Uma Thirugnanam
‘My journey has been one of quiet resilience and transformation’
Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech
I'm Uma Thirugnanam, Lead Quality Engineering Architect at Aviva, with over 17 years of global experience spanning development, testing, automation, and architecture across the software development lifecycle. My career has been defined by a strategic approach to quality engineering, driving innovation and excellence across teams in Canada, France, India, and the UK.
I've been honoured with the UK DevOps Excellence Award for Best Automation/AI in 2022 and 2024, recognising my contributions to advancing intelligent automation practices. My technical expertise includes test automation, CI/CD, risk mitigation, and test management, all built on a strong foundation in programming and critical thinking.
Beyond my professional role, I'm a mother of two and a passionate volunteer. I teach at a linguistic school and actively support Tech4Good initiatives, helping local charities and startups in Bristol with technology solutions. I'm deeply committed to mentoring, reading, and fostering inclusive communities that thrive on continuous improvement.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?
I began as an SAP developer and grew through roles in testing, automation, and architecture, each shaping my technical and strategic outlook. A defining highlight has been winning the UK DevOps Excellence Award for Best Automation/AI twice (2022 and 2024), recognising my innovative, sustainable approach to automation. Instead of building new frameworks, I repurposed existing tools to deliver highly reliable, cost-efficient solutions.
One of my proudest achievements was leading the successful delivery of a complex Policy Administration System in just nine months. The project demanded technical precision, strong leadership, and resilience to overcome continuous hurdles. By implementing a tailored automation strategy, I accelerated testing cycles, improved coverage, and maintained team morale under pressure.
What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?
My journey has been one of quiet resilience and transformation. From a timid teenager, I've grown into someone who has learned to face life's uncertainties with strength and purpose. A defining moment came over a decade ago when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It was a deeply personal setback that taught me the value of perseverance and emotional resilience.
Later, I took a five-year career break to raise my two children while also managing serious health challenges of my own. There were moments I questioned, "Why me?" But over time, I came to understand that everyone carries their own burdens mine were just different. That shift in mindset was pivotal. I embraced acceptance, leaned into the power of positive thinking, and channelled my energy into healing. Slowly but surely, I overcame my health issues.
Returning to the workforce after such a long break was daunting, but I was determined to rebuild. Within a few years, I not only re-established my career but also earned national recognition through two UK DevOps Excellence Awards. This journey has taught me that setbacks don't define us—our response to them does. With self-belief, persistence, and a willingness to grow, even the most difficult paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
My story is not just about professional success; it's about personal triumph, and it continues to fuel my passion for inspiring others to believe in their own strength.
Tell us something about you that people would find surprising
One of the most surprising things about me is my love for writing poetry, a creative outlet that contrasts with my professional persona.
Perhaps an even greater personal revelation is my journey to overcome a lifelong mental block around driving. Despite encouragement from friends and family, I resisted learning to drive, viewing it as a daunting challenge rather than a necessity. Everything changed the day my daughter told me she wouldn't drive when she grew up, simply because I didn't.
That moment struck a chord. I realised that while I may not always be a perfect role model, I didn't want to be a discouraging one. I committed to learning to drive and passed my driving test on the first attempt. It remains one of my proudest achievements, not just for the skill itself, but for confronting a deep-seated fear and proving that long-standing limitations can be overcome when the need is real and motivation is meaningful.