An Interview with Girls in Tech President Oyin Akingbala: Part of the Professional Women's Network

Posted on: 22 July 2026 by Oyin Akingbala in Community

We spoke with Oyin Akingbala, Computer Science student and Girls in Tech President 2025/26, about leading the Guild Award-winning Society of the Year. From growing the society's membership to creating engaging opportunities for women in technology, Oyin shares her highlights from the year and her vision for the future. Read on to find out more about Girls in Tech and the impact it is having at the University of Liverpool.

What is the society and its mission and what are you aiming to achieve through Girls in Tech at the University of Liverpool? 

The society’s mission is to create events so fun that you forget they are CV-worthy, specifically for women interested in technology. My aim has been to make tech more accessible and appealing to women by combining professional development with experiences they genuinely enjoy. This is achieved through events that blend engaging activities with practical technical skills and industry relevance, ensuring members gain both confidence and tangible career value. 

What have been your personal highlights from this year’s events and activities? 

My personal highlight was the grand opening, which was made possible through a highly successful Freshers’ Fair. The stall design and overall presentation were carefully crafted by me and played a key role in capturing interest and driving attendance. This resulted in over 100 attendees at our first event, a number I was told was "too unrealistic", alongside a waiting list. The event itself included guest speakers from my personal network, creating an inspiring and memorable launch for the society. 

How has being part of Girls in Tech helped you develop professionally or personally? 

Being President of Girls in Tech has significantly developed me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it has strengthened my ability to delegate effectively, lead a structured team, and communicate clearly with a large membership base, often under pressure and in fast-moving situations. Personally, it has taught me patience, how to trust others with responsibility, and that leadership is fundamentally about problem-solving rather than avoiding challenges. Overall, it has given me real confidence in my capability to lead and affirmed my long-standing ambition to build and operate as an entrepreneur. 

What did it mean to the society to win Society of the Year at the Guild Awards and how did it feel in the moment? 

Winning Society of the Year meant a great deal to me because it represented the realisation of a goal I set from the very beginning of my presidency. I came in with a clear vision to transform and strategically rebuild the society, and I set ambitious targets because I believed in what it could become. Achieving this award made that vision tangible and confirmed the effectiveness of the approach I had taken in terms of branding, leadership, and understanding what engages people. On a personal level, it affirmed my ability to build something from the ground up and deliver on what may initially seem like ambitious goals.

What are the society’s plans for the future, and how do you hope Girls in Tech will grow next year? 

The society’s plans for the future are to continue key traditions such as the grand opening at the start of the year and maintaining merchandise as part of its identity. Beyond that, the new committee has full creative freedom to shape the direction of the society, which reflects the same approach that contributed to its success this year. I have full confidence in the incoming team, as they are highly ambitious, passionate about Girls in Tech, and committed to continuing its legacy while building on its growth for the future. 

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about joining Girls in Tech but are unsure? 

My advice would be to join, and that is something I would say for everything. Don’t overthink it or try to think your way out of it, because you only really understand the value once you are in it. Girls in Tech is not just events that are CV-worthy, it is also community and network, and even my own presidency came from being in that space. I started Girls in Tech unsure, and I came out with a win, and you can too. 

What advice would you give to women considering a future in the tech industry, especially those just starting out? 

If you are considering a future in tech, it is important to know it is not as technical as it looks. You do not need to be a coding expert or have started young, because tech spans across industries like fashion, health, and business, and it is both strategic and creative. 

A lot of people avoid it out of fear of not being technical enough, but building even basic technical literacy can open many doors and put you in a stronger position.  

“It is a field where different skills come together, not just coding, and that flexibility is what makes it powerful.” 

A huge thank you to Oyin for taking the time to share her achievements with us.  

If you'd like to get involved with Girls in Tech, follow their social media channels to keep up to date with upcoming events, opportunities and ways to join the community. 

Interested in becoming a LivWiSE Ambassador? Find out more about the programme and how you can support prospective students while developing valuable skills and experience through LivWiSE. 

Join the Professional Women's Network 

Whether you're a student, alumna or member of staff, the Professional Women's Network offers opportunities to connect, learn and grow alongside women across industries and career stages. From leadership development and digital confidence to networking and mentoring opportunities, the network is designed to help women thrive. Register your interest today to receive updates on events, opportunities and ways to get involved.