Stronger Together: Why This Partnership Matters
Our event on 4th March brought together a panel of experts from Alchemy, Guidewire and the wider tech community to explore key industry themes and the ‘Give to Gain’ concept. The discussion highlighted the critical role of diversity in shaping the future of AI and the importance of supporting the next generation to become leaders in an AI-powered world.
Attendees heard inspiring stories from established professionals and gained insights from their experience. The session demonstrated how collaboration and mentorship can create lasting impact, empowering both the mentors and those they guide.
Guidewire GROW: Building a Network of Support
Established in 2018, GROW (Guidewire’s Recognition of Women) was created in recognition that women were and remain in the minority at Guidewire, as across much of the tech industry. The network was set up to provide a safe, supportive space where women can share ideas, discuss common themes and raise concerns openly.
GROW takes a hands-on approach with colleagues, partners and customers to elevate women’s voices and create meaningful opportunities for connection. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, strongly resonates with members, reflecting the importance of mentorship and paying it forward.
As Niamh McEniff, Lead Consultant, Business Architect at Guidewire shared:
"Give to Gain really resonates with me. At different points in my life and career, I could have used a woman to look up to, someone who gave me the confidence to believe I could achieve what I wanted. I’ve since found those mentors at Guidewire, and they’ve made such a difference. Now, I want to be that person for others. Mentoring is never one-way, I grow and learn just as much from the women I support.
Being part of GROW means joining a network of women who actively champion and support one another. Members expand their professional networks, share challenges and work together to find solutions. The impact is clear, women have progressed their careers, built connections beyond their day-to-day roles, and unlocked new opportunities."
Women@Alchemy: Community, Mentoring, and Allyship
We support women in technology through community, mentorship, and allyship. Our Women@Alchemy initiative provides spaces for connection and growth through regular meetups, skill sharing, and learning opportunities.
Being part of Women@Alchemy helps women build confidence. Niamh Browne, Business Analyst, shared:“I’ve started speaking up more in meetings and taking on tasks I wouldn’t have considered before, it’s made me feel more visible and confident in my role.”
The group also supports career progression through access to training materials and career development guidance. Lauren O’Donoghue, Head of Talent Operations, explained:“With the resources and support from Women@Alchemy, I’ve been able to develop my skills, it’s given me real momentum in my career.”
Connection and recognition are at the heart of the community. Jayne McLaughlin, Technical Analyst, reflected:“I feel like I truly belong here. Recently, the Women@Alchemy spotlight allowed colleagues to vote for women doing great work, it was so rewarding to celebrate women across the organisation, and it really shows the impact of this community.”
These experiences show how our group fosters confidence, career growth, and a sense of belonging, strengthening both women and the organisation.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM
We're passionate advocates for engaging with young people about careers in technology. We believe that inspiring the next generation starts with showing them that the tech industry is welcoming, diverse, and full of opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or gender.
Through our STEM outreach programmes, we connect with students at critical moments in their educational journey. We share real stories from our team members, clarify what working in tech actually looks like, and most importantly, show young people that there's absolutely a place for them in this industry.
Our collaboration with St. Mary's students for this International Women's Day event is a perfect example of this commitment in action. By bringing students into conversations with professionals from both Alchemy and Guidewire, we're creating direct connections between the tech leaders of today and tomorrow. These interactions matter, they transform abstract career possibilities into tangible paths forward.
Stronger Together: Why This Partnership Matters
Our event on 4th March brought together a panel of experts from Alchemy, Guidewire and the wider tech community to explore key industry themes and the ‘Give to Gain’ concept. The discussion highlighted the critical role of diversity in shaping the future of AI and the importance of supporting the next generation to become leaders in an AI-powered world.
Attendees heard inspiring stories from established professionals and gained insights from their experience. The session demonstrated how collaboration and mentorship can create lasting impact, empowering both the mentors and those they guide.
Looking Forward
Our collaboration with Guidewire GROW demonstrates what’s possible when organisations commit to meaningful partnership. By bringing together different voices and experiences, we’re not just hosting an event, we’re actively contributing to the more inclusive tech industry we all want to see.
As Lisa McDonald from Guidewire’s GROW network shared, "The partnership was a natural fit after both teams connected at Guidewire’s customer event, Connections, last November. From there, the focus was clear: create a meaningful International Women’s Day event that highlights the diverse career paths STEM qualification can unlock.’’
Lisa emphasised that the event was about showcasing real stories from women across insurance and technology, while reinforcing the value of mentorship and building strong networks. She highlighted how impactful it was to engage directly with students from St Mary’s, creating space for open, honest conversations to support their future growth.
Together, this collaboration reflects the power of partnership, visibility, and shared commitment to inspiring the next generation.
