Meet the 2026 Girl of the Year Finalists

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The Girl of the Year Award recognizes a high school student who brings genuine curiosity and initiative to her exploration of technology, growing more confident with every project while lifting up the people around her along the way. Here’s a closer look at this year’s three finalists.

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Gabi Angryk, Walton High School

Gabi is a senior at Walton High School and a member of the school’s competitive STEM Engineering Academy. She serves as Executive Director of Walton FIRST Robotics, leading a student-run team across technical, business, and outreach programs. Previously, she became the first female Strategy Director in team history, developing a Python-based analytics platform and scouting system used for competitive strategy.

Passionate about expanding access to STEM, Gabi coordinates a 90+ volunteer FIRST LEGO League mentorship network and leads Girls Build Bots, her Girl Scout Gold Award project connecting younger girls (2nd – 8th) with hands-on robotics experiences through 36 badge based lesson plans. Five girls have earned robotics badges through the program to date.

Her independent engineering work includes SEEKER, an autonomous mobile robot, and Project A.L.D.R.I.N., a disaster-response robotics project developed during her competitive research internship at Georgia Tech Research Institute’s CIPHER Lab. 

Gabi was a 2026 Governor’s Honors Program finalist in Electrical & Computational Engineering, a University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award recipient, a Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, and a FIRST Leadership Award District Championship semifinalist. She hopes to pursue computer science, electrical/computer engineering, or robotics and ultimately use technology to create opportunities and improve people’s lives.

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Hailey Blackmon, THRIVE Christian Academy

Hailey Blackmon is an aspiring materials engineer, student leader, and STEM innovator dedicated to developing technologies that improve lives and protect the environment. She has conducted independent research in sustainable materials, creating biodegradable bioplastics, bio-fabrics, bio-yarn, and hydrogels as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.

Hailey is passionate about applying engineering to solve real-world challenges and has presented her research through science fairs, STEM competitions, and engineering programs. Her work has earned multiple first- and second-place awards at both the regional and state levels, recognizing her commitment to innovation and scientific research.

Beyond STEM, Hailey serves as Student Government Association President, President of her school’s Beta Club, and President of her local Top Teens of America chapter. Through these leadership roles, she organizes community service initiatives, advocates for student engagement, and mentors her peers while fostering collaboration and service.

As a young Black woman in STEM, Hailey is committed to expanding opportunities for future generations by encouraging and mentoring girls who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She plans to pursue a degree in materials engineering and develop sustainable materials and medical technologies that improve lives while creating a more environmentally responsible future.

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Garvita Singh, Wheeler High School

Garvita Singh is an ambitious senior in the STEM Magnet Program at Wheeler High School deeply interested in computer science, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of tech and public policy. In order to pursue her passion for technology, she has interned under Emory University where she contributed to a data visualization tool, and she is currently interning at Kennesaw State University to research machine learning and explainable AI. Additionally, Garvita has won nationally for programming and was recently selected for a summer program at MIT where she worked on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and gained experience in robotics, autonomy, and machine learning.

Beyond technology, Garvita values community service and public speaking, which drives her involvement in leadership roles in Scouting America and Model UN, where she debates global issues such as the digital divide, participates in service projects, and mentors others. She is equally passionate about creating opportunities for girls in STEM, and being an ambassador for the WIT Girls Program has given her the space to do that by helping organize WIT events. Her advocacy for greater representation of women in STEM also stretches to her personal programming projects and work at the Congressional Youth Advisory Council under state leaders. Overall, whether it is through WIT events or growing her knowledge in STEM, Garvita is always excited to learn more and support her peers.

The 2026 WIT Awards winners will be announced October 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. See all 2026 finalists →

Learn more about the WIT Awards →

Meet the 2026 Emerging Executive Impact Finalists

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The Emerging Executive Impact award recognizes executives who are early in their executive leadership journey yet already delivering results that significantly exceed expectations for their tenure level. Here’s a closer look at this year’s three finalists.

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Natalie Hogg, Method Q

Natalie Hogg is the founder and CEO of Method Q, a full-service marketing agency that helps AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and B2B tech companies turn complexity into clarity and grow through strategic branding, thought leadership, and demand generation. She has served as a fractional CMO and is a trusted advisor to CEOs, CROs, and corporate boards, helping technology organizations differentiate in crowded markets and align go-to-market execution with business strategy. Natalie built Method Q as a self-funded, 100% women-led, WBENC-certified company on her registered methodology, Applying the Scientific Method to Marketing®. She serves on the board of StandUp for Kids, is an incoming board member of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta, and is a founding member of Women on the Cap Table. Her work has helped both early-stage disruptors and global enterprises gain traction with customers, investors, and the media, while she invests in the next generation of women leading in technology.

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Missy Taylor, Phobio

As CEO, Missy Taylor is driving Phobio’s next chapter of growth through partner-driven technology solutions, platform innovation, and a continued focus on the culture and leadership that have defined the company for more than 15 years. 

With more than 20 years of experience in operational leadership and organizational growth, Missy has built her career helping organizations scale with clarity, intention, and customer-first thinking. Prior to Phobio, she spent over a decade helping grow one of the Southeast’s most awarded independent advertising agencies, ultimately serving as President. She led large P&Ls, scaled cross-functional teams, and guided major client relationships across financial services, retail, CPG, entertainment, technology, and Insurance. 

Missy is a graduate of Emory University’s Goizueta Executive MBA program, where she received the Integrity and Team Awards and served on the boards of Executive Women of Goizueta and the Atlanta AMA.

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Dr. Irene Thong, Oglethorpe Power

Dr. Irene Thong is Chief Information Officer of Oglethorpe Power Corporation, where she leads technology, cybersecurity, data, and AI strategy for one of the nation’s largest wholesale power supply cooperatives. With more than 25 years of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, she is recognized for building high-performing teams and aligning technology with business outcomes. 

Irene holds a Doctor of Technology from Purdue University, where her research focused on leadership strategies of women CIOs driving digital transformation in Fortune 500 companies.

She is the author of The Chapter in Between, a speaker on leadership and transformation, Pathbuilders Mentor of the Year, A100 Breakthrough Security Leaders Award recipient, GeorgiaCIO Advisory Board Member, and Board Member of Operation Motorsport. Irene is passionate about developing future leaders and advancing women in technology.

The 2026 WIT Awards winners will be announced October 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. See all 2026 finalists →

Learn more about the WIT Awards →

Introducing the 2026 WIT Awards Finalists

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A collage of 21 women finalists for the 2024 WIT Awards, each in a circular frame, with three college logos below: Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Southern University, and University of Georgia. Purple abstract background.

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.

Reserve your table

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.

Click to learn more about the Emerging Executive Impact Finalists

Organizational Executive Impact

For executives driving meaningful, measurable transformation within their organization, regardless of company size.

Click to learn more about the Organizational Executive Impact Finalists


Enterprise Executive Impact

For executives who have delivered sustained, large-scale impact within a major or highly complex organization.

Click to learn more about the Enterprise Executive Impact Finalists

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.

Click to learn more about the Woman to Watch Finalists

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.

Click to learn more about the Early Career Excellence Finalists

Graduate Success 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.

Click to learn more about the Graduate Success Finalists

Campus Club of the Year

This award recognizes an official WIT Campus Club that has created meaningful opportunities for students to connect, develop skills, and build confidence and community in technology.

Click to learn more about the Campus Club of the Year Finalists

Girl of the Year

This award recognizes a high school student who demonstrates genuine curiosity, initiative, and growing confidence in exploring technology, and who lifts others around her in the process.

Click to learn more about the Girl of the Year Finalists

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.  

Reserve your table
Learn more about the WIT Awards

Women in Technology (WIT) creates possibilities for more women to explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology careers.

The 2026 WIT Awards: A Night That Changes Careers

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A large crowd attends the WIT Awards 2023 ceremony in a spacious, modern hall with blue lighting, decorated tables, a stage with speakers, and an aquarium visible on the right wall.

The WIT Awards puts a spotlight on women who are shaping the future of technology, and that spotlight does more than light up a room for one night. It tells the woman on stage and the thousands of women watching her story unfold that their work is valued, and that staying in tech is worth it.

That’s the real impact of the WIT Awards. It’s more than a gala. It’s visibility, and visibility leads to retention.

Why This Night Matters

Women in Technology (WIT) exists to encourage, retain, and elevate women and girls across all industries and at any stage in their tech careers. The WIT Awards is where that mission becomes tangible. When a woman’s name is called, when her company fills a table to celebrate her, when her peers share her story, that recognition becomes part of her career momentum.

The data behind this is simple: Women don’t leave tech because they lack ambition or talent. They leave when the systems around them stall their growth and make their contributions invisible. The WIT Awards interrupt that pattern.By honoring the women who are building, leading, and staying in tech, the WIT Awards give them the recognition they deserve and remind companies why their success is worth investing in.

The women we recognize aren’t exceptions. They represent thousands of others just as capable and just as driven, who are simply less seen. When we put one woman’s name on a stage, we’re telling every woman in that room that she belongs there too.

What to Expect

This year’s celebration will be held at the Georgia Aquarium on October 22 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm ET, bringing together more than 600 executives, senior leaders, and innovators from across Georgia’s tech community.

The evening opens with an exclusive VIP reception from 5 pm to 6 pm, designed for deeper conversation and connection with honorees, partners, and executives before the main program begins. From there, guests will enjoy a seated dinner created by Wolfgang Puck’s culinary team, set against the backdrop of the Georgia Aquarium.

The night builds toward the awards ceremony itself, the true highlight of the evening, where this year’s honorees, finalists, and winners across categories from Woman of the Year to the Emerging Executive Award will be celebrated in front of the full room.

It’s a room full of people who want to see each other win. Tables are available now for companies ready to celebrate their team members and stand with the broader community of women building the future of tech in Georgia.

The Power of Partnership

None of this happens without the companies who invest in it. WIT’s high-visibility partnership opportunities, including Presenting Partner, VIP Reception Partner, and Awards Spotlight Partner, put your company at the center of a night built around recognition, community, and momentum for women in tech.

Partnership with WIT is more than a sponsorship line item. It’s a strategic investment in the talent your company already has, and a direct line to the women shaping Georgia’s tech community. Partners are featured throughout the campaign leading up to the event and recognized live at the ceremony.

Interested in partnering with WIT for the 2026 WIT Awards? Contact partnerships@mywit.org to learn more about available opportunities.

Thank You to Our Partners

The 2026 WIT Awards would not be possible without the companies who invest in making women in tech visible. We are grateful to the organizations showing up for this community.

Presenting Partner

The top tier. Your company’s logo on signage, the stage, and all promotions will visibly demonstrate your leadership in supporting women in tech careers, making your brand stand out in the community. If your company is committed to advancing women in tech, we would love to talk. Contact partnerships@mywit.org to learn more.

VIP Reception Partner

Cargill logo with the word Cargill in bold black letters and a green leaf shape arching over the a and r on a white background.

Awards Spotlight Partners

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State Farm logo with three interlocking red ovals on the left and the words State Farm in red bold letters to the right.
The Home Depot logo in orange and white above the word CAREERS in bold black letters.

Spirits Partner

Genuine Parts Company

Photo Booth Partner

Zebra Technologies logo with a stylized zebra head made of black stripes on the left and the word ZEBRA in bold black letters on the right.

Impact Partners

The image shows the Cox Enterprises logo with COX in large blue letters above ENTERPRISES in smaller blue letters.
The Fiserv logo with the company name in bold, lowercase orange letters and a period at the end on a white background.

Premier Table Partners

ACI Worldwide
The image shows the ARVEST logo in dark blue, with stylized letters on a light gray background.
Georgia-Pacific logo with a blue triangle containing white GP letters above the bold black text Georgia-Pacific..
Google Cloud logo with Google in multicolored letters and Cloud in gray text on a light background.
Partial red Infor logo with bold lowercase letters on a light gray background.
ivision
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OneDigital
Primerica
Logo for Pyramid Consulting with a stylized gold pyramid inside a purple square, followed by the word pyramid in bold dark text and CONSULTING in light gray capital letters underneath.
Southwire logo with a circular, abstract wire design in brown on the left and the word Southwire in black text on the right.
Synchrony
The Coca-Cola Company logo features THE above Coca-Cola in cursive script and COMPANY below, all in black text on a white background.
The TIER4 GROUP logo with TIER above GROUP in gray text, and a blue geometric symbol resembling 4 and a person to the right of TIER..
The Truist logo with the word TRUIST in bold purple letters next to a purple square containing a stylized double T symbol.

Interested in joining this list? Reach out to partnerships@mywit.org.

Join Us

Tables are available now. Whether you’re celebrating a team member, building connections with Georgia’s tech leaders, or investing in the community helping women explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology careers, this is the night to be in the room.

Reserve your table today here: https://witawards2026.givesmart.com/

Women in Technology (WIT) creates possibilities for more women to explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology careers.

Introducing the 2026 WIT Awards Honoree Class

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A collage of diverse women in professional attire on a purple background, with WIT Awards 2024 logo at the bottom left.

We’re thrilled to introduce the women who make up the 2026 WIT Awards honoree class! 

This year’s honorees represent every stage of the career journey, from rising leaders just starting to make their mark to executives shaping strategy at the highest level. They have inspired their teams, innovated new products and services, and opened up new possibilities for other women in their field. 

Nominated by others and by themselves alike, each is being celebrated for the impact they’ve already made in their community.

Meet the 2026 Honorees

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. 

Organizational Executive Impact

For executives driving meaningful, measurable transformation within their organization, regardless of company size. 

Enterprise Executive Impact

For executives who have delivered sustained, large-scale impact within a major or highly complex organization. 

  • Stephanie Arnette, Principal, Deloitte
  • Arati Chavan, Vice President, Cyber Security, Mckesson
  • Julie Elmore, SVP, Technology, Inspire Brands
  • Sharay Erskine, Chief Information Officer, National Multiple Sclerosis Society 
  • Jenny Fotia, VP, Digital & Data, North America, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Dianne Kokotoff, Executive Director, Enterprise Solutions and Automation, Wellstar Health Systems
  • Naomi Lariviere, Chief Product Owner, VP Product Management, ADP
  • Missy Lawson, SVP, Technology; Cyber, Risk, & Business Operations, Fiserv
  • Wandia Mbuvi, Senior Vice President, Head of Strategic Risk & Remediation and Interim Head of CSBB Business Management Office, Truist
  • Ashlea Mitchell, Global Technology Leader – Engineering, Infrastructure, Operations, Revinate

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.

Early Career Excellence Award

This award recognizes an early-career professional in technology whose initiative, creativity, and investment in others significantly exceed what is typical at her stage.

SMP Excellence Award

Recognizes a graduate of WIT’s Single Mothers’ Program who is thriving in her technology career, growing her skills, delivering real results, and showing what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

Why the WIT Awards Matter

The WIT Awards recognize women and girls whose leadership and achievements are shaping technology today. By making their stories visible, the event creates role models for the next generation to follow into tech careers.

Reserve Your Table

The 2026 WIT Awards take place October 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. If someone on this list is part of your team, this is your chance to celebrate with them in person. 

Reserve your table

2026 WIT Awards: Nominations Are Now Open

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The WIT Awards recognize the remarkable women who explore, pursue, persist, and lead in technology — and the organizations making that possible. Nominations are open now. Nominations close May 29, 2026. Awards Night: October 22, 2026.

What’s New in 2026

After hearing from people across the WIT community, we’ve redesigned our awards framework around one core idea: Recognize the individual leader, not the company on her business card. Key changes from 2025 include: no 1-year tenure requirement for Woman of the Year nominees; “Single Mother of the Year” renamed to “SMP Success Award”; company-size categories replaced with impact-based subcategories (Enterprise, Organizational, Emerging Executive); and clearer eligibility criteria throughout.

Award Categories

Early Career Excellence Award

Recognizes an early-career professional in technology whose initiative, creativity, and investment in others significantly exceed what is typical at her stage.

Woman to Watch

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.

Woman of the Year

WIT’s highest honor. Recognizes executive-level leaders who are accountable for significant, measurable outcomes, and whose leadership has created change that extends well beyond themselves. Subcategories: Enterprise Executive, Organizational Executive, and Emerging Executive.

Girl of the Year

Recognizes a high school student who demonstrates genuine curiosity, initiative, and growing confidence in exploring technology, and who lifts others around her in the process.

Campus Club of the Year

Recognizes an official WIT Campus Club that has created meaningful opportunities for students to connect, develop skills, and build confidence and community in technology.

SMP Excellence

Recognizes a graduate of WIT’s Single Mothers’ Program who is thriving in her technology career, growing her skills, delivering real results, and showing what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

Key Dates

  • Nominations Close: May 29, 2026
  • Nominee Applications Close: June 12, 2026
  • Honoree Announcement: First week of July
  • Finalist Announcement: Mid-August
  • Finalist In-Person Interviews: September 18, 2026
  • Awards Ceremony: October 22, 2026

Woman of the Year – Large Enterprise: Leading Transformation at Scale

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The 2025 Woman of the Year: Large/Enterprise Business category honors women who are shaping the future of technology within major organizations, driving enterprise-wide innovation, and creating impact that resonates across industries and communities.

Kateau James — Global CIO, McKinsey & Company (Winner)

Leading technology for 40,000+ colleagues worldwide, Kateau has reimagined how McKinsey works, collaborates, and innovates. From a global SharePoint rollout to modernizing mobile ecosystems, she has transformed operations while enabling colleagues to work more efficiently across regions. A standout milestone was embedding AI tools like M365 Copilot into daily workflows, saving teams up to three hours per week.

“Technology can change processes, but real impact comes when you help people grow alongside that change.”

Tina Nguyen — Core Services Portfolio Leader, Honeywell (Finalist)

Tina drives enterprise platforms that support a $15B global business. She led the implementation of Scaled Agile across software and field operations, improving outage planning and increasing successful service events by 26% in one year. Through automation and AI integration, Tina improved field report completion from 23% to 90%.

“Transformation happens when you focus on both the tools and the people using them.”

Ashlea Parrish (Mitchell) — VP Engineering, Enterprise Architecture (Finalist)

Ashlea has spent her career driving global technology initiatives. Formerly VP of Engineering at Equifax, she led the organization to 90% cloud-native operations, implemented secure automated pipelines, and orchestrated global M&A integrations.

“Leading technology isn’t just about systems or processes — it’s about creating space for people to innovate, grow, and succeed at every level.”

Woman of the Year – Mid-Sized Business: Driving Innovation in Tech

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The 2025 Woman of the Year: Medium/Mid-Sized Business category honors leaders who are shaping technology and business through innovation, transformation, and leadership.

Kerri Sauer — Managing Director, Sia Partners (Winner)

Kerri’s career has always been about more than technology — it’s about people, teams, and solving problems that matter. When a major FinTech client faced challenges in US Payments, EMV technology, and Agile transformation, Kerri stepped in to build a specialized team of Payments experts. She coached leaders on Agile practices, streamlined critical payment systems, and helped prevent fraud in the EBT network — ensuring nutrition reached vulnerable families across multiple states.

“Driving meaningful change in technology isn’t just about delivering solutions — it’s about building teams and creating lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.”

Chintan Patel — Chief Information Officer, National DCP (Finalist)

Chintan thrives at the intersection of technology and people. Leading a multi-year modernization of National DCP’s warehouse and transportation systems, she transformed how operations support 10,000+ Dunkin’ franchisees across 40 countries. AI-driven routing replaced manual planning, saving millions of miles, hours, and fuel.

“Transformative technology comes from understanding both the human and operational sides of the business.”

Paula Wagner — Chief Information Officer, Mansfield Energy (Finalist)

Paula’s leadership transforms IT into a strategic growth engine. At Mansfield Energy, she modernized infrastructure, launched the company’s first Procurement and Product offices, and implemented AI-powered tools to improve performance and operations.

“Transforming IT isn’t just about technology — it’s about enabling people, culture, and business to grow together.”

Woman of the Year – Emerging Business: Innovation and Equity in Tech

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The 2025 Woman of the Year: Small/Emerging Business category honored leaders who are making an extraordinary impact through entrepreneurship, innovation, and creating opportunities in technology.

Shana Sanders — Founder & CEO, We Create Tech (Winner)

Shana’s journey combines creativity, education, and technology. As the Founder and CEO of We Create Tech, she leads a fast-growing nonprofit dedicated to closing the opportunity divide in STEAM through culturally relevant tech education. Over the past year, Shana expanded from serving 200 youth to 700+ students, providing hands-on STEAM training across all six Google Career Certificate areas, and launched TechRise — a digital ecosystem offering certifications, internships, and advisor connections.

“Leading We Create Tech has been about building pathways, lifting others, and creating opportunities where they didn’t exist before.”

Allison Giddens — CIO, Win-Tech, Inc. (Finalist)

Allison’s career is a testament to long-term dedication, leadership, and innovation in a small business setting. Over nearly two decades, she grew from assistant to co-owner and now serves as CIO of Win-Tech, Inc., a small aerospace manufacturer. In June 2025, Allison led Win-Tech through a successful Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 third-party assessment — making them one of the first small manufacturers to achieve this milestone.

“Leading Win-Tech is about more than business outcomes — it’s about opening doors for others, inspiring future engineers, and building systems that support growth.”

Celine Vignal — Founder, Seesaw Health (Finalist)

Celine’s journey is driven by innovation, science, and a personal commitment to women’s health. As the founder of Seesaw Health, she leads a pioneering health tech company at the intersection of biosensing, behavioral therapies, and women’s wellness.

“Building Seesaw Health has been about transforming personal experience into actionable innovation.”

Woman to Watch: Leading with Vision and Impact

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The 2025 Woman to Watch category honored leaders who are driving innovation, shaping strategy, and inspiring others in technology.

ZsaVette Eze — Vice President of Technology, Synchrony Financial (Winner)

ZsaVette’s journey in technology spans more than 15 years across fintech, cloud, and enterprise transformation. One of her proudest milestones came while leading the launch and operational scale of Amazon Pay Later at Synchrony Financial. As the single-threaded owner, she aligned technology, compliance, fraud prevention, and customer experience across two Fortune 100 companies — resulting in a product that supported $967M in net earnings and exceeded EPS expectations by nearly 40%.

“Leading initiatives like Amazon Pay Later has not only proven my leadership but also reinforced the importance of visibility, strategic thinking, and mentoring others to succeed.”

Manjula Ganta — Senior Director of Product Development, ADP (Finalist)

Manjula’s career in technology spans 25 years in Human Capital Management. At ADP, she leads technology teams managing HR, Payroll, Talent, and Portal products across a $500M portfolio. She led a large-scale digital transformation of ADP’s Payroll product, moving from legacy on-premise to cloud-based solution, supporting over 600 clients and generating $8.6M in cost savings.

“Driving large-scale transformation requires more than technology — it’s about empowering teams to innovate confidently.”

Francine Marquis — AI Program Manager, Google Cloud (Finalist)

Francine is revolutionizing AI accessibility while creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. She architected Google Cloud AI’s Trusted Tester Program, expanding it from an internal pilot to a 5,000+ customer ecosystem — exceeding projections by 10x in just 1.5 years.

“The best innovations emerge when diverse voices shape technology from the ground up.”