ODA Change-maker Award 2025 Finalists
Each year ODA-Nettverk awards dedicated work supporting the promotion of gender equality and diversity in the tech industry.
The ODA Change-maker Award honors an individual who leads change from within—often without formal recognition. This person inspires colleagues through everyday actions, courage, and commitment to inclusion. As a visible presence in their team or company, they create space for others to grow and help translate shared values into real progress. The award celebrates those who prove that meaningful change starts with individuals who choose to lead by example.
The winner will be announced at ODA Inspiration Day on May 28th. The finalists are:
Candidate 1: Darija S. Hauge
Darija S. Hauge is both a Senior consultant at ITC and the group lead for “The Future Digital Citizen” in the Norwegian Computer Society – where she’s won several awards such as “Årets ildsjel” and “Årets faggruppe”. She has created a platform for dialogue around the digital lives of children, bringing together parents, teachers, school, technologists and children. The network addresses complex topics such as the possibilities and challenges of growing up in the digital age, digitalization in schools, AI in education, digital hygiene, and encouraging collaboration across sectors.
Darija has developed tools such as a digital parenting guide, which has been recognized by the Oslo Education Agency, and she currently leads the Digitalization Task Force for Oslo’s Parent Committee. Her events are open and accessible to a wide audience and have received broad media coverage. Through her initiatives, she promotes digital inclusion and responsible innovation with a clear focus on social impact.
Candidate 2: Julia Paulsen
Julia Paulsen is the Ecommerce director at Elkjøp Nordic. She has led the transformation of the largest ecommerce website in the Nordics, focusing on technical stability, personalization, and user experience. Her data-driven approach, with the motto “Always Be Testing,” has contributed to improvements in conversion rates and customer satisfaction, earning industry recognition from Impact Omnichannel Index awarding Gigantti.fi as the nr 1 player in the whole Nordics and Dynamic Yield personalization of the year award in Europe.
Julia fosters cross-functional collaboration across several markets and promotes open feedback, mentoring, and inclusive team dynamics. She speaks openly about identity and leadership, encouraging a culture of transparency and growth. Her leadership combines strategic delivery with a focus on people with her live motto “If you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards as others pass you by from left and right, leaving you behind.”
Candidate 3: Marius Bostad
Marius Bostad, Head of Product Assurance at Telenor Norge, is recognized for his ongoing commitment to building inclusive teams and improving representation in tech. Since 2021, his teams have maintained above-average gender balance, with 43% female hires, including several who have since moved into leadership roles. His summer intern programs consistently include a majority of women, contributing to long-term pipeline development.
Marius promotes inclusion through mentorship, allyship, and visible support of diversity initiatives, including his sponsorship of Telenor’s internal ODA team. He works to create a culture where people feel supported and valued. His leadership style centers on quiet consistency, long-term effort, and the belief that inclusive practices lead to better outcomes for teams and organizations.
See the other category finalists:
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