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?

My career journey has been driven by a mix of curiosity, passion, and purpose. I was born and raised in a small town in China, and when I moved to the U.S. at 18 with two suitcases, I wasn’t sure where my path would take me. Due to my limited English proficiency at the time, I chose to double major in computer science and mathematical business to avoid reading-heavy assignments. After graduate school, I started my career in banking and have held various roles, including software developer, quantitative analyst, talent manager, AI innovation leader, and now compliance analytics director. I’ve been deliberate with my professional growth, treating each role as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and develop new skills. Over time, I saw the power of data and AI in transforming industries, but I also became aware of the biases and inequities that can emerge if we aren’t careful. This realization inspired me to shift into Fair Banking Compliance Analytics, where I could blend my technical expertise with my desire to create a more equitable world. Now, as the SVP at Truist, I’m leading efforts to ensure fairness in financial practices, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to apply technology for good.

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

As a woman of color with an accent, one of my biggest challenges in STEAM has been overcoming stereotypes and biases, along with the fear of public speaking. Early in my career, I often felt underestimated and terrified to speak up, even though I always knew I had something to say. To overcome this, I joined Toastmasters, a public speaking club, to practice in a safe and supportive environment. That experience helped me gain the confidence to express my ideas clearly and effectively. Now, I aim to do the same for others who seek to be heard. By focusing on my strengths, surrounding myself with mentors, and staying true to my passion, I’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities to thrive and help others do the same.

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

What excites me most about the future of technology is its potential to create more equitable systems and drive meaningful change. In my field, I’ve seen how data and AI can transform lives, but I’m particularly passionate about how we can use these tools to eliminate biases and ensure fairness in areas like banking and financial services product offerings. The rapid evolution of AI, paired with an increasing focus on ethical tech, opens up so many possibilities for innovation that not only improves business processes but also uplifts communities. As someone who works at the intersection of technology and compliance, I’m excited about how we can continue to blend technical expertise with social impact to shape a more inclusive, fair, and equitable future.

Can you give us an example of how you’ve supported diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work?

One of the most impactful ways I’ve supported diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my work was through leading the Enterprise Technology DEI Business Council at Truist. In this role, I helped drive initiatives that ensured our workplace was inclusive and supportive of all voices, especially underrepresented groups. For example, I worked closely with leadership to create more transparent promotion and recruiting processes, ensuring women and people of color were better represented in data science and technology roles. Additionally, I was one of the founding members of WIT@Truist to build a community where women in technology could connect, mentor one another, and grow in their careers. By fostering an inclusive culture and creating pathways for diverse talent, we’ve been able to make significant strides in empowering underrepresented groups within the organization.

How do you envision the future of women in technology, and what changes would you like to see?

I envision a future where women are fully represented and empowered at every level of the technology industry, and as a mom to a beautiful Chinese American daughter, I’m determined to help build that world. If she chooses to pursue STEAM, I want her to grow up in a space where curiosity and creativity are encouraged, without judgment or stereotypes. My hope is that one day there won’t even be a need for DEI councils, because diversity, equity, and inclusion will be embedded in everything we do. I want a world where girls, including my daughter, can explore their passions freely and know they belong in any space they choose, confident in their abilities and their right to thrive.

What does selection as a finalist for the WIT Awards mean to you, and how do you feel this recognition can inspire others?

Being selected as a finalist for the WIT Awards is an incredible honor. It validates the hard work and passion I’ve poured into my career and community involvement, but more importantly, it represents the support I’ve received along the way. I hope this recognition shows other women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, that their voices and contributions matter. I want it to inspire them to pursue their goals, knowing that their unique perspectives are valuable. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, your journey can lead to impactful and meaningful achievements, and you have the