Built by people who care about this region.

Sandra has over 20 years’ experience across the technology, digital and recruitment & sales sectors, but one of her greatest passions is using the tech community as a force for good.

She is the founder of Leeds Digital Ball, which over the last five years has helped raise almost £500,000 to tackle digital exclusion and support grassroots organisations helping people access the technology, connectivity and digital skills they need.

Following the success of Leeds, Sandra is now taking the model into new regions, establishing Digital Balls in Greater Manchester and Newcastle with the ambition of creating sustainable, long-term funding for digital inclusion within each community.

Sandra believes strongly in bringing businesses, technology leaders, charities and communities together around a shared purpose. Through Newcastle Digital Ball, her ambition is to build something that belongs to the North East and generates meaningful funding and opportunities for people across the region.

Katelyn is Founder & Managing Director of JUIN, a brand-first marketing consultancy offering both strategic consultancy and fractional marketing & brand director services for SMEs. With a background leading marketing & brand in-house, most recently as Head of Marketing, Brand & Communications at Samuel Knight Energy & Infrastructure, Katelyn brings not only her marketing and brand experience but also her events experience leading various charity initiatives fundraising for causes across the North East. Additionally, she's a Marketing Coach at Fabric, mentoring the next generation of marketers, and has been recognised as a finalist for Marketer of the Year and named on the Northern Power Women Awards Future List. Behind the scenes, Katelyn is also building a piece of MarTech, due to launch in 2027, designed to help marketers connect their work more clearly to business impact.

"I grew up on a council estate in a household that struggled financially for most of my childhood. I saw first-hand how much of a difference access and opportunity can make, and how much harder things can be without it. It's why I joined the Newcastle Digital Ball committee, and I'm excited to help bring the same energy the Leeds Digital Ball has shown to our region, in support of closing the digital divide right here on our doorstep"

Lorna Thompson is a talent acquisition and workforce planning leader, qualified coach and mentor. With nearly 20 years of experience helping organisations build high-performing teams and navigate growth, transformation, and change across the technology sector. Having experienced how the power of technology can create opportunities for people, she has dedicated much of her career championing inclusion, diversity, and social mobility.

Lorna works closely with employers and community organisations to raise awareness of careers in technology, remove barriers to employment, and create pathways for underrepresented talent to succeed. She believes the digital sector thrives when it reflects the diverse communities it serves and is committed to helping more people access rewarding careers in tech.

As a member of the Newcastle Digital Ball Committee, Lorna is proud to support an event that celebrates the North East's exceptional digital community while raising funds and awareness for important causes. She is passionate about bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections, and using her experience and network to drive positive change. For Lorna, success is measured by the lasting impact we make on individuals, communities, and the future of the sector.

I am an experienced technology and transformation leader, specialising in leading complex digital & product change and building high‑performing delivery teams. With a career spanning large‑scale programmes, all levels of stakeholder engagement, and strategic portfolio leadership, I am passionate about using technology as a force for positive impact. In my role at Amber as the EU Head of Client & Product Delivery, I get to do exactly that - I'm incredibly lucky that my job & my passions align so closely.

Having supported the Leeds Digital Ball previously, I am beyond excited to bring this event to Newcastle and am proud to support the city’s vibrant digital community and its collective efforts to raise funds for vital local causes. I'm a strong advocate for collaboration, inclusion, and giving back, and am committed to helping Newcastle continue to thrive as a welcoming and forward‑thinking digital hub.

Andy Lawson is Director of Public Sector at hedgehog lab, where he leads the company’s growth and strategy across the UK public sector. With more than a decade of experience supporting government digital transformation, Andy works with organisations to design and deliver better digital services that improve outcomes for citizens. Before joining hedgehog lab, he spent eight years at Amazon Web Services (AWS), leading the UK Central Government business.

“Newcastle has an incredible digital community, and I joined the committee because I want to help harness that collective energy for positive social impact. I’m passionate about ensuring everyone has the access, skills and confidence to benefit from technology, so that no one is left behind as our world becomes increasingly digital.”

Alan grew up in the North East and has always lived and worked in the region.

He is co-founder and engineering lead at LevelFive, an AI-native digital product studio, and was previously CTO of hedgehog lab, with a career spanning over 20 years of building software and leading teams.

Alongside his work, Alan has previously supported fundraising for Action for Children and taken part in CEO Sleepout.

More recently he was exposed to the real-life consequences of digital exclusion during his tenure as a primary school governor, where he witnessed children without access to computers or technology, and the effect that had on their ability to learn.

Having attended and seen the impact of Leeds Digital Ball, Alan is looking forward to helping replicate that success in the North East.

“For me, this is about giving access to technology, and the skills to use it effectively, to as many people as possible. I'm excited to be part of a team using our collective knowledge, connections, and privilege to provide funding and opportunities to others in our local area.”