The Women in Tech Policy Network (WITP) was founded in November 2024 by Casey Calista and Dr Hannah Shimko to fill a gap: there was no community for women shaping the UK’s tech and policy agenda.
Starting as an informal network, WITP has grown to over 500 members – women at the forefront of digital innovation and governance.
There’s a lot of power in creating a space where you recognise yourself in those around you.
— Casey Calista, Co-Founder
This is not a space where you’re invited to contribute… this is a space where you are essential.
— Samantha Niblett MP, speaking at our first parliamentary reception (2025)
What we do.
WITP is a professional home for women across the tech policy space. We:
- Champion women’s leadership
- Build vibrant spaces for connection
- Create space for discussion and innovation
- Shift the digital landscape toward inclusion
What We Want to Do.
We’re just getting started. Our ambitions include:
- Enabling women to build powerful networks
- Hosting inclusive policy events and roundtables
- Expanding our mentorship and outreach
- Supporting research and analysis in emerging tech areas with a female-first lens
- Increasing the visibility of expert women across media and policymaking
Meet the team.
Dr Hannah Shimko
Co-Founder
CEO and digital policy expert, with a focus on tech in business.
Casey Calista
Co-Founder
Director of Labour Digital and leading voice on UK tech policy and regulation.
Ella Harvey
Operations Director
Associate Director at a public affairs agency, expert on tech regulation and government relations.