Scarlett McDermott

Chief Technology Officer WithYouWithMe

Scarlett McDermott combines the experience of being a woman in technology, with the resilience of a defence partner. She has forged an impressive career in the technology sector, removing barriers to employment for veterans, military spouses, and other underemployed groups.

Scarlett began her career with a bachelor’s degree in information technology (IT), working as an IT Support Engineer and Software Developer. Working in an industry with few female role models, Scarlett bolstered her learning with a graduate certificate in cyber security. Her extensive experience as a contractor and cyber security consultant led her to join veteran founded technology start up WithYouWithMe.

WithYouWithMe joined Scarlett’s passion for social impact with her experience in technology and she quickly rose to become the company’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). In addition to her CTO duties, Scarlett’s focus within the company is encouraging women in technology careers and harnessing the latent skills of other military spouses. Spearheading the Flexible Tech Support Programme at WithYouWithMe, Scarlett created an employment stream for military spouses to upskill in technology and work remotely, allowing them to retain their employment during frequent military family postings. Scarlett is passionate about making technology careers available to all and shaping the future of work to increase personal and strategic resilience.

Most recently, Scarlett has founded a new initiative called the National Resilience Project (NRP). The NRP aims to build an ecosystem of 20,000 skilled workers able to solve future tech challenges of Australian State and Local Governments by providing free training to people interested in serving their community through flexible work.

"It's time to embrace bold solutions. The National Resilience Database allows Australian communities to take swift action in times of crisis. I am passionate about building sovereign capability at the local community level through digital upskilling and workforce mobilisation for all Australians"

Scarlett is passionate about making technology careers accessible to all people as well as shaping the future of work to increase personal and strategic resilience.