Tech Policy Expertise: Skills & education

  • Casey Calista

    Casey is the Chair of Labour Digital’s Advisory Board and co-founder of the Women in Tech Policy Network. With over a decade of experience in London’s tech policy scene, she ran a Shoreditch-based start-up as the first employee, acted as the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at a British scale-up, and launched the tech policy consultancy practice at a global agency. There she worked with some of the world’s largest and most exciting tech companies. Notably, Casey was the key tech challenger lobbyist for the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. Recognised as one of Politico’s top 20 key influencers on Labour’s tech policy, Casey was also named one of Computer Weekly’s Top 25 Most Influential Women in UK Tech for 2024.

  • Anushka Sharma

    Anushka Sharma is a leading voice in space innovation and inclusive technology strategy. As the founder of Naaut, her past work includes supporting NASA’s AI accelerator, ESA-backed initiatives, building partnerships across the global AI and technology ecosystem and was previously Senior Technical Programme Coordinator for DiRAC, a national supercomputing facility. Before space she worked in politics, growing the UK startup and deep tech ecosystem and was Protocol Manager for the Olympic Stadium – London 2012.

    At the Space Academic Network (SPAN) she builds relationships across academia, industry and government to advocate for UK academics and researchers in Earth Observation, Space Science and Engineering, Space Environment, and Space for Society. In addition, she sits on the Oversight Committee for the UK Regional Centre of the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world’s most ambitious scientific collaborations.

    As Co-founder of the London Space Network, Anushka has built one of the UK’s most vibrant space communities, now over 2,000 members strong, with monthly events connecting 90+ organisations across industry, academia, and government.

    A recognised science communicator, Anushka appears regularly on national and international media to share insights on the societal impact of space. Her 12+ accolades include Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech and Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech (2020–2024).

    She is a connector, ecosystem builder, and trusted voice on the future of space and technology.

  • Alyson Hwang

    Alyson is a Research and Strategy Manager overlooking the Education and Skills team at cross-party think tank Policy Connect. Her research looks at the intersections of social equity, technology and literacy. Throughout her career she has been a staunch advocate for digital inclusion across all age groups and demographics, which underpins many of her research projects today.

  • Alina Timofeeva

    Alina Timofeeva is a globally recognised leader in AI, Data, and Digital Transformation, with a proven track record of driving large-scale change across public and private sectors in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. She has held senior roles at Oliver Wyman, KPMG, and Accenture, advising global institutions and working closely with Boards, CIOs, and CROs to align technology with regulatory and strategic priorities.

    As an Influence Board Member of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, Alina actively shapes national tech policy. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation—particularly women and individuals from underrepresented or underprivileged backgrounds—to discover the power and beauty of data and technology, believe in themselves, be seen and heard, and realise their full potential. In doing so, she helps unlock wider contributions to the economy, society, and communities.

    A LinkedIn Top Voice and a regular speaker at Davos, London Tech Week, and other leading forums, Alina is also a State Guest and trusted media commentator. She has received eight national awards, including Digital Leader of the Year and Most Inspirational Person of the Year.

    Alina is reshaping global narratives around technology by placing ethics and human impact at the centre. Her mission: to inspire 50 million people through technology, resilience, and opportunity.

  • Abigail Scarlett

    Abigail is an experienced public affairs and policy specialist. She joined 5654 from Brunswick Group where she supported international organisations to understand and shape the policy and regulatory environment. This included advising on AI and innovation policy, skills and cybersecurity.

    Abigail was previously Private Secretary to the Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She spearheaded a partnership programme to increase communication channels between the government and private sector, and led representations to the G7 on emerging technologies.

  • Aimee Louise Carton

    Aimee Carton is a leading voice at the intersection of AI-driven innovation, tech policy, and ethical governance. An exited entrepreneur with a background in behavioral science and experience scaling AI systems across global organizations, Aimee focuses on how emerging technologies can be designed and deployed to prioritize inclusion, safety, and human impact. Her work spans the regulation of AI in startup ecosystems, collaborative approaches to responsible innovation, and the advancement of online safety frameworks—especially for vulnerable populations. A passionate advocate for diversity in tech, Aimee also champions equitable skills development and education as critical pillars of future policy, ensuring that AI transformation is both just and accessible.