Shavana Peynado

‘True innovation and progress come from embracing our differences’

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Shavana Peynado is a dedicated software developer, community leader and advocate for women, particularly women of colour, in technology. Transitioning from a background in Finance and Modern Languages, she has become a prominent mentor and organiser of initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion.

As the Coding Black Females Ambassador for West Yorkshire, Shavana amplifies the voices of Black women in tech, connecting them with opportunities and resources. She organises Code & Chill events, creating a supportive space for women in tech in West Yorkshire to network, develop skills and build community. Shavana’s work has been recognised in Volume 4 of The Voices in the Shadow, a book highlighting 51 influential Black women in UK tech, and she is a sought-after speaker on diversity, equity and neurodiversity.

Alongside her full-time career, she mentors university students and career switchers, embodying leadership and resilience.

What does the nominee consider to be her biggest achievement to date?

Shavana’s most significant achievement is her transformative impact on the visibility and representation of Black women in technology, highlighted by her feature in Volume 4 of The Voices in the Shadow by GTA Black Women in Tech. This recognition celebrates her as a trailblazer shaping the future of tech, inspiring Black women and girls through her leadership and advocacy.

Beyond this accolade, Shavana’s Code & Chill events in Leeds have created a vital space for women to network, develop technical skills, and build confidence. These initiatives have directly improved retention and empowerment among women in tech in West Yorkshire, addressing critical diversity challenges.

"Shavana's Code & Chills gave me the confidence to stay in tech and pursue leadership opportunities. The support has been invaluable," said one attendee.

"Shavana provided practical feedback on my code, encouraged me to tackle challenging projects, and coached me on how to communicate my ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences,” said another. “Her support in preparing for my first technical presentation was invaluable."

What is the most significant challenge the nominee has overcome?

Shavana’s most significant challenge has been embracing her identity as a Black woman with autism in a tech industry where she is often the only Black woman in the room. Navigating racial underrepresentation and neurodivergence, she has faced a lack of relatable role models and cultural stigmas surrounding autism within ethnic minority communities.

In professional settings, she has felt pressured to mask her identity to fit in, requiring immense self-reflection, resilience, and courage to advocate for her needs and educate others.

By openly sharing her story through talks, mentorship, and community events, Shavana has become the role model she once sought, fostering inclusive environments where others feel safe to be themselves.

“My journey has taught me that true innovation and progress come from embracing our differences, and I am proud to contribute to a more diverse and accepting tech industry,” she says.

Tell us something about the nominee that people would find surprising

People are often surprised by Shavana’s deep passion for languages alongside her tech career. In 2024, she graduated with a part-time degree in French and Spanish from the Open University, achieved while working full-time for nine years. Now, she is teaching herself Mandarin, driven by a love for continuous learning and cultural exploration.

Shavana is particularly interested in the intersection of languages and technology, aiming to develop multilingual applications, enhance language accessibility in tech, and collaborate on international projects.

“I believe that bridging these fields not only enhances communication and inclusion but also opens up exciting opportunities for global collaboration and impact,” she says.