Blackbook.ai, an Australian AI, Automation and Analytics consulting company, announced last Friday that their Delivery Manager, Deirdre Stankard, was named Shining Star (Partner) at the 2020 ARN Women in ICT Awards. This award recognises great performers with more than eight years in ICT, who have shown noted achievements and demonstrated areas of success in the ICT industry.

Since launching in 2012, ARN WIICTA has acknowledged the achievements of a talented group of female leaders and innovators who are on the path to becoming, or have become, influential figures across the local ICT industry. The winners were selected by a panel of more than 40 industry judges, acknowledging the remarkable creativity, innovation and excellence on display.

Shining Star (Partner) award winner Deirdre Stankard graduated with a major in software engineering in Ireland and joined software developer OpenJaw Technologies. Moving to Australia, she worked with Thiess and Shortcuts Software before joining Blackbook.ai where in two short years she has delivered over 300 automation projects for some of the most iconic brands in Australia.

Founder and CEO of Blackbook.ai Thuy Lam says “I met Deirdre Stankard when she was a young graduate that had followed her dream to come to Australia, well Newcastle of all places. She’s now blossomed into a leader in the technology field. This award reflects the dedication to her craft and her ability to deliver complex projects for us and our clients.”

Earlier this month, Blackbook.ai was also named Diversity Employer of the Year (SMB) at the 2020 Women In Digital National Awards.

One year after being announced finalist for the same award at the 2019 Women In Digital Awards, Blackbook.ai is proud to be taking home this award as the winner in 2020. The company culture fosters diversity and individuality at every level and this accolade is a testament to that.

The Women In Digital Awards celebrate women within the digital industries and the organisations that support them. The Diversity Employer of Year award, sponsored by Urban Utilities, recognises the importance of employee diversity in developing more innovative and inclusive companies to support the future of women in technology and beyond. By creating diverse technology teams, businesses are better equipped to create products and services that cater to diverse audiences.

Blackbook.ai has always been on a mission to support local talent and encourage diversity in the workplace since its creation.

“We are so honoured to be named Diversity Employer of the Year for small to medium businesses.

“Our relentless pursuit to push generational change in the area of technology is rewarded. We thank Urban Utilities and Women In Digital for this recognition. The future is bright.” said Mr Lam.