Meet our inspiring speakers
At this year's Kent Digital Festival, hear real-world examples of how we're using digital tools and technology to improve lives.
Be inspired and motivated to learn something new, with our keynote speakers.
And with sessions at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you can join sessions that are right for where you're at now.
Name
Background and experience
Role and organisation
Name
Text
Subtitle
Maggie Alponsi, MBE
Retired Rugby Player, Commentator and Rugby World Cup Winner
Maggie Alphonsi is a retired English rugby union player, who’s widely regarded as the face of international women’s rugby. Her exceptional career has left a mark on the sport. Her journey is one of remarkable success, ground breaking achievements and continued contributions to the rugby world and beyond.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Within her 11-year career with the English rugby squad, Maggie made an impressive 74 appearances and scored 28 tries, won a World Cup and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. Additionally, Maggie’s team was honoured with the BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award.
Other Roles in Rugby:
In 2015, Maggie broke new ground by becoming the first former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby. Her insightful commentary has featured on live rugby matches for the BBC, BT Sports, and SKY Sports. Maggie is also the first former female player to become a columnist for a national newspaper, writing for The Telegraph.
Leadership and Advocacy:
Maggie’s contributions extend beyond the rugby field. In 2016, she became the first England Women’s player to be elected as a National Member of the Rugby Football Union’s Council. She is one of only six women out of the 56 members on the council. Within this role, Maggie leads the Diversity and Inclusion steering group, advocating for greater representation and equity within the sport.
Current Endeavours:
Today, Maggie continues to influence the rugby world and beyond through her roles as a commentator and ambassador. Her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in sports remains unwavering. Maggie’s legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and pioneering spirit, inspiring future generations to reach new heights in rugby and beyond.
Maggie will be speaking on topics including focus on strength, resilience and growth mindset, self-belief, purpose and motivation and inclusivity and diversity.
Dr Tom Ritchie, SFHEA
Innovator, Educator, and Leader
Dr Tom Ritchie is a Reader and Director of Student Experience at the University of Warwick's Department of Chemistry. His work centres on enhancing student belonging, creating transformative educational experiences, and developing innovative partnership approaches with students. He specialises in educational innovation, co-creation methodologies, and international student support, with particular expertise in AI ethics and student experience frameworks. Tom hosts the AI Ethics Now podcast, exploring implications of emerging technologies in education and society.
Recognition and achievements
Tom is the recipient of the Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion and Diversity Prize for the ‘We are Chemistry’ student development programme. His work has earned nominations for the AdvanceHE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE), and he has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship (2025-2026) to implement and test AI applications in student experience contexts while extending his Building Belonging frameworks to North American institutions.
University of Warwick roles
At the University of Warwick, Tom leads on AI Development initiatives, spearheading the implementation of ethical AI applications in educational contexts. He serves as the Education for Sustainable Development Lead, championing sustainability integration across the institution. Tom also co-leads the Building Belonging Project (in collaboration with AdvanceHE), developing scalable approaches for enhancing student belonging across diverse populations.
Professional roles
Tom is a Senior Consultant at Coole Insight Ltd, leading work with Independent Higher Education (IHE) institutions on student voice and representation. He is also an External Trustee at Oxford Brookes Students' Union and a member of the Board of Directors at Grow 19, a college for learners aged 18-25 with SEND to gain employment.
Joe Brackenborough
Joe has more than 17 years of experience in ICT, digital and security, working for government bodies such as the Home office, Kent County Council, Thanet District Council, Dover District Council, Canterbury City Council, Dorset Council, High Peak & Staffordshire Moorlands, the Local Government Association, GeoPlace and many others.
Passionate transformation and IT strategist with skills in all aspects of delivering technology, change and improvement. Excellent problem-solving and technical skills with knowledge of many systems, technologies, and methods. Thriving on over-achieving targets and goals set to increase revenue and improve customer experience. Adept at changing the cultures of a business through strategies and technology. Leading a high-achieving public sector authority at the forefront of technology.
Director at Avalie Digital
Will Costello
Will has more than 20 years of experience, a professional renowned for delivering successful digital transformation initiatives within the public sector. His forte lies in seamlessly integrating technological acumen with a user-centric approach to optimize service delivery.
Will excels in leading diverse teams towards effecting substantial organizational changes. His expertise encompasses devising digital and data strategies that assist organizations in defining their objectives and establishing the requisite strategies and governance for successful goal attainment.
Prior to his consultancy endeavours, Will played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within a prominent metropolitan council, instigating revolutionary digital advancements throughout the organisation. Armed with a robust technical skill set and a profound understanding of public sector intricacies, Will stands out as a distinguished figure in his field.
