We’re thrilled to introduce the women who make up the 2026 WIT Awards Finalist class.
This year’s Finalists span every stage of a technology career, from rising leaders already delivering results beyond expectations for their level to executives driving transformation at the highest level. They have inspired their teams, innovated new products and services, and opened new possibilities for the women coming up behind them.
Each was nominated by a colleague, a mentor, or herself. From a pool of 150+ nominations, these Finalists were selected for the impact they have already made in their organizations. On October 22, one Finalist in each category will be named the Winner.
Reserve Your Table
Every Finalist on this list will be celebrated live at the WIT Awards Gala on October 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. If someone on this list is part of your team, or if your company wants to stand behind women shaping technology, this is your moment to show up for them in person.
Tables and sponsorships are limited. Reserve now to make sure your organization is in the room when these women are recognized.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Woman of the Year
This is WIT’s highest honor. The award recognizes executive-level leaders who are accountable for significant, measurable outcomes, and whose leadership has created change that extends well beyond themselves.
Emerging Executive Impact
For executives who are early in their executive leadership journey but are already delivering results that significantly exceed what would be expected at their tenure level.
- Natalie Hogg, CEO, Method Q
- Missy Taylor, CEO, Phobio
- Dr. Irene Thong, Chief Information Officer, Oglethorpe Power Corporation
Organizational Executive Impact
For executives driving meaningful, measurable transformation within their organization, regardless of company size.
- Caroline Cochran, Chief People Officer, Candescent
- Tasha McCall, Vice President, Digital Payments & Applications Team Lead, Synchrony Financial
- Jaga Saravanan, Chief of Technology Operations, MagMutual Insurance
Enterprise Executive Impact
For executives who have delivered sustained, large-scale impact within a major or highly complex organization.
- Arati Chavan, Vice President, Cyber Security, McKesson
- Naomi Lariviere, Chief Product Owner, ADP
- Missy Lawson, SVP Technology; Cyber, Risk, & Business Operations, Fiserv
Woman to Watch
This award recognizes a mid-career leader in technology who has already delivered measurable results beyond her formal role, expanded her scope of influence over time, and made a deliberate, visible investment in advancing others.
- Devi Battina, Application Development Manager, Primerica Financial Services
- Selma Dogic, Senior Director, Data + Analytics, Carter’s
- Stella Ihenacho, Team Lead, RTE Organization, Data & AI, Red Hat
Early Career Excellence Award
This award recognizes an early-career technology professional whose initiative, creativity, and investment in others significantly exceed what is typical at her stage.
- Vivian Milender, Product Manager II, Cox Automotive
- Roshina Rafee, CoreAI Senior Engineer, Agentic Solutions, The Home Depot
- Nicole Rebolledo, Senior Analyst, IT Governance Operations, Southwire Company
SMP Excellence Award
This award recognizes a graduate of WIT’s Single Mothers’ Program who is thriving in her technology career, growing her skills, and delivering real results that show what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
- Delilah Freeman, AVP, Delivery Lead – Technology, Bank of America
- Marilyn Scott, Business Information Security Officer, Equifax
- Shana Shell, Technical Analyst, DevSecOps, Norfolk Southern
Campus Club of the Year
Finalists to be announced soon.
Girl of the Year
Finalists to be announced soon.
Why the WIT Awards Matter
The WIT Awards exist to give women in tech the recognition and visibility they’ve earned, and to create role models for the next generation of leaders and innovators across all industries. Making their stories visible is how that next generation sees what is possible for themselves.
Women in Technology (WIT) creates possibilities for more women to explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology careers.