Award Winning ElevateHER Cohort 5: Applications Now Open

Award Winning ElevateHER Cohort 5: Applications Now Open

Join the Award-Winning ElevateHER Leadership Mentor Programme That’s Changing Careers and Closing the Leadership Gap in Tech

We’re thrilled to announce that applications are now open for ElevateHER Cohort 5 – our transformative 6-month leadership mentorship programme designed specifically for women in tech who are ready to elevate their careers.

Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or looking for guidance to advance to the next level, ElevateHER provides the mentorship, community, and development you need to thrive.


Why Programmes Like ElevateHER Matter Now More Than Ever

The tech industry is facing a crisis that’s costing the UK economy billions. According to the groundbreaking Lovelace Report 2025, between 40,000 and 60,000 women leave UK tech roles annually – not because of caregiving responsibilities (only 3% cite this as their primary reason), but because of systemic barriers:

  • 63% feel stuck in their careers with no clear path forward
  • Over half earn below the average salary for their level of seniority, despite 70% investing in additional qualifications
  • 78% of women in tech are actively job searching or considering leaving their current roles
  • Only 25% believe progression will happen easily within their current organisations

This talent exodus represents a £2-3.5 billion annual loss to the UK economy. But here’s the encouraging news: professionals with mentors are 5 times more likely to be promoted and 20% more likely to receive a pay increase.

ElevateHER directly addresses the systemic issues identified in the Lovelace Report by providing clear career pathways, meaningful mentorship, visibility opportunities, and a supportive community where women can develop the skills and confidence to advance in tech leadership.


What is ElevateHER?

ElevateHER is an award-winning leadership mentorship programme recognised by the SheCanCode PowerUp Awards. Our mission is clear: “Elevate women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.”

We focus specifically on increasing women’s representation in tech leadership through our sustainable model where participants are empowered to thrive, level up, and then “pay it forward” to support the next generation.

Programme Highlights

For Mentees:

  • 6 personalised one-on-one sessions with an experienced industry tech leader
  • 5 interactive group workshops (1.5 hours each) covering essential leadership skills
  • Access to the ElevateHER community platform for ongoing support and networking
  • Certificate of completion upon graduation
  • Alumni network for continued professional development

For Mentors:

  • Opportunity to shape the next generation of women tech leaders
  • Connect with other senior women leaders committed to change
  • Mentor toolkit and resources
  • Community recognition and networking opportunities

Programme Details:

  • Duration: 6 months (November 2025 – May 2026)
  • Cost: FREE – supported by Halzak and our generous sponsors
  • Spaces: Limited max 50 per Cohort

Our Impact: Real Stories, Real Results

Over our previous cohorts, ElevateHER has delivered transformative results:

Career Advancement:

  • Promotions to senior leadership positions
  • First-time Non-Executive Director appointments
  • Industry award recognition, including Computing’s Top 100 Tech Leaders, WeAreTechWomen Tech 100 and many others
  • Salary increases
  • Enhanced leadership confidence and executive presence
  • Strategic influence with board and leadership teams

Hear From Our Community

“I wanted to let you all know that ElevateHER is already making a difference to me. I applied for my first Non-exec director role, got an interview and I am now secured my first Non-Exec Board position. It that’s a huge step for me to fill in and submit the application and without this programme and my mentor I would not have applied.”
– ElevateHER Mentee

“I want to give a huge shout out to my Mentor. Asides sharing her wealth of experience and workplace tips from DEI, Technical, Leadership, Branding etc. She helped with my application for the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber award application and out of a very competitive line up over 2000 applicants globally. I was one of the 20 winners selected! Thank you Kellie for this platform!”
– ElevateHER Mentee and Award Winner

Featured Success Story: Natasha Barker, Domain Architect at Matalan

Natasha Barker, Domain Architect at Matalan and ElevateHER Cohort 2, shares her transformative experience:

“Having a woman in a director-level role as my mentor was incredibly inspiring. The experience had a huge impact on both my confidence and career direction. Her guidance inspired me to work with senior stakeholders and legal to produce an AI policy that is now in circulation at Matalan. I also gained confidence to shape ideas for my team, showcase them to the right people, and move my role in the direction I wanted, with more focus on strategy, working with the board and leadership teams, and leading/implementing architectural governance.

The Elevate community also encouraged nominations for women in tech awards, and I was delighted to be named on Computing’s Top 100 Tech Leaders for 2025 earlier this year.”

Natasha’s journey demonstrates the lasting impact of ElevateHER – building confidence, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence at senior levels whilst becoming a mentor herself.


Who Should Apply?

Mentees

This programme is designed for mid-career women in tech who:

  • Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the tech industry
  • Are currently in a leadership position seeking advancement, OR
  • Are positioned to step into their first leadership role within the next 12 months
  • Can commit to attending all workshops and mentoring sessions over 6 months
  • Are ready to actively engage with the ElevateHER community

IMPORTANT: All mentee applicants MUST join the Elevate Community Platform as part of the application process.

Mentors

We’re looking for experienced tech leaders (Women and Men) who:

  • Have significant experience in tech leadership roles
  • Are passionate about developing the next generation of women leaders
  • Can commit to 6 one-hour mentoring sessions over 6 months
  • Want to be part of a community driving systemic change in tech

Key Dates for Cohort 5

  • Application Deadline: 31st October 2025
  • Mentee Induction: 13th November, 12pm – 1pm
  • Programme Kick Off Event: 21st November, 12pm – 1:30pm
  • Programme Duration: 6 months (November 2025 – May 2026)

How to Apply

Spaces are limited and acceptance is not guaranteed. We run a competitive selection process to ensure the best matches between mentors and mentees.

For Mentees:

  1. Join the Elevate Community Platform – This is a mandatory first step
  2. Complete the comprehensive mentee application form – Link
  3. Submit your application by 31st October 2025

For Mentors:

  1. Complete the mentor application form – Link
  2. Submit your application by 31st October 2025
  3. If accepted, you’ll be matched with a mentee based on expertise, goals, and availability

Help Us Spread the Word

The success of ElevateHER depends on reaching talented women across the tech industry who could benefit from this transformative programme. Please share this opportunity with your networks:

  • Forward this to colleagues who might be interested in applying as mentees or mentors
  • Share on your social media using #ElevateHER #WomenInTech #TechLeadership
  • Post in relevant Slack channels, team meetings, or ERG groups
  • Tag companies that might be interested in sponsorship opportunities

Every share helps us reach more women who could transform their careers through mentorship.


Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Is your organisation committed to advancing gender diversity in tech leadership? Partner with ElevateHER to make a meaningful impact.

By sponsoring ElevateHER, your company can:

  • Demonstrate authentic commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Support the development of the next generation of tech leaders
  • Gain visibility as a champion of women in tech
  • Access our network of talented women professionals
  • Contribute to solving the £3.5 billion talent retention crisis

We offer various sponsorship packages tailored to align with your organisation’s diversity and inclusion objectives. Your support helps us keep this valuable programme free for all participants and expand our reach to support even more women in tech.

Interested in sponsoring or learning more? Contact us at kellie@halzak.com to discuss how your company can contribute to creating a more inclusive tech industry.


Join a Movement That’s Changing Tech Leadership

ElevateHER is more than a mentorship programme – it’s a movement to address the systemic barriers holding women back in tech. By providing clear career pathways, meaningful mentorship, and a supportive community, we’re directly tackling the issues identified in the Lovelace Report.

Together, we’re building a future where:

  • Women have clear, transparent pathways to leadership
  • Experience and qualifications translate into career advancement
  • Mentorship and sponsorship are accessible to all
  • Tech leadership reflects the diversity of our society

The time for incremental change has passed. Join us in taking bold action.


Don’t Miss This Opportunity

With limited spaces available and a proven track record of transforming careers, places in Cohort 5 will fill quickly. Don’t wait – start your application today.

Application Deadline: 31st October 2025

👉 Learn more and apply: halzak.com/elevateher-leadership-mentor-program

👉 Join the Elevate Community: https://elevate-network.circle.so/checkout/elevate-pro-30-day-free-trial


Questions?

For questions about the programme, applications, or sponsorship opportunities:

Email: kellie@halzak.com
Website: halzak.com/elevateher-leadership-mentor-program


ElevateHER Leadership Mentor Programme is delivered by Halzak
Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom

Together, we’re not just changing individual careers – we’re transforming the future of tech leadership.

Ready to transform your tech talent strategy?

Halzak a purpose led, multi-award winning talent partner dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive tech industry
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on Elevate - Women in Tech and Halzak's latest events, programs, resources, jobs and news for women in tech.
Web Design Birmingham, West Midlands - JCL Marketing
Elevate Community

Expand Your Network. Elevate Your Growth.