Digital Divas Summit 2024

Olympic 200m breaststroke champion at Tokyo 2020, setting a then world record of 2:18.95 and becoming the fifth South African to win an individual Olympic swimming title (Joan Harrison 1952, Penny Heynes 1996, Cameron van der Burgh 2012, Chad le Clos 2012). Claimed silver in the 100m breaststroke.

Three-time world championship medallist (2023 - 200m breaststroke gold, 100m breaststroke silver; 2019 - 200m breaststroke silver). In 2023 became the first female South African swimmer to win a world title. In 2019 became the first female South African swimmer to win a medal at the world championships.

Four-time Commonwealth Games medallist (three gold, one silver).

Two-time 2019 World University Games gold medallist (100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke).

Lisa Adams is the visionary Founder of Citizen Code and a technologist with over 14 years dedicated to Tech4Impact. Using her lived experiences as a woman of color from a low-income community, Lisa bridges technology gaps for underserved communities. She has a comprehensive background in technology, from operations and UX design to managing complex engineering teams.

Having travelled to various under-served communities across the globe to understand the barriers to technology access. Lisa collaborates regularly with end-users and global technologists to uplift communities. She has led global-scale technology teams and serves as a Technology Director to UK NPO Girl Effect. Lisa has developed AI-powered chatbots, web apps, IVR, and USSD solutions, focusing on SRHR, digital health, and education across africa, & east asia. She is on a mission to develop an African Valley approach to technology design, integrating intersectional lenses and African solutions.

Elizma Nolte is Head of Business Marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa. She is passionate about media, technology and Africa - and finding ways to connect the three for positive change. Before joining the Facebook Africa team, she did so as Country Marketing Manager for Google South Africa and as media entrepreneur, journalist and publisher. She holds a B. Computer Science and BA Honours Journalism from Stellenbosch University, M.Sc Electronic Publishing from City University London and an MBA from INSEAD in France and Singapore.

Catherine Young is an African entrepreneur and has extensive years of professional and executive experience in the areas of Strategic and General Management, as well as a wide variety of other competencies. Her experience is underpinned by deep engagement and care for people across her twenty-five years in the world of work. Entrepreneur development, including managing and coordinating efforts across SME ecosystems in Africa, as well as working with clients in the space of entrepreneurship development has seen her established as a trusted voice in the African Entpreneurship ecosystem. Catherine has been in her own consulting business for the last seven years, after a successful career in the corporate world, holding various senior and executive positions in companies such as Deloitte, Chevron and Ariba. Thinkroom Consulting works in the SME development space across fourteen countries on the African continent. They produce thought leadership in entrepreneurship development, manage SME development programmes and work with clients such as Microsoft, SAAB, Hitachi, Innovation Hub, Philips and Telkom.

Angela is originally from Russia, Siberia. After 15 years of digital nomad life she parked her luggage for good in Cape Town in 2023.
Angela is a passionate podcaster and writer with a daily newsletter.

Miranda started her career in payments at the age of 20, when her then CEO taught her two things. First, to hire on attitude and potential. Second, to change lives through payments.

As a licensed SomatIQ™ Breathwork Practitioner, their passion lies in empowering individuals to clear mental and physical blockages through the transformative power of breathwork. Kira's mission is to guide clients on a journey of self-discovery, helping them shed inhibitions and embrace their true, authentic selves. With a focus on purpose, clarity, and alignment, they create a safe and supportive space for each session, allowing clients to effectively release what no longer serves them and reconnect with their inner wisdom.

Chipo Mushwana has extensive experience in the financial services industry across fintech and more recently payments. Currently, she holds the position of Executive of Emerging Payments & Innovation at Nedbank Group,
a leading bank in South Africa. Chipo has shown exceptional leadership and innovation in her role, leveraging her expertise in emerging technologies and industry trends to drive transformative change within the organization.
 
Beyond her corporate role, Chipo is also a passionate supporter of small businesses and entrepreneurial endeavours. She serves as a trusted advisor to various small business incubators and accelerators, providing valuable guidance
and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, she is the founder of Women in Payments Africa, a female interest platform & community dedicated to empowering women in the payments industry across all sectors in South Africa”

Shana Fife is a South African author and activist whose memoir, “Ougat: From a Hoe into a Housewife and Then Some,” serves as a framework for addressing the complex identities and narratives of South Africans. Her work explores the challenges faced by coloured women on the Cape Flats, focusing on dismantling harmful societal beliefs about women and advocating for the liberation of marginalized identities. Shana collaborates with Citizen Code to develop content for technology platforms aimed at breaking stigmas and taboos around women’s health and well-being. Her fearless honesty and activism provide profound insights into the intersection of race, culture, and gender, making her a crucial voice in reimagining the narratives of South African women

Tazneem Splinter is an accomplished Lawyer and business partner at Citizen Code, with a distinguished career in navigating complex legal matters. Initially excelling as a Litigation Attorney in Criminal, Divorce, and Family Courts, Tazneem founded her own legal practice, advocating for the rights of women and children and mentoring young professionals.

As a founding member of Citizen Code, Tazneem has positioned beneficial legal frameworks for organizations focused on societal betterment. Currently, also serving as Legal Advisor at a UK Law Firm, she negotiates software procurement deals and oversees legal product development for global European banks. Her deep understanding of disenfranchised communities in South Africa and lived experiences enable her to provide impactful, nuanced legal approaches.

An exemplary leader with 15+ years of international experience in B2B and B2C businesses across tech, tourism and the creative industries. Proven track record of leading and inspiring sizeable cross-functional teams to deliver strategic, creative and commercial success. Experienced at path-finding in ambiguous circumstances in order to build businesses and drive greater efficiency, engagement and revenue. An excellent presenter, with an ability to forge strong relationships with stakeholders and strategic partners. Has exceptionally high standards with a passion to coach and mentor. Enjoys solving problems, is resourceful and focused on solutions. A strong believer in the potential of technology to drive inclusive growth and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Elizabeth Lee Ming is an award-winning Growth Marketer, Innovator and Business Owner. A Human Behavioural Scientist at heart, Elizabeth is one of the very rare Marketing leaders with the unique combination of digital expertise and data driven performance passion accelerating growth and scaling businesses. With over 22 years extensive experience in B2B and B2C Marketing on both client and agency side, she has worked in South Africa, the UK and the USA at a number of blue chip organisations

across: Retail, CPG, Education, Ed Tech, Global Tech and Financial Services in C-suite roles at Momentum, TBWA and Red & Yellow Creative School of Business.

 

Her proficiency and demonstrated talent at building and growing customer value through the power of digital and data driven initiatives combines the art and science of marketing to deliver real business results to get, keep and grow clients through profitable, value-based relationships that address client needs.

 

Proudly Chinese South African, she is passionate about sharing her culture and cuisine and provides Authentic Culture and Cuisine experiences and Kintsugi training nationally across South Africa. These experiences provide an opportunity to learn more about the Asian culture, cuisine, heritage, wisdom and philosophy. Kintsugi is the ancient art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. Elizabeth teaches the principles,

philosophy and lessons associated with this slow, mindful art that builds resilience and embraces imperfection to corporates, through group workshops, inspirational presentations and to individuals through public classes.

 

A highly sought-after Speaker, Facilitator and Trainor, she has chaired and presented keynote speeches at many conferences focused on Marketing, New Tech and Disruption. Elizabeth continues to consult to a number of clients looking to disrupt their industries, progress their digital transformation or looking to

accelerate growth. Elizabeth is also the Co-Founder of an Authentic Teahouse in Hout Bay, Cape Town (The first of its kind in South Africa!) – providing a unique destination to enjoy the delicious handmade Dimsum, participate innworkshops and activities and to embrace and develop an appreciation for the Asian culture and cuisine.

Elizabeth has developed a traditional and Authentic Asian Dimsum range of: dumplings, bao buns, won ton, spring rolls and kimchi that is available to restuarants and retail and currently sold at Yescas Teahouse, Hout Bay, Bergvliet and Oakhurst Spar.

 

Individual Award: DMASA Direct Marketer of the Year. This award acknowledges years of service and performance in Direct Marketing, a successful body of work delivered in one’s career, and a significant contribution to the marketing industry.

Aneesa Theron is a seasoned executive coach and advisory consultant specializing in the personal and professional development of

corporate executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Known for her ability to enable individuals to harness the power of their minds and

intrinsic wisdom, Aneesa provides a structured approach to transforming mental fitness and resilience, leading to exceptional

outcomes.

With expertise in addressing self-sabotage and fostering self-leadership, Aneesa’s coaching approach is holistic, heart-centered, and

empathetic. Her methods are rooted in Neuroscience, Positive Intelligence, Cognitive Behavioral, and Performance Psychology. She is

passionate about enhancing workplace performance and innovation, and has demonstrated significant improvements in decision-

making, leadership, and problem-solving skills among her clients.

Aneesa empowers corporate executives to overcome self-limiting beliefs, boosting productivity, creativity, and emotional resilience.

Her tailored coaching sessions turn obstacles into opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth. As a thought leader in self-leadership,

complemented by design and systems thinking, she believes in leading with empathy, curiosity, values, and purpose.

She equips her clients with creative and innovative problem-solving skills that drive meaningful behavioral change for lasting personal

and professional transformation. Aneesa is an ambassador for driving inclusive, equitable learning cultures that foster agency and

positive engagement, helping to execute business strategy and deliver exceptional shareholder value.