Building a Supportive Community for Women in Data Centres: The Story Behind the Forum
In the fast-evolving world of data centres, diversity has long been a challenge—particularly when it comes to gender representation.
Women remain underrepresented across the industry, especially in leadership roles. Recognising this disparity, two industry leaders, Barbara Sacha and Charlotte Berry-Selwood, co-founded the Forum for Women in Data Centres to create a space where women can connect, grow, and thrive.
During a recent episode of the Inside Data Centre podcast, hosted by Andy Davis, Barbara and Charlotte shared insights into their careers and the mission behind the Forum.
From global projects to industry leadership
Barbara, a partner at engineering consultancy Cundall, started her career in building services design before transitioning to data centres over seven years ago. Her expertise in managing large-scale, complex projects positioned her to excel in this highly technical sector. What stands out for Barbara is the collaborative nature of the industry:
“Building relationships with clients and working on long-term programs is something I enjoy a lot,” she shared.
Charlotte, now VP Commercial at AVK, has spent her entire career in the data centre space. From managing projects in Australia to holding global commercial roles, she credits the industry’s rapid growth for creating opportunities for career advancement:
“I feel very lucky to have fallen into this industry. The pace and scale of change make it a fantastic place to grow.”
Both leaders are united by their passion for the sector and their commitment to making it more inclusive.
The birth of the Forum for Women in Data Centres
The idea for the Forum stemmed from a glaring need: the lack of a dedicated community for women in the data centre industry.
Despite the growth of other initiatives like iMason Women and Women’s Tech Forum, Barbara and Charlotte felt a London-centric, grassroots effort was necessary to foster connections among women in the UK and Europe.
“We wanted a community where women could meet, share experiences, and see role models who inspire them,” Barbara explained.
The Forum launched with events in May and September of this year, drawing significant interest. It provides a platform for women to network, learn from each other, and build long-term professional relationships.
Addressing the challenges
The Forum tackles several critical challenges:
Encouraging junior talent:
The Forum supports younger women entering the industry, helping them navigate their careers and encouraging them to stay in the sector.
Representation and role models:
Women in senior roles share their journeys to inspire newcomers and showcase the opportunities in data centres. Charlotte emphasised the importance of visibility: “If you can see it, you can be it.”
Education and advocacy:
Beyond networking, the Forum aims to educate male colleagues and decision-makers about the unique challenges women face.“Through education, we can make the environment better for women and drive meaningful change,” Charlotte noted.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Barbara and Charlotte envision the Forum as a catalyst for lasting change. They hope to:
- Drive structural change: By engaging with C-suite leaders and decision-makers, the Forum seeks to address systemic barriers to inclusion.
- Foster comfort and connection: Women should feel at ease at industry events, knowing there are familiar faces and allies.
- Create networking opportunities: Strong professional networks can help women thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
How you can help
Barbara and Charlotte are inviting everyone—women and men alike—to support the Forum’s mission. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Join the LinkedIn group: Stay updated on events and initiatives.
- Advocate for diversity: Encourage your organisation to take actionable steps toward gender equity.
- Participate in events: Whether as a speaker, attendee, or supporter, your presence matters.
As Andy Davis put it:
“The sector is ripe for positive disruption. It’s important to create these communities and drive change.”
The Forum for Women in Data Centres is not just a space for connection—it’s a movement to redefine the industry’s future. Join the conversation and be part of the change.
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