Samiat Akande

“Samiat’s biggest achievement is the practical difference she has made to data security and governance in public-sector organisations.”

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

Samiat Akande works at the intersection of law, technology and data security, helping organisations make sense of complex digital risks.

After starting her career in law, she completed an MSc in Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Greenwich, building expertise in cybersecurity, information governance and privacy engineering.

She has supported data protection at Incommunities, a housing organisation managing more than 22,000 homes, and advised Derby City Council as Principal Information Governance Officer.

Beyond her day job, Samiat mentors girls and emerging technologists through InnovateHer and CodeYourFuture, helping to widen access to digital careers.

Tell us about the nominee's biggest achievement to date

Samiat’s biggest achievement is the practical difference she has made to data security and governance in public-sector organisations. At Incommunities, she strengthened security controls, improved data maturity and built privacy by design into everyday processes.

She later advised senior stakeholders at Derby City Council on complex data protection issues and helped shape safeguards designed to improve compliance and public trust. Her influence also extends beyond the workplace: she has spoken about digital security and privacy in Africa, published articles on modern privacy practice, and mentored young people through InnovateHer and CodeYourFuture.

What is the most significant challenge the nominee has overcome?

One of Samiat’s greatest challenges has been learning to explain privacy as a legal, technical and human issue to very different audiences. Working across public-sector and international settings, she has had to translate complex rules and risks into guidance people can use without oversimplifying them.

Speaking about privacy in Africa and publishing on HackerNoon helped her develop a clear public voice. She is now able to make difficult questions about responsible technology accessible to technical and non-technical audiences alike.

Tell us something about the nominee people would find surprising

Away from data security, Samiat is a fan of Korean and Chinese dramas and enjoys adventurous pursuits such as zip climbing and trekking. She also takes solo walks with a notepad and pen, using the time to think and capture ideas.

Samiat volunteers at the British Heart Foundation Home Store, where she creates eBay listings and talks with older customers about what they need. Those interests reveal a creative, reflective and community-minded side that also shapes how she communicates at work.