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At Information Services Division (ISD), we believe in fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. Read our stories below to find out what it's like to work at ISD from our very own Women in Tech.
From managing Agile Delivery to overseeing Research Architecture, meet the many amazing women shaping ISD’s digital landscape.
Skip to: Katy Foster | Bimpe Ajala | Cheryn Mabrouk | Karen Hailston | Monique Price | Anisa Patel | Sophia Burton | Liz Mooney | Emma Cardinal-Richards
Katy Foster
My proudest moment in ISD is... the creation of the new ISD and ARC induction, ‘Begin and Belong in Digital’, which I worked on with another inspirational Woman in Tech, Maysaa Abboud.
ISD is a great place to work because... staff are trusted and encouraged, and exciting work happens.
My journey in tech began... taking up my role in the Digital Skills Development team in July last year.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... don’t overthink it (not always achievable but it’s good to try).
Outside of my career, I enjoy... hiking and orienteering. In June I took my many maps to the Austrian alps and had a great time hiking from hut to hut.
If I could go back in time, I would... thank you for getting me here.
Karen Hailston
My proudest moment in ISD is... after 24 years it’s impossible to choose just one moment, but I think I feel the most proud when the efforts I go to are acknowledged by a customer. If someone has taken the time to write something nice about the work you have put in, then it makes it feel worthwhile and like you can make a real difference.
ISD is a great place to work because... being surrounded by a friendly supportive team makes the world of difference, and I have made lifelong friends here.
My journey in tech began... with applying for a place at the ISD trainee scheme back in 2000! The scheme set solid foundations of skills and knowledge that I have built on throughout my career.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... from my mother, who always told me “treat others how you wish to be treated”. This is something I always strive to do.
Outside of my career, I enjoy... being a mum of two, cooking and keeping physically active.
If I could go back in time, I would... tell my young self that iI would tell my young self to not let the fear or what others think stop me. You can’t please everyone so you may as well just please yourself!
Monique Price
My proudest moment in ISD is… securing the last part of my apprenticeship with ISG, who at the time had not expressed an interest in an apprentice joining their team.
ISD is a great place to work because… it is a diverse and supportive department, with people that are willing to share their knowledge and help me grow.
My journey in tech began… a position in IT hardware sales years ago.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is… it's not too late to change your career – apply for an apprenticeship in tech with UCL.
Outside of my career, I enjoy… playing netball, going to my allotment and spending time with my family including my three kids.
If I could go back in time, I would... tell myself that tech is not just for boys, you can do it too.
Sophia Burton
My proudest moment in ISD is... being awarded and recognised for the excellent delivery of a challenging project that involved complex stakeholder management, coordination of a remote team and provision of a high-quality service to our academics and students.
ISD is a great place to work because... of the people. Never have I felt more supported in my entire career than during my time in ISD, my fellow colleagues and their strong ethic of support and togetherness make working in ISD a joy and a pleasure.
My journey in tech began... a corporate events management role that involved the set-up and support of Audio-Visual requirements for all events hosted by international accountancy firm PwC. This role cemented my passion for all things tech related and ultimately led years later, to my role in ISD as an Agile Delivery Manager.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... ‘You are enough’ short and simple, but incredibly profound and cathartic. A friend and mentor who previously observed me struggling with feelings of inadequacy, gave me this gentle reminder during what was a difficult stage in my career.
Outside of my career, I enjoy... exploration and some real R&R by way of travel – I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced numerous world cultures and their lived experiences through journeying. I’m also a keen musician playing bass guitar and tenor saxophone, amongst other instruments.
If I could go back in time, I would... to be confident in my abilities, to have faith, to remain passionate, to not be in too much of a hurry and to always remember that ‘I am indeed enough’.
Emma Cardinal-Richards
My proudest moment in ISD is... when very early on in my network engineer career I was tasked with a change to UCL's main external network connection – so big impact if something went wrong. I've found being given responsibility along with the encouragement that I was trusted has been a pattern in ISD for me, it all went well by the way!
ISD is a great place to work because... it's that great blend of working in technology supporting truly impactful teaching and research – we're changing the world!
My journey in tech began... with being amazed by my uncle building our first home PC, I wanted to know how to do that.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... don't wait to apply for opportunities till you think you can do 100% of the role, you can learn and grow into it the bits you don't know yet – go for it!
Outside of my career, I enjoy... raising my crazy two young daughters and trying to read, play piano, and build lego sets in any time I can grab around them!
If I could go back in time, I would... tell my young self that it's a strength to know what I don't know, it's better to be curious, ask questions and develop than pretend you know everything (most people who seem like they do really, really don't!).
Bimpe Ajala
My proudest moment in ISD is… seeing the success of my previous direct reports. Initially, I doubted I could manage a team but decided to challenge myself anyway. Looking back, it’s incredibly satisfying to see the positive impact being a line manager had on their lives and careers. I love watching people thrive.
ISD is a great place to work because… you have the opportunity to engage with all aspects of UCL, including students, estates, staff and security, as IT touches every area of UCL life.
My journey in tech began with… analysing the data flow of email marketing campaigns at a previous organisation to understand what information their demographic was interested in. I crunched data from their CRM, email marketing software and web analytics in excel then into Tableau for management to visualise. This was back when most websites and email newsletters were not mobile-friendly.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is… “Fail Fast Forward,” I have a special soft spot for alliterations! This was given to me by one of my previous directors, which sparked my interest in the Agile mindset.
Outside of my career, I enjoy… watching ATLA (I’ve watched the cartoon hundreds of times, lol), going out for dinner, traveling and attending art exhibitions! In the picture of me (above), I’m standing in front of a sculpture by Thomas J Price looking at representation in public spaces.
If I could go back in time, I would... tell my younger self to recognise my value and be courageous to move to where it is appreciated.
Cheryn Mabrouk
My proudest moment in ISD is... delivering an automated solution for bulk test data generation to facilitate critical testing during the SITS to Cloud Migration and subsequent upgrades.
ISD is a great place to work because... it's a highly collaborative environment that fosters development of new skills and opportunities for cross-functional teamwork.
My journey in tech began... with developing troubleshooting skills for industry software during work experience for a literary magazine.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... hat creativity complements technical skill very well. Diversity in thought, ability and approach is where innovation is born.
Outside of my career, I enjoy... dabbling in the creative arts – paper crafts, painting, crocheting, and wildlife photography.
If I could go back in time, I would... tell my young self that it's okay not to have the answer. Ask questions, get involved, and enjoy the challenge – you can't grow in your comfort zone.
Anisa Patel
My proudest moment in ISD is... delivering exams online during the peak of the pandemic. This led to my appointment the following year as Head of Digital Assessment. It was extremely rewarding to build a new team and work on many new projects!
ISD is a great place to work because... ISD is a big family who are constantly working together to achieve their mission. As a woman in a managerial role, I have access to some great networks and have been given the opportunity to join training programmes for Senior Women in Leadership.
My journey in tech began... studying computational chemistry during my Masters – I learned new programmes and carried out experiments digitally which changed how I saw technology!
The best piece of advice I’ve received is... the biggest investment you can make is with yourself. Get to know yourself, celebrate your successes, show gratitude, draw boundaries, and take it one step at a time.
Outside of my career, I enjoy... exploring the world with my loved ones, experiencing new cultures, spending quality time with my family, hiking and spending time in nature.
If I could go back in time, I would... embrace every challenge with resilience, patience, and hope. Be the change you aspire to see!
Liz Mooney
My proudest moment in ISD is… successfully leading, managing and delivering the ISD-related elements on the 2021–23 Life & Medical Sciences Small Works projects, and receiving positive feedback from satisfied end users: “A HUGE thank you to the IT team. You have been totally brilliant and made this all very simple.”.
ISD is a great place to work because… I feel I’m supported and recognised for my hard work, and have taken advantage of opportunities to develop my skills and progress within the organisation.
My journey in tech began… many years ago when I was involved in the roll-out of Desktop@UCL as the Chair of the User Group for the Professional Services migration. Since then I have worked on various IT-implementation projects leading to my appointment as a Senior IT Project Manager in 2022, and subsequent promotion to Senior Agile Delivery Manager at the end of 2023.
The best piece of advice I’ve received is… that your career, and life, is not linear. Don’t limit yourself; embrace opportunities that you find interesting and motivating as they will give you the skills and experiences (even when there are set-backs) to ultimately achieve your goals.
Outside of my career, I enjoy… visiting far-flung places and writing my travel blog, and volunteering as a Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Assessor to help young people achieve their Bronze and Silver awards.
If I could go back in time, I would tell my young self to believe in myself more and to have the courage to take a risk, even if it doesn’t end in success, and not to forget that while I’m busy doubting myself someone else is admiring my strength.