"As a company we go to high schools promoting IT careers for women, so it is fantastic to receive this recognition for our own women and to show girls across New Zealand that they can succeed in IT careers and will be recognised for their exceptional talent."
Elliott's Rising Star Award recognises a standout candidate rising through the ranks of the ICT industry and acknowledges significant advancement during the early stages of her technology career.
In her two years at Company-X Elliott has demonstrated innovation, professionalism, and leadership qualities going quickly from an intern to a software quality assurance tester on a Company-X team working with a US-based multinational.
"Jes did a great job on the support desk," said Company-X professional services manager Michael Hamid.
Elliott became an integral part of a Company-X team developing e-learning modules for world-leading dairy solutions provider DeLaval and was involved in the production of modules in French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Elliott said: "It's an honour to be sharing a room with such passionate and driven women, so thank you for your achievements, I appreciate it.
"It is my hope that we all continue to build our confidence enough, to provide opportunities and bridge the gaps where needed, for not only those who identify as female, but for our youth in particular. There is no hierarchy in teaching and learning. Thank you for helping me to help you to help others," she said.
Rachel Primrose was a finalist in the Shining Star Award which recognises an established candidate with a strong record of achievement, acknowledging excellence in spearheading company initiatives and driving strategic change.
Primrose joined Company-X in 2018 in a key technical leadership position.
She is an integral part of ensuring the software specialist's systems and processes keep up with growth while delivering x-factor projects.
Sara Bahr was a finalist in the Graduate Award which recognises a standout graduate candidate who has leveraged apprenticeship programs to start a career within the ICT industry.
Bahr is participating in the Company-X Developer Graduate Program, offering the University of Waikato computer science graduate a structured software development internship.
Bahr has proved to be software savvy beyond her years of experience, according to senior software developer and team leader Arno van Niekerk.
"As a grad, I'm privileged to be given such an amazing opportunity at Company-X which allows me to be an award finalist," Bahr said.
