Meet Jaya Sexton and Maureen Nyamey: Two Team Members Pushing the Boundaries of Inclusion in the French Tech Event Space
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the CloserStill Media’s Tech team continue to challenge the status quo in a traditionally male-dominated industry by platforming diversity at the Tech Shows worldwide.
This month, we sat down with two team members who are working tirelessly to elevate diversity within the French tech space; Jaya Sexton and Maureen Nyamey. Their passion for diversity, strong team ethos, and enthusiasm for creating platforms for diversity in tech is driving real change for a more inclusive future for the industry.
We talked about their career journeys, their passion for inclusion and their work at CloserStill, the driving force behind Women in Tech at the upcoming Tech Show Paris 2024.
Let's start with an easy one: what did you want to be when you were growing up?
Jaya: I wanted to be a nutritionist for a really long time, actually. We grew a lot of fresh green vegetables at home, and my family was always into health. I was kind of a weird kid who used to save up my pocket money to buy goji berries and other superfoods.
Maureen: I wanted to be a lawyer. I used to watch a lot of legal dramas like Law & Order. I loved seeing the lawyers in court, pleading cases. I wasn’t imagining myself defending criminals, but the idea of being a lawyer was very appealing.
What led you to CloserStill?
Jaya: I studied languages at university and did my Master's in conference interpreting. I interned at the UN and initially wanted to pursue simultaneous interpreting for conferences. But then I had a change of heart and started looking for a role where I could use my language and communication skills more actively. I stumbled across a CloserStill conference production job posting by accident, read the description, and realised it was exactly what I was looking for. So, I applied, and here I am!
Maureen: My journey was a bit different - I’ve always been in marketing. I studied marketing in business school back in France, focusing on strategic marketing and international trade. I worked in digital marketing for over a decade in Paris, New York, and other markets. When I moved to London I wasn’t necessarily thinking about joining a new company - I was working as an entrepreneur. But then I came across a Marketing Manager position for Tech Show Paris, and it felt like a perfect fit for me.
How do you find marketing events versus products and services?
Maureen: In events, you see everything from concept to execution, working with various stakeholders, suppliers, partners, and more. It’s much more dynamic and challenging compared to digital marketing, where I mainly interacted with web designers, developers, and clients.
And Jaya, is there a particular element of your role in speaker recruitment that you’re really enjoying at the moment?
Jaya: Absolutely. No show is the same, and that’s what I love about this role - I get bored easily, so the variety is great. Right now, I’m working closely with Lala from the content team, and we’ve recently launched a steering committee. It’s been fascinating to get to know some of our key speakers better and involve them more in the show. We’re also working on diversity and inclusion initiatives, which I’m passionate about.
That’s a great segue into my next question. What drives your passion for elevating diversity in tech, specifically women in tech?
Jaya: It’s something that’s always been close to my heart. Even in academia, I focused on topics related to belonging and how certain environments make people feel excluded. Personally, when I’ve attended competitor conferences and noticed how few women were present, it can have a huge impact on how you see yourself in an industry. If you don’t see people like you, it’s hard to imagine a future in that space.
And Maureen, how do you feel about integrating diversity into your marketing campaigns?
Maureen: I’m very much aligned with Jaya on this. We’ve been working closely on the steering committee and are really pushing to promote diversity this year. It’s important, especially in an industry like tech, where diversity has often been lacking. I’m proud to be part of this change and to see our efforts reflected in our partnerships and content.
Do you have any specific goals for diversity at Tech Show Paris? Is there a statistic or milestone you’re aiming for?
Maureen: I would love to see 50% female representation. We’re not there yet, but I think in one to three years, it’s achievable. That would be a significant indicator that our efforts are paying off.
Jaya: I completely agree. Gender parity is crucial, and it’s important to acknowledge that diversity goes beyond just gender. We also need to focus on other intersections of diversity to ensure we’re inclusive in every aspect.
What has been your proudest moment at CloserStill so far?
Maureen: The first is seeing the results of our marketing efforts - we’ve almost tripled our registrations compared to last year, which is a team effort and very rewarding. The second is watching my team grow. Seeing them take initiative, handle meetings on their own, and develop professionally makes me feel like a proud mom, even though I don’t have kids!
Jaya: For me, it’s the feedback I get from speakers. Last year, when we hosted our Women in Tech campaign, we had some incredible sessions that were well-received. Hearing from other speakers who are leaders in their fields that they felt welcomed and valued in our space is what makes all the hard work worth it.
Looking ahead to Tech Show Paris 2024, what are you most excited about?
Maureen: I’m really excited about the Women in Tech networking event. This year, we’re structuring it differently, with a tech influencer moderating the session. I’m also looking forward to a new VIP experience we’re implementing.
Jaya: I’m most excited about seeing the community we’ve built come together on-site. We’ve worked hard to foster connections through smaller events and the steering committee, so it’ll be great to see those relationships in action. I’m also looking forward to our panel discussions, particularly those that highlight diverse leaders in the tech industry.
And a note on how we are doing at CloserStill. How would you describe the culture at CloserStill?
Jaya: The first word that comes to mind is supportive. We have a lovely team dynamic, where everyone celebrates each other’s achievements and helps when needed. We also have a great sense of humour, which makes working together even more enjoyable.
Maureen: I couldn’t agree more. The support we give each other is amazing, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. It’s a diverse and multicultural environment, which makes me feel like I belong.
And finally, what are your passions outside of work?
Jaya: I love travelling, which inspired my interest in languages. I also enjoy making the most of London’s cultural scene—whether it’s theatre, art exhibitions, or live music, I try to pack my weekends with as much as possible.
Maureen: I’m also passionate about travelling, but I’m into singing and dancing as well. I sing in a choir, and I love dancing hip hop and afro styles. I’ve even set myself a challenge to start dancing in heels by the end of the year!