Why we’ve partnered with Women in data…

PA Consulting has partnered with Women in Data to support and empower women in the data and technology sectors, fostering inclusion and diversity within an industry that often lacks representation. This collaboration highlights our commitment to closing the gender gap by providing mentorship, career development opportunities and access to a supportive network of professionals. By partnering with Women in Data, we not only help to build a more inclusive workforce but also nurture innovation and drive the growth of diverse talent in data and AI field. This partnership reflects our dedication to creating a more balanced and equitable future.

spotlights

sneha
Sneha Shekharan
Data & AI Strategy
devina
Devina Pandya
Data Risk and AI
sravya
Sravya Dhavala
Data Strategy
Jeyasudha
Jeyasudha Gunaseelan
Data Engineering
Manju
Manju Nair
Data Science
laurahopper
Laura Hooper
Data and Analytics
samia
Saima Shaikh
Data Strategy and Capability

How PA Consulting see the data landscape changing in the UK in the next 5 years

At PA Consulting, we believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future, and Data is one element that will help us achieve this vision. It is an exciting time to be in Data, with demand for our skills being omni-present. AI is revolutionizing organisations and while existing services will not disappear, new ones will gradually come. We will need new paradigms to guide a transformation where lines are more blurred and end-to-end is the norm.

For organisations to be able to fully capitalize on and scale AI, we predict there will be a strong need for defining the strategies and governance required, creating data architectures, building platforms and pipelines, as well as analytics solutions. Experimentation will go hand-in-hand with the creation of “Intelligent Foundations” which leverage AI as a tool and are AI-focused in terms of outcomes. This will give opportunities to the rise of a new generation of Data talent, which is AI-enabled and AI-focused.

ABOUT PA Consulting

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future.

As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity.

Our diverse teams of experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results.

We are about 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport.

Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.

Sneha Shekharan is an expert in Data & AI Strategy at PA Consulting

Sneha.Shekharan@PACONSULTING.COM

I lead PA’s Data Products, Data Governance and Management propositions, as well as contribute to AI Foundational initiatives & projects. With over 15 years of experience across Data and AI strategy, I’ve delivered data transformation programmes at a global scale, helping clients across various industries financial services, transport, energy and utilities, and healthcare embed data as a strategic asset unlocking business outcomes. My unique career journey from hands-on development to executive advisory enables me to bridge strategy with delivery. I’ve shaped enterprise data foundations, operating models, and analytics functions for leading organisations, including serving as Head of Data & MI at a financial firm.

I’m also PA’s Women in Data (WiD) Lead, where I champion inclusion and mentor the next generation of talent in tech and data. I firmly believe success isn’t defined by gender or background, but by the drive to achieve your goals — and I’m committed to creating spaces where others feel empowered to do the same.

Outside of work, I’m an avid traveller and travel blogger, visiting a new country every month and documenting my extreme weekend adventures. Drop me a note with your dream destination — I’ll happily design a trip you’ll never forget!

Sneha Shekharan | LinkedIn

Devina Pandya is an expert in Data Risk and AI at PA Consulting

Devina.Pandya@PACONSULTING.COM

I’m a consultant with 10 years of experience helping global organisations navigate data privacy, responsible AI, and technology risk. I’ve worked across the consumer, manufacturing, and financial services industries, building control frameworks that align with standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST, and the emerging EU AI Act.

After graduating with a maths degree, I started my career analysing large datasets (200 million+ records), helping organisations understand their risk exposure. That experience taught me the value of using data to drive insights and decisions, whilst staying grounded in ethics, compliance, and best practice. Since then, I’ve led a wide range of projects, including the development and implementation of global data privacy frameworks, the design of RAI, and technology risk control libraries.

I enjoy working at PA because no two days are the same! It is rewarding to help organisations navigate evolving data regulations and deliver practical solutions that drive meaningful change and also keep data safe and secure.

I’m excited to be working with the WiD team and supporting this initiative. The data industry is still male dominated and it’s important to me to help create space, visibility, and opportunities for women to join and thrive in data-driven fields.

Devina Pandya | LinkedIn

Sravya Dhavala  is an expert in Data Strategy at PA Consulting

Sravya.Dhavala@PACONSULTING.COM

Sravya is the Regional Lead for the PA Consulting Chapter of Women In Data.

Sravya is passionate about building a bridge between data, people, and strategy. During her time at PA , she has helped clients across various industries – including healthcare, life sciences, energy and utilities, and financial services unlock the value of their data.

In the data world, she has helped clients build data strategies to understand their relationships within their data ecosystems and use it to guide their approach to data as an organisation. Whether it’s guiding clients through digital transformation or enabling more data-driven decision-making, her primary focus is to align technical solutions and decisions with business goals.

Beyond the technical work, she is deeply committed to create a more equitable culture around data, helping both clients and the PA community move in that direction.

Sravya V Dhavala | LinkedIn

Jeyasudha Gunaseelan is an expert in Data Engineering at PA Consulting

Jeyasudha.Gunaseelan@PACONSULTING.COM

I’ve been at PA Consulting for over two years, working on a range of data engineering and Power Platform projects in the public services sector. I’ve applied my technical skills to real-world problems, helping organisations become more data-driven and efficient in serving the public.

One of the things I appreciate most about life at PA is the culture of collaboration and innovation. I’ve always felt supported by my colleagues and empowered to grow. Whether through knowledge-sharing sessions, mentoring, or simply learning by doing, PA fosters an environment where people are encouraged to push boundaries and bring their best ideas forward.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the journey still to come. I’m keen to continue deepening my expertise in data and low-code technologies, explore more opportunities to lead and innovate, and contribute to high-impact projects that align with PA’s mission to create a positive human future.

Jeyasudha Gunaseelan | LinkedIn

Manju Nair is an expert in Data Science at PA Consulting

Manju.Nair@PACONSULTING.COM

I joined PA Consulting three years ago, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey so far. Since joining, I’ve worked on a wide range of data science projects across sectors such as energy and utilities, health and life sciences, and financial services. The variety has not only expanded my technical toolkit but has also deepened my understanding of how data can drive meaningful change in very different contexts.

What I’ve enjoyed most about working at PA is the opportunity to learn constantly, collaborate with talented and supportive colleagues, and see the real-world impact of the work we do. Every project has brought a new challenge and new lessons, and that keeps the work fresh and exciting.

Outside of project delivery, I’ve been actively involved in mentoring others looking to break into the field and supporting outreach efforts to widen access to tech careers. Being able to share what I’ve learned while continuing to grow myself has been a particularly fulfilling part of my time here.

Manju Nair | LinkedIn

Laura Hooper is an expert in Data and Analytics at PA Consulting

Laura.Hooper@PACONSULTING.COM

My path into data began during my psychology degree, where I was first introduced to statistical analysis – sparking an interest in how data can uncover insights about human behaviour. I started my career in digital marketing and communications, before moving to PA Consulting, initially working in the People and  Change capability.

With the support of mentors at PA, I made a career pivot into Digital and Data. I’ve since built strong experience across data analytics, data modelling, governance, and data migration. This blend of technical and business-facing roles has shown me the power of cross-functional thinking in solving complex challenges.

Beyond client work, I am passionate about making data careers more accessible. I’ve created engineering-focused workshops for women’s prisons, providing an introduction to technology and highlighting opportunities in the sector post-release.

As the Women in Data Recruitment Lead, I’m deeply committed to increasing representation in our field. Having made a career switch into data, I understand the doubts that can come with entering from a non-technical background. I always encourage women to recognise the value of their existing skills. The combination of business acumen and technical knowledge is not only powerful but increasingly essential in today’s data-driven world.

Laura Hooper | LinkedIn

Saima Shaikh is an expert in Data Strategy and Capability at PA Consulting

Saima.Shaikh@PACONSULTING.COM

I am a Data and Information Management specialist with over 19 years of experience in management consulting. I help clients to devise their data roadmaps, understand and resolve their strategic data management and governance challenges, and support them in establishing their data capabilities. I have worked with clients across multiple sectors and have a major focus in the UK public sector and central government departments.
I have been at PA Consulting for six years and take on strong delivery-focussed roles in data strategy, governance, and capability design, with a focus on solving business problems, and my experience spans large multi-workstream programmes, small teams, and SME roles.
I am a capable project manager with extensive experience of working with senior and complex stakeholder landscapes, including remote global and blended teams. I take a values-based approach to my work and enjoy supporting others in reaching their potential. I am very excited about working with Women in Data and the opportunities it can provide to help more women reach senior leadership roles in data.

Saima Shaikh | LinkedIn