Honorary doctorate to tech entrepreneur Lauren Ingram

Arden University has awarded an honorary doctorate to Lauren Ingram, an advocate for women in technology and founder of tech empowerment brand, Next Big Thing. The award commemorates Lauren’s dedication to digital inclusion and her leadership in emerging technologies.

Research shows that women are twice as likely to hold jobs at risk of automation and are 20% less likely to use GenAI than men. This highlights a glaring gap in access and representation in one of the most transformative industries.

Lauren has made it her mission to ensure women are not ignored during this period of enormous change. As a respected voice in Web3 and artificial intelligence, she has built Next Big Thing into a global community that equips women with the tools, resources and connections needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of decentralised technologies and blockchain.

Commenting on the award, Carl Lygo, CEO and Vice-Chancellor of Arden University, said: “It’s a true privilege to celebrate Lauren’s remarkable contributions in the tech sector with this honorary doctorate. Her work to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated industry directly reflects our own values of accessibility and inclusivity. Lauren is a true role model for our students, demonstrating how passion and dedication can drive positive change and create a more equitable future in an ever-changing world.”

Throughout her career, Lauren has held senior roles at major tech companies, including Meta, where she led the #SheMeansBusiness training programme for female entrepreneurs. As an accomplished international keynote speaker and writer, she has shared her expertise with audiences at TEDx, London Tech Week, Chanel and Cartier, and has been published in leading outlets such as The Guardian, TechCrunch, and VICE.

Lauren’s influence and leadership have been recognised with numerous awards, including being named on the Rising Women in Crypto Power List and the InspiringFifty top 50 women in tech in 2024. Her commitment to bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility continues to inspire women to engage with and lead in the technology sector.

Reflecting on receiving an honorary doctorate from Arden University, Lauren said: "Being awarded an honorary doctorate from Arden University is a significant milestone for me, and I'm so incredibly grateful. My mission has always been to ensure the future of technology is open and accessible to everyone, and this recognition gives me motivation and energy to continue on this path.

“The award reinforces the importance of upskilling women for what comes next in tech and creating more role models for future generations to look up to. Change is the only constant, especially in technology, and embracing it is key to staying ahead.

“I truly hope this inspires more women to chase their ambitions, to lead and to help shape a future where no one gets left behind."