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Shahirah Gardner
Cofounder, Finch - Data Intelligence - Money 2020 Finalist - Speaker - Inclusion Advisory Rampersand VC -
Professional Background
Shahirah Gardner is a dynamic innovator and co-founder of Finch, a cutting-edge financial technology and data intelligence platform designed to enhance personalisation and empower businesses and financial services through advanced data intelligence. Finch aims to simplify the way banks and other financial institutions interact with their customers by providing accessible and effective APIs that cater to the modern economy's needs. Shahirah's excellent leadership and creativity have been central to Finch's success in making finance more approachable and customer-centric for users.
Shahirah has been recognized for her remarkable contributions to the fintech industry, being named a finalist at the 2019 Money 20/20 USA Global Fintech to Watch, an honor that underscores her impact and potential in a fast-evolving sector. Additionally, she was awarded the title of Most Innovative Team at the 2019 Finder Awards, highlighting not only her leadership skills but also the innovative spirit she fosters within her team.
In 2018, Shahirah's dedication to enhancing diversity within fintech was recognized with numerous accolades, including being named a Diversity in Fintech Rising Star by YBF Ventures, and her work culminated in her team winning awards for both Best Personal Finance App and Best Digital Wallet in Australia at the Finder Awards and Finnies Awards, respectively. These recognitions not only exemplify her commitment to excellence but also diversity in technology, an area she actively champions.
Education and Achievements
Shahirah Gardner's educational journey is marked by academic excellence and a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction in Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs from Curtin University of Technology. Combining her passion for storytelling with skills in communication, she has succeeded in PR and marketing roles, strategically elevating brands within the tech industry.
Further enhancing her versatility, Shahirah completed a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with a focus on English and Theatre, also earning High Distinction at Curtin University. This educational background not only showcases her expertise in language teaching but also complements her understanding of diverse audiences—a crucial skill in the fintech sector.
Additionally, Shahirah has pursued various studies, including a Master Diploma in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor at Bridge TEFL and a Beginner's Mandarin Course at Keats School in Kunming, China, demonstrating her dedication to cross-cultural communication and education.
Contributions to Equity and Diversity
A passionate advocate for empowering women in technology, Shahirah serves as an Inclusion Advisory Board Member for Rampersand VC, where she dedicates time to startup communities in exploring the barriers to capital faced by early-stage, underrepresented founders. Her work in this capacity reflects her belief in creating inclusive ecosystems that can lead to a more equitable landscape in the startup and tech communities.
Shahirah's past roles include being a Board Member and Head of PR at Girls in Tech Australia, where she worked to inspire and educate women looking to enter the tech industry. Her involvement with the Female Founders Committee at Startup Victoria and her stint as a startup mentor at KPMG Energise showcase her commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Regularly invited to speak at various events, Shahirah shares her insights on diverse topics that include data personalisation, entrepreneurship, mental health, leadership, and diversity. Through these platforms, she inspires many, echoing her philosophical view: "Life is the dancer and you are the dance," emphasizing the importance of embracing life’s rhythm and flexibility in career paths.
With her rich educational background, impressive professional journey, and deep commitment to social and technological empowerment, Shahirah Gardner stands out as a leader in the fintech arena. Her dedication to making financial services more accessible and personalised, coupled with her advocacy for diversity in tech, positions her as a transformative figure in the industry.
