Ricca-Renée Ramsay-Nicol

CRN: What's the most pressing issue preventing progress with diversity today that no one's talking about?

RRRN: "It's challenging, but I think one overlooked issue is ensuring our recruitment efforts go beyond tokenism. We need targeted approaches that consider socioeconomic backgrounds and diverse demographics to foster genuine inclusivity and opportunity for all. It's about not just filling quotas but creating a workforce that truly reflects the diversity of our society."

CRN: How much progress do you believe the industry has made in diversity since you started working in IT?

RRRN: "In my three years at Computacenter, I've seen significant strides, particularly within our future talent initiatives and leadership roles. There's been a noticeable shift towards more diverse teams, though there's still ground to cover compared to other sectors. It's encouraging to see more efforts in recruitment and leadership development that prioritize diversity, but sustained commitment is crucial to achieving true representation across all levels."

CRN: What should senior management teams be doing more of to help create a more inclusive industry for everyone?

RRRN: "Senior leaders should actively participate in cultural events and support internal diversity groups. It's not just about attending events but genuinely engaging and championing diversity initiatives. Mentorship programs are crucial too, providing ongoing support and guidance for diverse employees to thrive and progress in their careers. When senior leaders visibly support diversity efforts, it sends a powerful message throughout the organisation and encourages others to embrace inclusivity."

CRN: How did you first get into the IT industry?

RRRN: "I stumbled into it at a careers fair, initially sceptical due to my lack of IT background and gender biases. However, encountering supportive figures like Doris Webb changed my perspective. Her mentorship and belief in my potential led me to embrace IT as a career path. Doris was instrumental in not only guiding me through the initial stages of my career but also inspiring me to advocate for diversity in tech, which has become a core focus of my role today."

CRN: Who has been your biggest role model in your professional life, and how have they helped you to succeed?

RRRN: "Doris Webb, without a doubt. Her guidance not only secured my entry into Computacenter but also inspired me to continue her legacy in future talent outreach. She exemplifies leadership and inclusivity, consistently supporting and encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in IT. Doris taught me the importance of representation and mentorship in fostering a more inclusive industry where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed."

CRN: Do you think companies should be compelled to publish ‘ethnicity pay gap' data?

RRRN: "Absolutely. Transparency is crucial for accountability and driving meaningful change. Ethnicity pay gap data provides a clear picture of disparities within organizations, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. It's not just about identifying inequalities but taking concrete steps to address them. By openly publishing this data, companies demonstrate their commitment to fairness and equality, encouraging trust and driving positive cultural change within the industry."

CRN: What initiatives have you personally been involved in to promote diversity within Computacenter and the wider IT community?

RRRN: "At Computacenter, I've been actively involved in our future talent programmes, focusing on recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I've also participated in various cultural events and diversity celebrations, where I've seen firsthand the impact of senior leadership involvement and support. Beyond Computacenter, I'm passionate about engaging with external networks and organisations to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the IT sector, sharing best practices and collaborating on initiatives that drive positive change industry-wide."