Hear from Previous ODA Awards Winners
The nomination period for the ODA Awards is now open! Until the ceremony at ODA Inspiration Day on 29 May, you can read what past winners say about the award, and how it has influenced them both personally and professionally.
Since 2009, the ODA Awards have highlighted 28 individuals and 13 organizations that make a real difference for diversity and inclusion in Norwegian technology and working life.
In 2024, we renewed the award to the current categories and made it fully gender‑neutral.
Four awards celebrating different contributions
ODA Changemaker: A person who creates positive development in the workplace and inspires others.
ODA Techie: A specialist who leads by example, shares knowledge, and delivers results.
ODA Leader: A leader who consistently creates impact, is visible in the professional community, and uses their voice to promote diversity and inclusion.
ODA Champions: An organization that works strategically and demonstrably with diversity and inclusion – and shares its experience with others.
The nomination period is officially open, and we want to hear from YOU!
What previous winners say
Aurora O. Sauar – ODA Techie
Aurora describes how learning and responsibility go hand in hand:
“Learn to program by actually doing it. Build something. Say yes to responsibility and new challenges, even when you don’t feel completely ready.”
She also highlights the value of combining technical and business understanding:
“Knowing both how something is built and why it should be used is a very powerful combination.”
Today, she is especially passionate about how AI is transforming everyday work:
“AI has gone from something I tested for fun to a natural part of my workflow. At the same time, we must not become uncritical – when things move fast, good judgment becomes even more important.”
For Aurora, diversity is fundamentally about quality:
“If teams are uniform, the solutions will be too. I want to make technology more understandable and less mysterious, so more people feel they belong in the industry.”
Ingrid Kindem – ODA Techie
For Ingrid, the recognition was both motivating and meaningful:
“It was incredibly fun to be recognized in that way. And perhaps even more meaningful because I’ve spent a lot of time encouraging others to choose technology through my work at NTNU.”
She shares a clear piece of advice:
“You can’t always wait for responsibility or opportunities to land in your lap. Sometimes you have to create them yourself – by raising your hand, taking space, and owning what needs to be done.”
Ingrid is passionate about contributing where decisions are made:
“If more women are to influence business and society on equal terms, we need more women in leadership roles, boardrooms, and positions with access to capital. I want to be one of those who take on those challenges – and open the door for others.”
Monika – ODA Changemaker
For Monika, the award carried extra meaning because she was new to Norway when she won:
“It felt amazing to be recognized at this level. I was honored that my efforts were seen as a positive contribution to the industry.”
She reminds us that change often starts small:
“You can make a difference with a small action – like helping a neighbor or having a conversation with a colleague. A small action can be the change.”
ODA Champions – Capgemini
Capgemini was named ODA Champion in 2025 and describes the impact like this:
“The recognition has given us an important signal that we are on the right track, while also reminding us that we are not finished.”
They emphasize why diversity is essential:
“Diversity is necessary for innovation, quality, and sustainable solutions. The award has strengthened our commitment to working strategically and systematically with diversity, inclusion, and equality – across internal processes, development programs, recruitment, culture-building, and partnerships.”
This year, Capgemini also marks an important milestone:
“We are celebrating 10 years as an ODA Platinum Partner – a partnership that has played a significant role in our development work and our ability to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.”
ODA Champions – Evidi
Evidi describes the award as an important recognition of the culture they are building:
“Receiving the ODA Champion Award reaffirmed our belief that diversity and inclusion must be part of how we work every day — not separate initiatives.”
They highlight the value of psychological safety and diverse perspectives:
“Better decisions emerge when people feel safe to challenge each other with trust and respect.”
Since receiving the award, Evidi has strengthened inclusive leadership, expanded cross‑functional collaboration and contributed actively to industry conversations on inclusion:
“The recognition encouraged us to raise the bar — for ourselves and for the industry.”
Nomination period is closed!
Questions about the ODA Awards? Contact: awards@odanettverk.no