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Introducing the 2026 WIT Awards Finalists

September 1, 2026 by ameredith Leave a Comment

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.

  • Natalie Hogg, CEO, Method Q
  • Missy Taylor, CEO, Phobio
  • Dr. Irene Thong, Chief Information Officer, Oglethorpe Power Corporation

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.

  • Caroline Cochran, Chief People Officer, Candescent
  • Tasha McCall, VP, Payments & Agentic Commerce, Synchrony Financial
  • Jaga Saravanan, Chief of Technology Operations, MagMutual Insurance

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.

  • Arati Chavan, Vice President, Cyber Security, McKesson
  • Naomi Lariviere, Chief Product Owner, ADP
  • Missy Lawson, SVP Technology; Cyber, Risk, & Business Operations, Fiserv

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.

  • 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

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.

  • 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

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.

  • Delilah Freeman, AVP, Delivery Lead – Technology, Bank of America
  • Marilyn Scott, Business Information Security Officer, Equifax
  • Shana Shell, Technical Analyst, DevSecOps, Norfolk Southern

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.

  • Georgia Gwinnett College
  • Georgia Southern University
  • University of Georgia

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.

  • Gabi Angryk, Walton High School
  • Hailey Blackmon, THRIVE Christian Academy
  • Garvita Singh, Wheeler High School

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.

Filed Under: Upcoming Event, WIT Awards Tagged With: 2026 WIT Awards Finalists

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