About the Women of the Year Awards

The Women of the Year Awards, hosted annually by Women In Technology (WIT), celebrates exceptional women across Georgia who are making a significant impact in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Now in its 24th year, the WIT Awards honor leaders, innovators, and advocates who pave the way for future women in STEAM.

Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current role in the tech/STEAM field?

Since I was a child, I was fascinated by technology and the mechanics of how things work. However, I initially pursued a career in the fine arts and early education because it seemed like a safe choice for me. My journey into STEAM began when I was introduced to the field by a mentor, Janie Miles, who was the first Black female to graduate from the US Naval Academy and majored in engineering. Seeing a successful woman of color in engineering, leading teams, driving impactful change, and achieving financial success was incredibly inspiring. After obtaining technical certifications and training, I pivoted into technical roles within financial services and banking, gaining 18+ years of experience at companies like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally, Featurespace, and Protiviti. I’ve supported numerous M&A efforts over the years and am proud to have co-led a successful cobrand credit card product implementation and led a bank to achieve their first PCI-compliant ROC. This path ultimately led me to fintech and my current role leading the Georgia Fintech Academy.

What challenges have you faced as a woman/girl in STEAM, and how did you overcome them?

As a woman in STEAM, I’ve faced common challenges such as confronting gender stereotypes, a lack of female role models, microaggressions, balancing work-life demands, and sometimes being overlooked for promotion. To overcome these, I sought both mentorship and allyship—mentorship from women who could provide guidance and allyship from colleagues, both men and women, who supported my efforts. Building strong networks was crucial, as was confidently advocating for myself and challenging biased assumptions head-on. By fostering a community of support and remaining persistent, I’ve been able to push through barriers and make a meaningful impact in my field.

Can you share a moment or project you are particularly proud of in your career?

In my current role, I am responsible for bridging the gap between academia and industry, creating space for opportunities and exposure. The Georgia Fintech Academy is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my entire career. I interface with industry in meaningful ways, exploring innovative approaches to training, educating, and connecting students. One project that truly demonstrates this is the ‘Run it by the Buyers Juniors’ competition, created in collaboration with Fintech Atlanta. It provided students a platform to pitch their fintech ideas to industry leaders while offering scholarship funds to further their education. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see alumni coming out of the university system and the Academy, continuing the momentum of success, achieving their goals and dreams. Watching their growth affirms the impact we’re making.

What excites you most about the future of technology/your field?

The future of fintech excites me because the possibilities are limitless, especially with advancements in areas like AI, blockchain, and digital payments. These technologies have the potential to completely reshape how we interact with financial services, making them more inclusive and accessible. What excites me most is the role fintech can play in driving financial inclusion, creating solutions for underserved communities, and democratizing access to financial tools and services. At the Georgia Fintech Academy, we integrate these themes and emerging trends within the curriculum and programming to better prepare students for the future of fintech, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.

How do you use your position to empower or mentor other women/girls in STEAM?

I mentor women through campus student organizations, often collaborating with WIT Campus, PayTech Women, and the Georgia Fintech Academy. These collaborations provide opportunities for leadership development, networking, and career exploration. I also open up my extensive network as a connector for those I mentor or advise, helping them build relationships with key industry leaders. Additionally, I frequently speak at conferences and events, covering topics related to mentorship, leadership, and creating opportunities for women in STEAM, particularly in fintech. By offering guidance, mentorship, and access to opportunities, I aim to empower the next generation of women to thrive in these fields.