WIT Connect 2026 Recap

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WIT Connect 2026 was everything this community stands for: energy, generosity, purpose, and the undeniable power of what happens when Georgia’s technology leaders come together in the same room. On April 29th, more than 550 supporters gathered for an evening that was as inspiring as it was fun—celebrating the women and girls who are shaping the future of technology, and raising critical funds to power WIT’s programs for another year. Thanks to the leadership of our Presenting Sponsor, Cox, and a community that showed up in full force, WIT Connect 2026 raised $339,000 to fuel the year ahead.

An Evening That Delivered

WIT Connect is not a typical gala. It is a high-energy gathering that blends meaningful conversation with friendly competition, peer connection with senior leadership access, and celebration with accountability. Attendees left having made real connections, heard honest perspectives from leaders they admire, and contributed directly to a mission they believe in.

The Silent Auction featured exceptional experiences and items donated by partners across the Atlanta technology community. The energy in the room during bidding was electric, and the generosity on display was a testament to how deeply this community invests in WIT’s work.

Why WIT Connect Matters

Every dollar raised at WIT Connect goes directly to supporting WIT Girls, WIT Campus, WIT YoPros, and the forums and programming that have built this community over three decades. When you show up for WIT Connect, you are not just attending an event. You are funding the scholarship that helps a young woman pursue a computer science degree. You are supporting the middle schooler who just discovered she loves coding. You are backing the early-career professional who needs a community to help her persist.

Save the Date for 2027

Did you miss it this year? Mark your calendar now: WIT Connect 2027 is Thursday, May 6, 2027. Sponsorships and tickets will open in early 2027. In the meantime, stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter and following WIT on social media.

AI and Your Career: Key Takeaways from a Recent WIT Forum

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The conversation about artificial intelligence and career development is no longer hypothetical. It is happening right now, in boardrooms, on factory floors, and in every corner of the technology workforce. At a recent WIT forum, a panel of senior technology leaders came together to share candid perspectives on what the AI moment means for women in tech.

AI Is No Longer Experimental — It Is a Competitive Requirement

When attendees were asked how AI feels in relation to their careers, the most common responses were “competitive advantage” and “skill requirement.” The panelists agreed: this is not hype, and it is not coming someday. AI is already reshaping knowledge work in ways we have not seen before. Those who adopt early will have a distinct edge. Those who wait may find themselves left behind.

Gender Gaps in AI Adoption Are Real — and Worth Naming

Research suggests that women are less likely than men to self-start their AI learning journeys. Imposter syndrome, experienced by a significant majority of women at some point in their careers, plays a real role. The takeaway: culture matters enormously, and not everyone is working in a supportive one.

If Your Organization Is Not Giving You Time, Find It Yourself

The companies leading on AI are intentionally carving out time for their teams to learn, experiment, and fail safely. But for those without that support: do not let your company’s priorities determine your learning. Start small. A ten-minute YouTube video. A podcast on your commute. A few questions typed into a free AI tool on your own time.

Diversity Is Not Separate from AI — It Is Essential to It

Generative AI models are built on data, and that data carries bias. Diverse teams are not just a values-driven priority in the AI era; they are a technical and strategic necessity. Women who step into AI roles are helping to shape technology that will affect everyone.

The Bottom Line: Start Somewhere

AI may not replace your job. But people who understand AI will be more competitive for it. The skill gap is real, the opportunity is real, and the moment to begin is now.

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.”