people’s lives, and that it’s opening up opportunities for us all.’
The talk will be held in partnership with the School of Engineering as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015. Come along and contribute your views on the UK’s tech industry. Tickets are free and available online now at
https://alumni.lsbu.ac.uk/sueblack
As a civic university we have a responsibility to inspire the next generation of students to engage in STEM subjects. Our scholarship programme, part of our Annual Fund, is one important way we do this. We welcome gifts of all sizes from our alumni, friends and family. For more information contact Suzie Bannerman on
sbannerman@lsbu.ac.uk 020 7815 6073
Autumn 2015 | SOUTH BANK | 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24