Hybrid: Breaking Barriers, Building a Career, and Inspiring Others

Shabana (Govani) Khatau

This talk explores a non-traditional journey into technology, showing how it is never too late to build a successful career in tech. Shabana, now a Full Stack Developer and AI Lead, transitioned into the industry later in life after overcoming cultural and traditional barriers.

She will share her journey, the challenges she faced, and the practical steps she took to develop her skills and confidence. The session will also highlight the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and mindset in navigating a career change, along with her experiences sharing her story and writing a book to inspire others.

Shabana Khatau is a Full Stack Developer and AI Lead with experience in software development, AI, and the Microsoft Power Platform. She has built her career in technology through continuous learning, gaining expertise across full-stack development, SharePoint, and emerging AI technologies.

Beginning her journey later in life, Shabana overcame cultural and traditional barriers to successfully transition into the tech industry. Her story reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Alongside her technical work, she is passionate about supporting and inspiring others—particularly women and those from non-traditional backgrounds—to pursue careers in technology.

She actively shares her journey through speaking engagements and is currently working on a book that encourages others to pursue their ambitions regardless of age or circumstance. Shabana continues to advocate for diversity in tech and is dedicated to using her experience to empower the next generation of technologists.

(Prices stated are inclusive of VAT and fees)

• BCS members: £2.00
• Non-members: £4.00
• Online: Free

A refund, excluding fees, will be issued if a cancellation request is received within 14 days of the booking date or by noon on Thursday, 19 November 2026, otherwise, name substitutions will be allowed after this date.

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.

This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.

BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society.

Please note, if you have any accessibility needs, please let us know via [email protected] and we’ll work with you to make suitable arrangements.

BCS privacy notice: your data will be processed by BCS in accordance with our data privacy notice.

Photography: by attending this event, you may be photographed or filmed. Please speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to be included.

For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

This event is brought to you by: Hertfordshire branch

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, United Kingdom

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