Hannah Maude is the founder of and consultant for the Sydney-based Fire Up Skills which aims to encourage women leaders in AI and digital skills.
After running events in Sydney and London, the latter of which featured speakers from Accenture, LinkedIn, Microsoft and ASOS, Hannah is bringing her mission to York.
She says as artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine the global economy, women remain significantly underrepresented in AI adoption and leadership.
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With AI set to impact 22% of jobs worldwide and 59% of the workforce requiring retraining by 2030, the urgency for action is clear. Currently, only 29% of women report having AI-related skills compared to 71% of men.
Hannah, whose previous employers include Diaego, Unilever, Goodman Fielder, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and Asda, aims to tackle this disparity head on, leading initiatives to demystify AI and equip women with practical knowledge.
The former student of York College said: “AI is not just for IT professionals—it’s for everyone. Women hold invaluable business expertise, and their leadership is critical in shaping the AI-driven future. We must ensure they are not left behind in this technological revolution.”
On Monday March 31 Hannah, who moved tro Australia in 2016, will be hosting the inaugural Lunch and Learn event at the new Patch co-working spaces at the Bonding Warehouse.
The session, Women and AI: Lunch & Learn, will explore the impact of AI on the economy and society, highlighting why women must actively participate rather than stand on the sidelines.
Hannah will share real-world examples of AI in action across industries such as healthcare, e-commerce, and fashion. She will also introduce her favorite AI tools, demonstrating how they can be applied both professionally and personally.
She asked: “What would you do differently if you had your time again with the internet or social media? That’s the opportunity we have with AI right now. Women must be part of the conversation—not playing catch-up.”
Attendees will gain insights from Hannah’s experience leading AI education initiatives and learn how to integrate AI into their work effectively.
The event is designed to educate and inspire women from all professional backgrounds—whether in communications, branding, business consulting, banking, or beyond—to harness AI for their careers and industries.
Hannah added: “After events in Sydney and London, I am thrilled to be heading back home to not only speak to the women of York about how they can embrace the future of AI, but also to be part of Patch’s first Lunch & Learn.”
“I moved to Australia in 2016, but there is nothing like coming home. Even though I travel back to the UK at any chance I get, to be able to come back to York and do this is very special.”
Tickets, which include a selection of sandwiches and drinks, are available now via Eventbrite.
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