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 journey towards leadership in technology and business has been both unique and unconventional. With a master’s in applied chemistry and environmental health, I spent time teaching college-level chemistry and working in oceanography. Eventually I took an unexpected turn towards information technology, driven by sheer determination and a love for learning. I embarked on a self-study journey using a book to learn programming while taking a break to deliver my first son. This self-taught expertise has been a cornerstone of my entire journey and led me to my first consulting position to build an ERP system. I continued growing and learning new leadership skills while setting up a Business Transformation and Digital Transformation business line. Eventually, I shifted my focus to Healthcare as my industry vertical of choice and moved into leadership roles. If I were to sum up what led me to my current role, it would be hard work combined with a fearlessness of the unknown. Learn it and do it! 

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

My initial promotion at my first position within a global consulting firm was a moment of great pride. As the sole member of my cohort without a formal technology degree, I had undertaken the challenge of self-learning the necessary skills. Earning recognition as the ‘star’ of my cohort validated my diligent efforts and was an acknowledgment that technology should not be feared, but rather embraced as a powerful tool for achieving exceptional results.

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

I am deeply enthused by the transformative potential of technology across diverse sectors, including healthcare, human interactions, and sustainability. The application of artificial intelligence in precision and personalized medicine is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery and enhance patient outcomes significantly. I am particularly eager to witness the collaborative synergy between AI and healthcare professionals, allowing them to prioritize meaningful human interactions. Furthermore, digitization holds the promise of driving sustainable development and fostering inclusive growth, ultimately paving the way for poverty alleviation and greater equality.

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

As a board member of Tech Alpharetta, a technology incubator, I co-chair the Women’s Forum through which we have established a mentoring program to encourage high school girls to enter STEAM fields. In the last few years, the program has grown from inception to 38 mentees and mentors with sponsors of over a dozen technology companies. For the last several years, I have also been volunteering at a cultural community center to teach strong youth values, instilling self-confidence and character development in children aged 4 – 15. 

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

I hold a strong optimism for the future of women in technology. The increasing presence of accomplished women who are dedicated to mentoring emerging talent is truly inspiring. Organizations such as Women In Technology are doing amazing work in highlighting positive role-models and fostering an encouraging environment for women to thrive in technology careers. I would like to see that eventually as a society we will be able to look past gender and there will be parity across the board from which innovation will thrive.  

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

For someone who self-studied my first programming language from a book, the recognition validates the hard work and perseverance that have been central to my work ethic for many years. I hope young women take advantage of resources available and not let biases or stereotypes come in the way of their success. This celebration encourages me to do even more to uplift and encourage women to carve a place for us to be part of innovation and technology transformation. WIT is working hard to take women from the classroom to the boardroom and I am extremely grateful to be part of that journey as it is so close to my heart.