Black Tech Achievement Awards 2026: ‘Black. Brilliant. Unstoppable’
At the Black Tech Achievement Awards 2026, Microsoft came away with three awards and several nominations on a night that celebrated the talent and far-reaching influence of Black people in the tech industry.
Leaders, innovators and allies from across the UK tech ecosystem came together to celebrate the 2026 Black Tech Achievement (BTA) Awards at the JW Marriott Grosvenor hotel in London’s Mayfair.
Now in its sixth year, the Awards have become a landmark moment in the industry calendar, shining a spotlight on individuals and organisations that are shaping the future of tech, breaking barriers, and opening doors for the next generation.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by TV presenter and media entrepreneur Scarlette Douglas, welcomed hundreds of guests and honoured winners across 18 categories, alongside the unveiling of the inaugural BTA Top 50, recognising the most influential Black voices in UK tech today.
Speaking on the night, Dr Raphael Sofoluke, Founder and CEO of the Black Tech Achievement Awards, said: “Six years ago, the Black Tech Achievement Awards was founded on a straightforward belief: Black excellence in technology deserves to be seen, celebrated, and championed… This is what the future of technology looks like. It is Black. It is brilliant. It is unstoppable.”
The Awards aim to:
- elevate role models for future generations
- create connections across the industry
- encourage organisations to invest in inclusion, equity and opportunity.
From technical innovation and customer impact to community leadership and advocacy, Microsoft’s nominees and winners represented the breadth of talent across the organisation and the many ways colleagues contribute beyond their day‑to‑day roles.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Pamela Maynard OBE, Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft Customer & Partner Solutions
This prestigious award recognises a distinguished professional whose sustained contributions, mentorship, and leadership have had significant impact over a long period.
“Being in a room surrounded by so much Black talent in tech is incredibly powerful,” she told UK Stories. “It gives you inspiration, encouragement, and the confidence to keep going.”
Security Person of the Year
Winner: Vanessa Anderson, Director, Chief Architect Cloud & AI
This award honours those protecting organisations and individuals from cyber threats through innovative security solutions or sector-leading programmes.
“I’m committed to contributing to my community and helping others to change their lives, and cybersecurity is one way you can do that,” she said.
Employee of the Year
Winner: Dedun Oyenuga, UX Consultant
This award celebrates employees who go beyond their job description, drive exceptional results, and embody what it means to be indispensable to their team.
“Spaces like this matter. Bringing Black talent together at this scale is inspiring. It reminds you why representation and connection are so important.”
Developer of the Year
Nominee: Ore Akin‑Odidi, Cloud Solutions Architect
This award celebrates those who turn complex challenges into innovative solutions and work behind-the-scenes to craft exceptional software.
“This wasn’t just about me. It’s about having the right support, building your network, and being curious enough to keep learning and growing.”
Gaming Excellence Award
Nominee: RoseMary Buahin, NortherEuropena Xbox Marketing Lead
This award celebrates those building innovative and inclusive experiences in gaming, whether through development, design, esports, or advocacy.
Top 50 List
In addition to these category nominations, several Microsoft colleagues were also named on the Top 50 Most Influential Voices in Black Tech list, a distinction that celebrates industry role models shaping the future of technology.
Kwadwo Benko, Senior Copilot Solutions Engineer
Kwadwo was nominated for his exceptional leadership in driving responsible, large-scale AI adoption across the UK public sector, helping organisations embed Microsoft Copilot in ways that deliver measurable societal impact. Alongside his technical influence, he is a powerful champion for inclusion, shaping national frameworks, mentoring diverse talent, and leading award‑winning cultural initiatives that ensure AI and innovation work for everyone.
Lizette Stephens, Director, Cloud Solution Architecture
Lizette was nominated for her transformative leadership at the intersection of cloud, AI and equity, shaping national-scale technology strategies while delivering sustained commercial and operational impact. She is a powerful advocate for inclusive leadership, championing diverse talent, removing systemic barriers, and using her influence within Microsoft and across the industry to ensure the future of technology is equitable, responsible and accessible to all.
Michaela McCollin, Global Customer Success Lead
Michaela was nominated for her quietly authoritative, people‑centred leadership in some of Microsoft’s most complex and high‑stakes customer environments. Known for restoring trust where it has eroded, she has led the turnaround of a highly challenged UK enterprise account, delivering a landmark three‑year renewal and establishing a long‑term AI transformation roadmap through disciplined governance, transparency and collaboration.
RoseMary Buahin, Xbox Marketing Lead for Northern Europe
RoseMary was nominated for her outstanding leadership and impact across the global games industry, delivering landmark, culturally relevant campaigns for some of the world’s biggest gaming brands. Beyond commercial success, she is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, mentoring future talent, championing underrepresented communities, and driving meaningful change both within Microsoft and across the industry.