Inspiring stories of top 50 women in tech in the US by Wire19

Aicha Evans is the CEO of Amazon’s self-driving car subsidiary, Zoox. She was born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1969 and grew up in Paris, France. A highly educated individual, Evans earned degrees in electrical engineering from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Stanford University. She began her career at Intel, where she held various engineering and management positions for 13 years before joining Cisco Systems as a senior vice president. In 2019, she became the CEO of Zoox, making history as the first Senegalese-American female CEO in the autonomous vehicle technology industry.

Under her leadership, Zoox was acquired by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020. Evans is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, serving on the board of directors for the National Center for Women & Information Technology and mentoring young women in STEM fields. She is passionate about the potential of autonomous vehicles to revolutionize transportation and improve road safety. Aicha Evans is an influential figure, inspiring women and girls worldwide and committed to making a positive impact through her work and advocacy.

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Since taking up the position of Chief Information Officer at Amdocs in 2019, Alegra Kilstein has been instrumental in guiding the company’s IT and infrastructure management while ensuring robust data protection. She prioritizes innovation in technology solutions and under her leadership, Amdocs has undergone a successful digital transformation, incorporating cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence technologies. Moreover, she has played a pivotal role in introducing new products and services, such as the cloud-based customer engagement platform.

Alegra Kilstein boasts an impressive background in the technology industry, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Israel Institute of Technology. Additionally, she attended a Leadership program at Harvard Business School, further enhancing her skills and expertise. Before joining Amdocs, Alegra served as the CIO and Head of IT at ADC, where she contributed to her track record of achievements in the field.

Alegra is deeply committed to fostering diversity among staff members, extending beyond the corporate sphere through collaborative projects with various communities in Israel, including initiatives with the ultra-Orthodox population, Druze women, and a site in Nazareth, among others.

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Alvina is an esteemed leader with a remarkable track record of over 25 years in Business Transformation, Global Delivery, and M&A Integration. She has gained trust through her dedication to delivering innovative solutions that foster strong credibility across business and technical domains. Throughout her career, Alvina has successfully built high-performing global teams to achieve strategic objectives for Fortune 50 Enterprises.

Her expertise extends to speaking engagements at Executive Briefing Centres and Technology Conferences, where she shares strategies for effectively integrating M&As while transforming businesses into end-to-end solution specialists, moving away from being just hardware providers.

Currently serving as the CIO at Okta, a prominent IT company specializing in cloud-based identity management, Alvina plays a crucial role in aligning business results with the company’s overarching objectives. Her comprehensive understanding of end-to-end business processes enables her to lead Okta’s IT strategy and operations effectively. Before joining Okta, Alvina served as the CIO of Zuora, a leading provider of cloud-based software on a subscription basis. Her experience also includes a role as Director- Mergers & Acquisitions, at Dell.

At Okta, Alvina has led various initiatives to enhance IT security and compliance, ensuring that the company’s products and services remain secure and reliable. Her leadership has been pivotal in the successful expansion of Okta’s offices in Europe and Asia.

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With nearly 20 years of experience in executive leadership and a passion for using technology for positive impact, Anu Bharadwaj serves as the President of Atlassian. She is focused on uniting product, business, design, and engineering teams to deliver innovative products that customers love and that help supercharge business growth. Anu joined Atlassian in 2014 as Head of Product for Jira and has held various vital roles since then. Before Atlassian, she spent over a decade at Microsoft, launching products for Microsoft Visual Studio.

Anu’s leadership included scaling a distributed workforce in 13 countries, leading Atlassian’s SaaS transformation, building the Cloud Enterprise business, and scaling the Cloud Platform teams. Her dedication to diversity and positive change is evident in her involvement in Outsystems’ Board of Directors, advising startups like Snyk and Xembly, and contributing to the Operator Collective venture fund for empowering diverse founders.

She drives pioneering initiatives for enterprise business, cloud platform teams, and operations at Atlassian, leading transformative projects across product lines. With her wealth of expertise and commitment to growth and impact, Anu continues to make a significant difference in the tech industry and beyond.

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Archana Deskus, nicknamed “Archie,” is the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at PayPal. In this influential role, she manages a wide range of technology areas, including global information technology operations, Employee Technology and Experiences, Enterprise Data Platforms, Business Transformation Office, and Site Reliability and Cloud Engineering teams. Her leadership is vital in shaping PayPal’s internal technology strategy, as well as managing and transforming technology systems.

Before joining PayPal, Archie held key positions at Intel and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). As Senior Vice President and CIO at Intel, she leveraged technology to drive the company’s growth ambitions across various industries. At HPE, she managed IT infrastructure, collaborated with business units, and oversaw a company-wide transformation program.

Archie’s extensive career includes CIO roles at prominent organizations such as Baker Hughes, Ingersoll Rand, Timex, and United Technologies. She’s also a board member at East West Bank and Cognizant, contributing to their governance and strategic direction.

Archie’s academic background includes an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Management Information Systems from Boston University. Her combined professional and educational experiences position her as a strategic leader at the intersection of technology and business.

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Ariane Schiereck, Chief Information Officer at Hollister, a top 50 global Medical Device company, is a seasoned IT executive with a 25-year track record of scaling, growing, and transforming global Fortune 500 companies. She’s driven by technology’s transformative potential and excels at steering companies into the digital era. Her focus is on leveraging digital, data, and technology to transform business operations, accelerate innovation, and revolutionize the customer experience.

A strategic CIO, she’s skilled at transforming IT into a growth engine, boosting both top and bottom lines. Collaborating across the C-Suite, she defines the digital value agenda and implements next-gen platforms and architectures to deliver organizational speed, agility, resiliency, and new digital revenue streams.

Recognized as an inspirational leader, Schiereck shapes the future of business, develops future leaders, and fosters agile cultures, data fluency, and digital dexterity. Her accomplishments include leading successful company public offerings, driving record revenue and profit growth, building exceptional IT organizations, overseeing large scale digital transformations, and successfully guiding global M&A integration programs.

Her extensive experience spans diverse regulated industries, offering valuable insights into business needs, and security, regulatory, and compliance challenges. Schiereck’s vision, strategy, and value-driven approach have had a transformative impact on complex organizations, enabling growth, agility, and innovation, making her a standout leader in the digital era.

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Dr. Celeste Fralick, a distinguished figure in the realm of technology, holds the position of Senior Principal Engineer and Chief Data Scientist at McAfee. In this capacity, she spearheads the integration of technical analytics into McAfee’s wide array of consumer and enterprise products, as well as oversees the company’s internal Business Intelligence operations. With a remarkable career spanning over 36 years, Dr. Fralick brings a wealth of industry experience to her role.

Before the Intel-McAfee transition, Dr. Fralick held the role of Chief Data Scientist within Intel’s Internet of Things Group. Her accomplishments there included pioneering the development of Machine Learning and Deep Learning analytics across eight distinct markets. In addition, she has been a driving force in shaping McAfee’s Analytic Center of Excellence, and her leadership excels in Intel’s data science initiatives, biotech strategies, product qualification, and product life cycle programs.

Actively engaged in a multitude of industry and academic boards, journal editorial teams, and consortiums, her expertise spans multiple domains, including analytics, systems, IoT engineering, semiconductor processes, and product development. Notably, she has made significant contributions in the regulatory, medical device, quality, and reliability domains. Dr. Fralick holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University, with a concentration on predictive analytics and neuroscience. Her ongoing work includes authoring “Intelligent Analytics: Bringing Analytics to the Internet of Things.” a publication to be released by Springer.

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Cynthia Stoddard is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Adobe, responsible for shaping the company’s global IT and security strategy. With over 25 years of experience, she has held significant IT leadership roles at NetApp and Safeway before joining Adobe in 2016. Cynthia’s impact at Adobe has been profound, overseeing the implementation of a cloud-first IT strategy, establishing a robust enterprise security program, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Her expertise extends to mission-critical IT strategies, system design, and operations for global enterprises. Cynthia is a hands-on executive with a solid foundation in technology, software development, and corporate IT restructuring, making her an integral part of the company’s leadership team. Under her guidance, Adobe’s Information Technology and Cloud Operations teams have thrived, ensuring the essential backbone of the company’s services and operations.

Cynthia’s experience isn’t limited to Adobe; she has showcased her leadership skills at NetApp, Safeway, and APL Limited, contributing to supply chain, retail, and technology development. Her career is marked by accomplishments, making her a vital asset in driving Adobe’s transformation and modernization efforts while maintaining a deep focus on security and customer-oriented solutions.

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Danah Boyd is a prominent figure, known for her influential book “It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens,” which has established her as an authority on the intersection of technology and society. She holds several significant roles, including being a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research, the Founder/President of the Data & Society Research Institute, and a visiting Professor at New York University.

Her research focuses on addressing social and cultural inequities by exploring the relationship between technology and society. Currently, she is particularly interested in the dynamics surrounding the US census, with a focus on questions related to data legitimacy and data infrastructure security, with an emphasis on integrating differential privacy into contemporary disclosure avoidance procedures.

In addition to her academic work, danah boyd is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, serving as a director for both Crisis Text Line and the Social Science Research Council. She has received recognition for her achievements, including being named a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and holding positions such as a Trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian.

With an impressive academic background, including a B.Sc. in computer science from Brown University, an M.Sc. from the MIT Media Lab, and a Ph.D. in Information from the University of California, Berkeley, boyd is dedicated to grounding decision-making in empirical knowledge. Her work addresses crucial topics like data quality, differential privacy, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the census, as well as concepts of fairness, accountability, and transparency.

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Dara Treseder is a seasoned marketing executive with a track record of successful leadership at renowned brands. Most recently, she held the position of SVP and Global Head of Marketing, Communications & Membership at Peloton Interactive, responsible for the company’s expanding marketing endeavors. Before Peloton, she served as Chief Marketing Officer at Carbon, GE Business Innovations, and GE Ventures, and held significant marketing roles at Apple and Goldman Sachs.

In her current role as chief marketing officer at Autodesk, Dara spearheads the company’s global marketing strategy, overseeing various teams including worldwide marketing, brand & communications, global demand generation, and the education business division. Her expertise lies in category creation, and she is dedicated to advancing Autodesk’s mission of empowering innovators to reach new heights.

Dara is a board member at Robinhood and also champions public health as the chair of the board of Public Health Institute. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts with highest honors from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.

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Hailing from Guangzhou, China, Elaine Zhou’s life took a significant turn when she and her family immigrated to the United States in 1992 and her father passed away shortly after. Forced to become her family’s primary breadwinner at the age of 20, Elaine left her old dreams of becoming a doctor, and redirected her aspirations towards the field of engineering, recognizing that it offered a distinctive pathway to achieve her goal of contributing positively to society.

Her journey in engineering began at PeopleSoft, where she laid a solid foundation in engineering principles while immersing herself in a company culture that highly valued collaboration, teamwork, and community. As her career progressed, Elaine undertook projects that underscored her commitment to social justice, notably creating a Facebook-like social network tailored to the LGBTQ+ community during a time when such spaces were sorely lacking.

She eventually delved into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), taking on the formidable challenge of teaching AI systems to decipher diverse styles of human handwriting. Within Change.org, Elaine identified an opportunity to amalgamate her passions for culture, community, and equitable AI on a grand scale. She specializes in crafting AI strategies and meticulously planned engineering roadmaps. Elaine’s impact extends beyond the confines of Change.org; she has previously held influential positions in organizations like Vidado.ai and Clean Power Finance, where she consistently showcased her ability to navigate intricate and ever-evolving landscapes.

In her current role, Elaine oversees a global engineering team tasked with ensuring that 600 million users worldwide can access Change.org’s platform seamlessly. Her steadfast commitment to Responsible AI implementation and her contributions to distributed cloud infrastructure initiatives have facilitated the organization’s expansion while enhancing the user experience.

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Elina Berglund, a Swedish engineering physicist, completed her PhD at CERN, focusing on the Higgs boson particle’s search. After its discovery, Berglund shifted her attention to family life and sought an alternative to the contraceptive pill. She co-founded Natural Cycles, a fertility tracking app, in 2013, which now serves over 900,000 users in 200 countries and raised $37.5 million in funding. The app, a Class II medical device, is FDA-cleared in the US and certified as a contraceptive in Europe, Australia, and Singapore. It integrates with third-party wearables and offers NC° Birth Control, Plan Pregnancy, and Follow Pregnancy modes.

Natural Cycles is renowned for being the world’s first birth control app, with a proven effectiveness of 93% with typical use and 98% with perfect use. Berglund, along with Dr. Raoul Scherwitzl, co-founded the company, with a focus on pioneering women’s health through extensive research. Their on-staff Research Team has contributed to 14 peer-reviewed papers.

Overall, Elina Berglund’s journey from particle physics to women’s health entrepreneurship has been remarkable, with Natural Cycles becoming a leading force in women’s reproductive health and providing women worldwide with a reliable and accessible contraceptive option.

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Elizabeth Hackenson is a highly experienced technology leader with more than three decades of expertise in overseeing technology operations and initiatives within large-scale organizations. She currently holds the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Senior Vice President (SVP) at Schneider Electric, a role she assumed in 2017. Before her tenure at Schneider Electric, Hackenson served as CIO in three major organizations, including AES (2008-2017), Alcatel-Lucent (2006-2008), and MCI (2004-2006).

In her role at AES, a Fortune 200 company specializing in electric power generation and distribution across 17 countries, Hackenson played a crucial part in shaping corporate strategy and capital allocation. She oversaw technology teams, including energy storage, global information technology, and cybersecurity, and was responsible for AES’ insurance programs and internal audits. She also held board positions in several AES subsidiary companies.

Hackenson’s career includes holding senior leadership positions in prestigious organizations like Alcatel-Lucent and MCI, where she spearheaded IT operations, e-business platforms, and internal systems. She has consistently been recognized for her outstanding contributions, earning accolades such as induction into the CIO Hall of Fame in 2014, and being named one of Computer World’s top 100 premier IT leaders in 2005.

During her time at Schneider Electric, Hackenson oversaw the establishment of Schneider Digital, a critical move in the company’s journey toward digital transformation. This involved digitizing the IT function and supporting various business areas, such as sales, supply, finance, and HR, with a cloud-first mindset. She also led initiatives to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and enhance cybersecurity.

Elizabeth Hackenson’s impressive career highlights her deep commitment to technology innovation and her role in driving digital transformation within large-scale organizations. Her expertise and leadership have contributed significantly to the success of Schneider Electric and the broader technology landscape.

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Erie Meyer is a prominent figure in the realm of public service and technology innovation. She worked as the Director of Code for America National Network and has a rich history of influential roles in government and tech-related initiatives.

Her career began as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Chief Technology Officer at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in President Obama’s Open Data Initiatives, emphasizing transparency and accessibility of government data. Her work extended to co-founding the United States Digital Service, where she continued to champion technological advancements in government.

Erie’s contributions are not limited to the federal level; she was a driving force behind the establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Here, she spearheaded initiatives to collect and disclose consumer complaints about financial products, enhancing transparency in the financial sector.

Her dedication to open-source principles led to the creation of one of the first open-source government websites while setting up the digital office for the Ohio Attorney General. Additionally, Erie is a co-founder of Tech Ladymafia, a group of trailblazing women in technology worldwide.

Recognized for her outstanding work, Erie Meyer earned a spot on Forbes’ “30 under 30” list for technology and has been featured in various prestigious publications, cementing her position as a leading figure in the intersection of technology and public service.

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Fiona Tan serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Wayfair, where she leads a global innovation team dedicated to enhancing the company’s e-commerce platform. With an illustrious career in technology and engineering, Fiona previously held the position of Senior Vice President of U.S. Technology at Walmart. During her tenure there, she oversaw innovation and engineering projects for the company’s website, app, and technology across both its e-commerce and physical stores in the United States. Fiona’s roles at Walmart also included Senior Vice President of Customer Technology and Vice President of Engineering.

Before her time at Walmart, Fiona made significant contributions to Ariba, where she led a global engineering team responsible for strategy development, lifecycle management, and delivery oversight of the Ariba Commerce Network. She also worked with TIBCO Software. Fiona’s educational background is equally impressive, with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT).

Fiona Tan is a distinguished senior software executive known for her strong technical acumen and extensive experience in shaping technology strategies and product development. She has a track record of leading international teams and has successfully managed offshore centers of excellence, supervising a global team of over 2000 engineers. Her leadership at Wayfair reflects her commitment to driving innovation and exceptional experiences in the e-commerce industry.

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Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a renowned figure in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer science, known for her significant contributions to AI education, research, and policy. She is the Sequoia Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stanford University and a Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute. Dr. Li co-created ImageNet, a groundbreaking visual object recognition database that played a pivotal role in ushering in the era of deep learning in AI.

Beyond her academic roles, Dr. Li has been a trailblazer in advocating for diversity and inclusion in AI. She co-founded AI4ALL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in AI education and research. During her sabbatical as Chief Scientist for AI at Google Cloud, she raised concerns about Google’s AI contract with the Pentagon, highlighting the ethical considerations of AI in defense.

Dr. Li’s impressive academic journey includes degrees in physics and electrical engineering, culminating in a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology. She has authored numerous scientific articles and received prestigious awards, including the IBM Faculty Fellow Award and the NSF Career Award.

Her work extends to policy and governance, as she has provided congressional testimony on AI responsibility and served on the California Future of Work Commission and the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Task Force for the White House.

Dr. Fei-Fei Li’s dedication to advancing AI, promoting diversity, and ensuring responsible AI use has earned her recognition as a member of esteemed organizations like the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her influence extends beyond academia, making her a leading voice in the AI community and a driving force for positive change in the field.

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Virginia Marie “Ginni” Rometty, a 36-year veteran of IBM, made history as the first woman to lead the iconic tech company. During her tenure as CEO, Rometty oversaw a remarkable transformation, shifting IBM’s focus from legacy software products to emerging, high-value segments of IT, with half of the company’s 2017 revenue coming from these new areas.

Under Rometty’s leadership, IBM embraced cognitive computing as a central strategy for the future, making significant investments in blockchain and quantum computing. In a pivotal move, IBM acquired Red Hat for $34 billion in 2018, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in cloud computing alongside Amazon and Microsoft.

Rometty’s career at IBM began as a systems engineer in 1981, and she steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming CEO in 2012. She orchestrated a strategic shift for IBM by steering it away from unprofitable business segments. She recognized the potential of big data and analytics as the company’s future growth drivers. During this pivotal year, she facilitated a groundbreaking collaboration between Apple and IBM, aimed at developing applications tailored for IBM’s enterprise clientele.

Simultaneously, she unveiled IBM’s partnerships with SAP for cloud computing and Twitter for data analytics. The following year, in 2015, she further solidified IBM’s position by forging a partnership with Box. Under her leadership, IBM embarked on a significant acquisition spree, investing $8.5 billion in approximately 30 companies between 2012 and 2015. Additionally, she oversaw the divestment of around $7 billion in less lucrative assets, such as chip manufacturing, by 2016.

During her leadership, she emphasized analytics, cloud computing, and cognitive systems, guiding IBM’s transition towards higher-growth areas like artificial intelligence. By 2018, she highlighted that nearly half of IBM’s patents were in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, blockchain, and quantum computing, showcasing her commitment to innovation.

Ginni Rometty’s career journey, from a scholarship recipient at Northwestern University to the helm of IBM, exemplifies her enduring impact on the tech industry and her relentless pursuit of technological advancement and innovation.

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Jacqueline Guichelaar, a seasoned technology executive, currently serves as a Customer Experience Officer at Cisco for the Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China region, based in Singapore. With over three decades of experience, including roles as CIO, CTO, and COO, she brings a wealth of knowledge to help Cisco customers navigate their IT digitization and transformation journeys. Her career spans across various industries, including finance, telecommunications, media, and more.

During her tenure as Group Chief Information Officer at Cisco, she oversaw the Digital Enterprise Solutions organization, responsible for software, hardware, data centers, enterprise security, hybrid cloud, and data analytics. She played a pivotal role in crafting a future state architecture strategy for the company.

Before joining Cisco, Guichelaar held leadership positions at Thomson Reuters, Lloyds Bank, Deutsche Bank, National Australia Bank, IBM, and CSC. Her diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of technology and transformation across industries.

Guichelaar’s dedication to fostering talent is evident throughout her career, and she has consistently delivered large-scale transformation programs with a focus on structured planning and governance. Her achievements have earned her recognition on various lists of influential leaders, including the HITEC 100, ALPFA’s Most Powerful Latinas, and more.

Born in Uruguay and raised in Australia, Guichelaar’s global work experience reflects her passion for embracing diverse cultures and promoting diversity of thought. She is actively involved in several non-profit organizations and serves on the boards of Cano Health, ICONIQ, California Conference for Women, Covenant House California, and more. Additionally, she has played key roles in charitable initiatives, such as co-chairing the American Cancer Society San Francisco Gala and serving as Global Executive Sponsor of Cisco PRIDE. Guichelaar’s extensive expertise in data and technology operations continues to drive innovation and transformation in the technology industry.

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Jacqueline Woods is a highly influential figure within the Teradata organization, holding the dual roles of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Her responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum of marketing and communications functions, including strategic planning and execution, brand management, advertising, and digital and social media engagement. With an impressive track record as a technology executive, Jacqueline is recognized for her results-driven approach and her ability to drive organizational progress.

Before her role at Teradata, Jacqueline served as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at NielsenIQ, where she played a pivotal role in revitalizing the company’s brand and image. Before that, she spent nearly a decade at IBM, holding various positions, including CMO of IBM Global Partner Ecosystem Division, where she focused on developing strategies for cloud, Data, AI, and SaaS products.

Jacqueline’s career is marked by her energetic leadership, which has led to the growth of global businesses through innovative brand strategies, customer-centered programs, and revenue optimization. Her ability to build partnerships and unify business functions, such as sales, marketing, and operations, has consistently delivered impressive results across various industry sectors.

Her extensive experience includes senior roles in Fortune 500 enterprises, where she has collaborated effectively with LOB leaders and C-Suite teams to drive strategic goals through transformational customer engagement models. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jacqueline is actively involved in board roles for Winnebago Industries, Avaya Holdings Corp, Community Reinvestment Fund USA, and the Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. She is a CMO to watch in 2022, recognized by the CMO Alliance, a globally renowned collective. Jacqueline Woods’ extensive experience and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to Teradata and the broader business community.

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Jae Evans holds the esteemed position of CIO at Oracle, where she has played a pivotal role in Oracle’s shift to cloud computing, with a focus on enhancing employee productivity and user experience. Since joining Oracle in 2020, she has successfully overseen the improvement of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) developer productivity and the efficient management of global cloud regions. Her illustrious career spans over two decades, culminating in her role as Senior Vice President of Global Infrastructure Engineering and Operations at Walmart Labs. Her expertise lies in building and managing global teams while maintaining the security and efficiency of mission-critical services across diverse industries.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jae is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. She serves as the Executive Sponsor of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) for OCI and is an active advocate for various Asian Leadership and Women in Tech initiatives. Her passion for fostering diversity and inclusion extends to her role as a member of Oracle’s Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council.

In her current position, Jae Evans leads Oracle’s global IT transformation efforts, overseeing thousands of environments and providing essential IT services to Oracle’s extensive workforce worldwide. Additionally, she heads OCI’s platform services, ensuring the highest level of availability and support for OCI customers. Her extensive experience in managing mission-critical services across industries, from e-commerce to telecommunications, has uniquely positioned her as a leader in the tech industry.

Jae Evans is not only a trailblazer in cloud technology but also a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, making her a prominent figure in both the technology and D&I sectors.

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Jane Connell, a seasoned executive with a distinguished career, currently holds the position of Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Verizon, a role she assumed in 2021. Her extensive professional journey has seen her serve in key leadership positions at some of the most prominent companies in the corporate landscape. Her tenure at State Street Bank involved overseeing corporate functions, while at Johnson & Johnson, she held various leadership roles, including spearheading diversity and women’s leadership initiatives.

Jane is also an active member of Rutgers University’s LDSP Advisory Board, further showcasing her commitment to education and development. Her role at Verizon involves leading a comprehensive transformation of global technology services for the telecom giant, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, visibility, and compliance across various operational aspects. This transformation is regarded as one of the largest internal endeavors in recent years.

Throughout her career, Jane has championed diversity and employee engagement, recognizing their pivotal role in successful organizational change. She possesses a strong track record of driving business and digital transformations, aligning technology solutions with business needs, and fostering innovation and collaboration. Her expertise extends to business enablement, workforce development, and the advancement of diversity and inclusion.

Jane’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rider University, complemented by executive education at Smith College and certification as a Process Six Sigma Greenbelt. Her contributions to various industry organizations and her role on the Rutgers University LDSP Advisory Board underscore her commitment to education, leadership, and innovation. Jane Connell stands as a prominent figure in the corporate world, driving transformative change and championing diversity and inclusion.

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Jill Larson’s illustrious career journey began in the realm of sales and marketing at esteemed companies such as The Transpo Group and Neptune Society. In 2008, she embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial venture as a co-founder of Smart Cremation—a highly successful enterprise valued at an impressive $20 million. Smart Cremation revolutionized the cremation process by streamlining it for families, providing a one-stop platform for arrangement and financing.

In 2013, Larson made a significant transition to Microsoft, where she assumed pivotal roles such as Director of Marketing and Principal Program Manager. Her six-year tenure at Microsoft showcased her proficiency in various facets of product development, branding, marketing, and program management.

Building upon her wealth of experience and expertise, Jill Larson later joined Qualtrics as a Senior Product Manager, focusing on enhancing product design and driving growth. Her unparalleled two-decade journey in the corporate landscape underscores her comprehensive knowledge of both creating and marketing products across diverse industries.

With a stellar record as a seasoned leader possessing a high emotional quotient (EQ), Larson boasts extensive experience across the entire product lifecycle. Her repertoire encompasses research, product development, branding, go-to-market strategies, product marketing, demand generation, customer advocacy, and sales. Additionally, she excels in strategic business planning, product strategy and development, marketing analysis, business development, and branding. Jill Larson’s impactful leadership and multifaceted skill set continue to drive innovation and success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

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Jen Felch serves as the Chief Digital Officer and CIO at Dell, playing a pivotal role in the company’s digital transformation journey. Her leadership extends to overseeing Dell Digital and driving “The Dell Digital Way,” an innovative system for rapid product and feature launches. Before her tenure at Dell, Jen held engineering positions at renowned organizations like Boeing and Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), showcasing her extensive experience in the tech industry.

In her dual role as Chief Digital Officer and CIO, Jen Felch not only manages traditional CIO responsibilities but also serves as a change agent for digital transformation. She spearheads the implementation of the Dell Digital Way, a streamlined approach that accelerates the introduction of new products and capabilities, giving Dell a competitive edge.

Previously, Jen served as Senior Vice President in the Office of the CIO, where she led corporate supply chain initiatives, IT strategy, and business operations. Her contributions included enhancing the order experience for Dell’s business customers. Her diverse career also includes various global roles in business architecture, supply chain management, and factory operations.

Jen’s educational background boasts a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. She is also an alumna of MIT’s Leaders for Global Operations Program, where she earned an MBA and an MS in Computer Science.

With her solid engineering foundation and extensive experience, Jen Felch has been instrumental in bringing process rigor and standardization to Dell’s IT organization, further solidifying her role as a key leader in one of the world’s largest tech companies.

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Jennifer Doudna, an accomplished American biochemist, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of genetics through her pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing. Born in 1964 in Washington, D.C., she holds the Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Chair Professorship at the University of California, Berkeley.

Doudna’s most notable achievement was co-developing CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene editing tool, alongside French microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier in 2012. This innovation simplified and improved gene editing processes, transforming genetic research and offering potential cures for diseases, agricultural improvements, and even the creation of novel life forms. Their exceptional work earned them the prestigious 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, marking a historic moment as the first woman to share this Nobel Prize in the sciences since 1964.

Beyond her scientific achievements, Doudna is a strong advocate for responsible CRISPR-Cas9 usage, emphasizing the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering. She has co-founded several companies dedicated to developing CRISPR-based therapies for various diseases and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Jennifer Doudna’s influence extends to inspiring women in science and promoting STEM careers. Her tireless efforts in science education and research underscore her commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world, shaping the future of genetic engineering, and emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible scientific innovation.

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Joanna Burkey is a highly accomplished cybersecurity expert, currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at HP Inc. In her pivotal role, Joanna oversees HP’s comprehensive global cybersecurity program, which encompasses various critical aspects of information security, including IT infrastructure, technology platforms, governance, regulatory compliance, operations strategy, architecture, and product security.

Joanna’s extensive career in the cybersecurity field has been marked by notable achievements. Before rejoining HP in April 2020, she held a prominent position at Siemens AG as the Global Head for Cyber Defense. In this capacity, Joanna led efforts to safeguard IT and OT infrastructure security, along with products, solutions, and services. Her educational background includes a degree in computer science from The University of Texas at Austin and Angelo State University.

Joanna Burkey is recognized as a transformational leader, senior executive, and board director with profound expertise in cybersecurity and digital transformation. Beyond her role at HP, she serves as an independent director at Overstock and ReliabilityFirst Corporation. Throughout her career, Joanna has been dedicated to cybersecurity, strategy, engineering, risk management, and advocating for increased diversity within the technology sector. Her commitment to security and risk management continues to benefit organizations and industries globally. Joanna is based in Austin, Texas, and remains a prominent figure in the cybersecurity landscape.

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Jocelyn Goldfein is a highly accomplished figure in the technology industry, known for her leadership in funding AI-based startups and her contributions to Silicon Valley. Having held key engineering positions at Facebook, VMware, and Trilogy, she has over 20 years of experience in the field.

A Stanford University computer science graduate, Goldfein’s career trajectory began as an engineer at Trilogy, followed by a notable stint at VMware, where she was at the forefront of the cloud revolution, driving innovation and progress in the field, and eventually became Vice President of Engineering. During her tenure as Director of Engineering at Facebook, Goldfein played a pivotal role in spearheading the development of critical features such as Photos, News Feed, and the social network’s mobile app evolution. Later, in 2016, she joined Zetta Venture Partners and became a pivotal figure there.

Currently, as a Managing Director and General Partner at Zetta Venture Partners, Goldfein invests in early-stage AI and infrastructure companies and is passionate about using technology to address global challenges. She actively supports diversity and inclusion and mentors women and underrepresented minorities in tech.

Goldfein’s remarkable achievements earned her recognition as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Venture Capital” by Forbes in 2020. She serves on multiple boards, contributing to the advancement of the industry.

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Joy Buolamwini is a Ghanaian-American-Canadian computer scientist, digital activist, and poet of code known for her fight against algorithmic bias. While working on facial recognition software at MIT Media Lab, she discovered its bias against dark-skinned individuals. This led her to extensive research, revealing widespread bias in AI systems against people of color and marginalized groups. In 2016, she founded the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL) to raise awareness about algorithmic bias and promote equitable AI.

Buolamwini’s advocacy includes TED talks, articles, and congressional testimonies. She is also a co-founder of the Partnership on AI, focused on responsible AI development. Her work has earned her prestigious awards, including the MIT Media Lab Prize and the Ford Foundation’s Berkman Klein Fellowship. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest leaders by Fortune magazine, Buolamwini’s tireless efforts in the fight against algorithmic bias aim to ensure AI benefits everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, fostering a more inclusive and just technological future.

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Judy Faulkner is the remarkable founder and CEO of Epic Systems, a Wisconsin-based healthcare software company that she established in 1979, initially as Human Services Computing. Today, Epic stands as a formidable force in the industry with a valuation of $4.6 billion in 2022, and Faulkner maintains a 47% ownership stake.

Under Judy’s leadership, Epic’s influence in the healthcare sector is profound, as it supports the medical records of over 250 million patients and counts prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic among its users. What sets Epic apart is its steadfast commitment to self-sufficiency; the company has never sought venture capital, refraining from acquisitions, and developing all its software in-house.

Beyond her business acumen, Judith R. Faulkner’s philanthropic commitment is noteworthy. She pledged to the Giving Pledge in 2015, committing to donate 99% of her wealth to a private charitable foundation in due course.

Faulkner’s journey from her upbringing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to her educational pursuits culminating in a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, exemplifies her dedication to healthcare innovation. Epic’s origins in a Madison basement with a $70,000 investment have grown into an enterprise that securely manages the medical records of millions.

Faulkner and her family maintain a significant 47% ownership stake in Epic, emphasizing their dedication to retaining the company’s private status. Her visionary leadership has solidified Epic Systems as an industry leader and a testament to the power of dedication and innovation in the world of healthcare technology.

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Julie Sweet is a prominent American business executive and attorney, currently serving as the Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Accenture, a global professional services company. She assumed the role of CEO in September 2019 and took on the additional position of Chair in September 2021. Before her CEO role, Julie served as the CEO of Accenture’s North America business, the company’s largest geographic market.

Julie’s impressive career includes a decade-long partnership at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where she worked on various legal aspects, including financing and mergers and acquisitions. Her leadership at Accenture has been groundbreaking, as she became the first woman to hold the CEO position, making her one of the few women leading S&P 500 companies and a Fortune Global 500 CEO.

Julie is recognized for her advocacy of diversity, inclusion, and gender parity in the workplace. She has been a vocal supporter of Accenture’s goal to achieve gender balance in its workforce by 2025. In addition to her role at Accenture, Julie serves on the boards of prominent organizations, including Catalyst, the World Economic Forum, and the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Her influence and impact in the corporate world have earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in corporate America. Julie Sweet’s leadership extends beyond her company, as she actively contributes to shaping the future of business and workplace diversity.

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Kate Prouty serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Akamai, a position she has held since 1999. As CIO, she plays a pivotal role in driving business transformation at Akamai. She is responsible for the global strategy, development, and operation of applications and IT infrastructure that enhance user experiences for Akamai’s customers, employees, and partners. Throughout her tenure, Prouty has been a driving force behind Akamai’s business process transformation, emphasizing flexibility, agility, and user-centric experiences.

Prouty’s contributions have been fundamental to Akamai’s growth and scalability. She has led critical initiatives, such as implementing enterprise resource planning systems and developing network statistics systems, providing valuable insights into customer usage of Akamai’s network. Her expertise extends across various departments, including HR, Finance, Platform Engineering, Product Development, Services, and Sales, reflecting her deep understanding of security, risk, and compliance within the industry.

Before joining Akamai, Prouty held various technology positions at organizations like Fleet Financial and Digitas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Keene State College and completed the Greater Boston Executive Program at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Kate Prouty is not only a key figure in the technology field but also actively contributes to the community as a co-chair of Akamai’s Executive Women’s Network and as a member of the board of directors at the nonprofit organization Delta Projects, which supports individuals with intellectual challenges. Her leadership and dedication continue to drive Akamai’s success in the dynamic world of technology.

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Kate Maxwell is a distinguished technology leader and strategist who plays a pivotal role as the lead technical authority for Microsoft’s Worldwide Defense and Intelligence business. Her work involves collaborating closely with customers to comprehend their specific needs and challenges, working in tandem with engineering teams to provide innovative technology solutions, and crafting technology strategies that position Microsoft as a premier cloud provider and mission partner in the defense and intelligence sector.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kate Maxwell is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of STEM talent. She serves as a mentor to numerous individuals and personally funds and administers a scholarship for female graduates of her high school, Cocalico High School, who are pursuing technical degrees in college.

Maxwell’s extensive achievements and expertise encompass digital transformation in the public sector, unmanned systems, and innovation leadership. She is recognized as a sought-after author, storyteller, and keynote speaker. Her dedication to STEM outreach and promoting diversity in the tech industry is evident in her active advocacy.

Kate Maxwell’s impact extends far beyond her professional sphere. Her career trajectory, transitioning from a civilian technologist in the defense and intelligence sector to her current role as CTO at Microsoft, underscores her commitment to shaping the future of defense through software-driven solutions and global-scale impact. Her work with Microsoft also highlights the company’s dedication to innovation and empowering customers and partners to harness the potential of technology for digital transformation and mission success in the defense and intelligence industry.

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Kathryn Guarini, the Chief Information Officer of IBM, is a distinguished leader overseeing a workforce of thousands of employees. Her journey at IBM has been marked by impactful roles, including Chief Operating Officer for IBM Research and Vice President for Impact Science, where she emphasized technical excellence and operational efficiency. Her dedication to transformation significantly contributed to the success of IBM Research.

Over her extensive 20+ year career at IBM, Kathryn has held various leadership positions in research, development, and business. She is dedicated to leading teams that harness new technologies to meet the evolving needs of IT customers. Additionally, she actively serves on numerous committees and advisory boards, showcasing her commitment to innovation and diversity.

Kathryn’s leadership was instrumental in the transformation of IBM Research, increasing its impact, technical distinction, and operational efficiency. As VP of Impact Science, she spearheaded initiatives related to the Future of Health, Work, and Climate, as well as the Governance of Science and Technology.

With a Ph.D. in applied physics from Stanford University and over 65 US patents to her name, Kathryn is a highly accomplished technical researcher. Her work has earned industry recognition through numerous awards and more than 60 technical publications.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kathryn is a passionate advocate for mentoring and inspiring scientists and engineers, especially women. She maintains a blog called “Mother of Invention,” where she shares insights on leadership, science, and innovation. Kathryn Guarini stands as a prominent figure in the world of technology and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on both IBM and the broader industry.

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Katie Moussouris is a renowned figure in the cybersecurity world, known for her pioneering work in vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty programs. She played a pivotal role in collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense to establish the government’s inaugural bug bounty program, “Hack the Pentagon,” and subsequently, “Hack the Airforce.” These initiatives were undertaken during her tenure as the Chief Policy Officer at HackerOne, a leading vulnerability disclosure company.

Moussouris boasts a rich history in the field, having previously led Microsoft Vulnerability Research, where she spearheaded the development of Microsoft’s bug bounty program and conducted groundbreaking research. She leverages her extensive expertise through her company, Luta Security, which aids businesses and governments in partnering with ethical hackers to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. Her dedication to promoting responsible hacking and security research has made her a sought-after advisor for organizations, lawmakers, and governments worldwide.

Notably, Moussouris serves on three federal cyber advisory boards, including those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Commerce. Her contributions extend to international standards organizations, where she serves as a subject matter expert in vulnerability disclosure, handling processes, and secure development.

Furthermore, Moussouris is a visiting scholar at MIT Sloan School, conducting research on the vulnerability economy and exploit market, and holds affiliations with the New America Foundation and Harvard Belfer Center. Her extensive involvement in the cybersecurity community as an advisor and board member underscores her commitment to making the internet safer for all.

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Komal Mangtani’s journey from Surat to Silicon Valley has been marked by perseverance and trailblazing success. Currently, as the Senior Director and Head of Engineering and Business Intelligence at Uber, she holds a prominent role in the global technology sphere. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she earned a spot on Forbes’ ‘The World’s Top 50 Women in Tech 2018’ list.

In her role at Uber, Mangtani oversees Business Intelligence, playing a crucial role in managing customer service and financial interactions, contributing to the company’s impressive $7.5 billion in revenue. Her impressive career trajectory includes serving as Vice President of Engineering at Box, where she led both frontend and backend teams, and leading product development for cloud services at VMWare.

Komal Mangtani is not only a tech leader but also a strong advocate for gender diversity in the industry. She actively collaborates with organizations like Women Who Code and Girls Who Code to encourage more women to pursue careers in technology.

With a background in computer engineering and the unwavering support of her family, including her father who championed her cause, she defied societal norms and embarked on a successful career in technology.

Under her leadership, her teams at Uber have played a pivotal role in developing machine learning-driven platforms in areas such as payments, fraud detection, safety/insurance, financial forecasting, and tax and compliance engines. Her remarkable contributions have been instrumental in Uber’s growth from a $35 billion startup to a publicly traded company with a market capitalization exceeding $70 billion. Mangtani’s story serves as an inspiring testament to breaking barriers and achieving excellence in the tech world.

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Lidiane Jones is a prominent figure in the tech industry, currently serving as the CEO of Slack Technologies, a subsidiary of Salesforce. Her journey to this leadership position is a testament to her exceptional career and dedication to innovation.

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Lidiane’s early exposure to computers sparked her passion for technology. She seized the opportunity to study computer science at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2002. Her career began with Apple and then took a significant turn when she joined Microsoft as a software engineer. During her 13-year tenure at Microsoft, Lidiane played pivotal roles in post-acquisition integration efforts, showcasing her talent for navigating complex challenges.

In 2015, Lidiane transitioned to Sonos, where she served as Vice President for Software Management, further expanding her expertise in consumer technology. Her career trajectory continued upward when she joined Salesforce in 2019 as Senior Vice President for Products, overseeing the Commerce Cloud product line.

Lidiane’s rapid rise through the ranks at Salesforce culminated in her appointment as Executive Vice President and General Manager, responsible for Commerce Cloud, Experience Cloud, and Marketing Cloud divisions. In January 2023, she assumed the role of CEO of Slack Technologies, succeeding Stewart Butterfield.

Throughout her career, Lidiane Jones has exemplified visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring tech professionals and underscores the transformative power of dedication and talent in the tech industry.

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Lorraine Twohill’s remarkable career journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to the field of marketing and her significant contributions to tech giants like Google. Before stepping into her current role as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Google, Twohill served as the Head of EMEA Marketing, where she played a pivotal role in shaping Google’s marketing strategies across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Her journey began in 2003 when she joined Google as the company’s first marketer based outside the United States. Over the years, her dedication and expertise propelled her to the position of head of global marketing in 2009, where she continued to drive Google’s brand recognition and product adoption worldwide.

Twohill’s impressive career doesn’t stop at Google. She’s been an active contributor to the corporate world, serving on the boards of companies like Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and Palo Alto Networks. Her role as a board member at Palo Alto Networks since 2019 underscores her commitment to the tech industry’s continued growth and innovation.

A Dublin City University alumna, Twohill holds a Joint Honors Degree in International Marketing and Languages, a solid educational foundation that has undoubtedly contributed to her successful career. Today, she resides in Palo Alto, California, where she leads a global team focused on helping people discover and utilize Google’s products. Lorraine Twohill’s journey exemplifies excellence in marketing and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the tech industry.

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Maria Klawe, a pioneering computer scientist, has made significant contributions to the tech world while also revolutionizing education and diversity in STEM fields. As the first female President of Harvey Mudd College, her impact is undeniable. Under her leadership, she initiated groundbreaking changes in the enrollment of women in technical fields. The increase in female enrollment in Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering speaks volumes about her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in technology education.

Klawe’s illustrious career began in the industry, where she spent eight years at IBM’s Almaden Research Center, gaining invaluable experience as a research scientist and department manager, and eventually joining the board of directors of Microsoft Corporation. Her transition to academia was seamless, serving as Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University before assuming her role as President at Harvey Mudd College.

Beyond her administrative roles, Klawe’s technical prowess shines through her research in computer science. Her work on algorithms for geometric optimization, distributed leader election, and the SMAWK algorithm has left a lasting impact on the field. Moreover, she co-founded the Aphasia Project, showcasing her dedication to leveraging technology for social good.

Klawe’s advocacy for women in STEM extends beyond her college presidency. She emphasizes the importance of presenting introductory computer science courses as problem-solving endeavors, rather than competitive environments that deter women. Her commitment to breaking the “testosterone culture” is evident in her efforts to make computer science more accessible and appealing to all.

Currently, Klawe continues her mission by collaborating on innovative educational projects, such as biology-themed computer science courses and MOOCs for 10th graders. Her legacy as a tech leader and diversity champion in the academic and corporate spheres continues to inspire future generations.

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Ms. Meerah Rajavel is a prominent figure in the tech industry, boasting an impressive career that spans various leading organizations. Her tenure as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Palo Alto Networks since 2022 and her previous role as CIO at Citrix, showcases her exceptional leadership in the information technology sector. Meerah Rajavel is renowned for her business-centric approach to technology, consistently driving transformation, innovation, and profitability in her roles at large corporations such as Citrix, McAfee, and Cisco Systems. She has also demonstrated her prowess in fostering agility within rapidly growing startups.

One of Meerah’s distinguishing qualities is her ability to inspire and motivate teams through entrepreneurial thinking and collaborative partnerships, resulting in unprecedented business achievements. She is a trailblazer and a revolutionary thinker, often sought after as a keynote speaker, especially for her dedication to advancing women in technology and promoting diversity and sustainability in the workplace.

Her extensive skill set encompasses IT and digital executive leadership, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, governance, and compliance. She is also recognized as a change agent and thought leader, excelling in areas such as business process reengineering, innovation, strategic planning, and M&A diligence and integration.

As the current CIO of Palo Alto Networks, Meerah Rajavel leads a global IT team dedicated to driving industry transformation in cybersecurity. Her efforts align with the company’s mission to create a safer and more secure world, making each day better than the last through cutting-edge technological solutions. Meerah Rajavel’s career stands as a testament to her commitment to advancing technology and fostering positive change in the industry.

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Michal Tsur’s career trajectory is a testament to her remarkable journey from the legal sector to the forefront of the tech industry. Her initial foray into the professional world was as a clerk at the Supreme Court of Israel, where she honed her research skills. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors, as she later worked at prestigious institutions like Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Israeli Democracy Institute, deepening her understanding of legal and policy matters.

In 1999, Tsur pivoted into the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity by founding Cyota. The company’s success was undeniable, ultimately being acquired by RSA Security in 2005 for a substantial $145 million. This marked Tsur’s first major triumph in the tech world, a testament to her vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

Driven by an insatiable passion for technology, Tsur, along with a group of like-minded friends, embarked on a new venture in 2006 with the launch of Kaltura, an open-source video platform. This endeavor received significant attention and investment, including $166 million in funding from prestigious sources like Goldman Sachs and SAP.

Tsur’s commitment to advancing women in tech is evident through her extensive contributions to articles and discussions on the topic. Her impressive journey from a legal clerk to a serial entrepreneur, with two successful tech companies under her belt, showcases her ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing tech landscape. With a doctorate in the application of game theoretic models to law from New York University and research experience at Yale Law School’s Information Society Project, Tsur continues to make a significant impact in the world of technology and beyond.

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Mindy Lieberman is a seasoned engineering executive with a remarkable track record in the tech industry. With over two decades of experience, she has honed her expertise in various facets of IT, making her a sought-after leader in the field. Mindy’s key strengths lie in strategic analysis, execution, process engineering, and communication – essential skills in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

One of Mindy’s specialties is IT architecture, where she excels in crafting robust and scalable systems. She has a proven track record in implementing complex solutions, such as Analytics and CRM installations, as well as Call Center setups, demonstrating her ability to leverage technology for business growth.

Throughout her career, Mindy has held pivotal roles in IT executive teams at renowned companies like Peloton, Okta, Zendesk, and Salesforce. Notably, three of these companies went public during her tenure, underscoring her contribution to their success. At Peloton, she played a crucial role in providing technology solutions for the Supply Chain and Manufacturing groups, showcasing her versatility in addressing diverse tech challenges.

Mindy’s mission is clear: she aims to build the right technology with the right people, always adhering to the best practices. Her leadership style is inspiring, and she motivates teams while providing a clear sense of direction. Her journey to IT, starting as a researcher and transitioning to technology startups before finding her calling at Cisco’s IT department, reflects her passion for the field and her dedication to innovation.

With a strong educational foundation in Mechanical Engineering, Mindy Lieberman continues to be a driving force in the tech industry, now as the Chief Information Officer of MongoDB. Her global leadership role encompasses business system delivery, data engineering, analytics, corporate infrastructure, collaboration tools, and IT operations, making her a prominent figure in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

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Neha Narkhede, a prominent Indian American tech entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the technology industry throughout her career. She is best known as the co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Confluent, a leading streaming data technology company. Her journey in the tech world began after completing her Master’s degree in technology from Georgia Tech, where she honed her skills and knowledge.

Narkhede’s work experience includes a pivotal role at Oracle as a Principal Software Engineer, where she gained valuable insights into software development. Her stint at LinkedIn, where she led stream infrastructure, marked a turning point in her career. During her time at LinkedIn, she collaborated with Jun Rao and Jay Kreps to create Apache Kafka, an open-source messaging system, to manage the massive data influx on the platform. This innovation led to the birth of Confluent in 2014, with Narkhede at the helm as a co-founder.

Under Narkhede’s leadership, Confluent achieved remarkable success, raising substantial funding, including a significant $250 million in April 2020. The company filed for an IPO in June 2021, reaching a valuation of $4.5 billion. Confluent’s technology has been adopted by renowned companies like Goldman Sachs, Netflix, and Uber for their data-driven purposes, showcasing the impact of Narkhede’s work on the tech industry.

In March 2023, Narkhede announced her latest venture, Oscilar, a fraud detection firm, where she assumed the role of co-founder and CEO. Her entrepreneurial spirit and tech prowess continue to shape the industry, earning her accolades such as MIT Technology Review’s recognition and Forbes’ “America’s Self Made Women” list. Narkhede’s journey is a testament to her dedication to innovation and her role as a trailblazing figure in the tech world.

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Laura Mather is a tech pioneer with a remarkable work history spanning some of the most influential companies in the cybersecurity and tech industry. Her journey began with a stint at the National Security Agency, where she honed her skills in web security, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

With a background that includes prominent roles at Encyclopedia Britannica, eBay, and PayPal, Mather amassed a wealth of experience in the e-commerce and digital realms. Her transition into co-founding Silver Tail Systems in 2008 marked a pivotal moment in her career. At Silver Tail Systems, she spearheaded initiatives to protect global financial institutions from website security risks, demonstrating her prowess in cybersecurity.

Notably, Silver Tail Systems’ acquisition by EMC in 2012 for $250 million underscored Mather’s ability to create substantial value in the cybersecurity domain. The subsequent merger with Dell in 2016 further cemented her legacy in the tech industry.

After this success, Mather embarked on her second startup, Talent Sonar, a groundbreaking HR platform designed to eliminate bias from the hiring process. Leveraging features like “blind” resume reviews and interview scripts, Talent Sonar aimed to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, showcasing Mather’s dedication to social and technological innovation.

With her extensive expertise in cybersecurity, fraud protection, data privacy, and diversity and inclusion, Laura Mather has not only built a stellar track record but has also become a sought-after advisor and speaker in the global tech and business communities. Her commitment to governance, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement has positioned her as a trusted leader in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and diversity advocacy. Laura Mather’s accolades and recognition, including mentions in prominent publications and prestigious awards, underscore her invaluable contributions to the tech world and her unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity and diversity initiatives.

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Rana el Kaliouby, a pioneering Egyptian-American scientist and tech entrepreneur, has dedicated her career to humanizing technology through her groundbreaking work in emotional intelligence and facial recognition technology. As a Cairo native, she embarked on a journey to bridge the gap between human emotions and machines, ultimately co-founding Affectiva, an MIT spin-off that revolutionized the field of Emotion AI.

El Kaliouby’s work has been a testament to her commitment to making technology more attuned to human emotions. She delved into the subtle nuances of facial expressions, identifying 24 key landmarks on the face, each associated with different emotions. Her research has far-reaching applications, from aiding autism patients in better expressing their feelings to enhancing the realism of computer-generated imagery in various industries.

Over the years, she raised substantial capital, exceeding $50 million, to propel Affectiva’s Emotion AI into more than 90 countries and numerous industries, including automotive and media analytics. Her track record includes translating technological innovations into products with global appeal, including applications in mental health, conversational interfaces, robotics, and education.

El Kaliouby’s dedication extends beyond technology itself. She is a staunch advocate for ethical AI development and is actively involved in organizations like the Partnership on AI and the World Economic Forum to shape industry standards and regulations. Moreover, she champions diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, participating in initiatives like the Boston Steering Committee for All Raise.

Currently serving as Deputy CEO at Smart Eye after Affectiva’s acquisition, Rana el Kaliouby continues to push the boundaries of Emotion AI, working towards a future where technology enriches our humanity rather than diminishing it. Her journey from a Cairo native to a global tech leader is a testament to her unwavering commitment to humanizing technology for the betterment of society.

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Sarah Clatterbuck, a seasoned engineer and tech leader, has made significant contributions to the tech industry throughout her career. Joining YouTube in April 2018, she focused on alternative monetization strategies for the platform. With a background as a senior director of engineering at LinkedIn, she led various teams in application infrastructure, demonstrating her technical prowess and leadership skills.

Clatterbuck is not just a technologist; she is also an advocate for building products that cater to individuals with physical or cognitive challenges, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in technology. Her career began with an internship at a start-up, where she immersed herself in tech support and programming classes, igniting her passion for coding.

With a bachelor’s degree in applied design and a master’s in information science, Clatterbuck possesses a diverse skill set that combines creativity with technical expertise. Her commitment extends beyond coding; she actively volunteers and supports initiatives promoting women’s involvement in tech. She understands the potential of technology to address societal challenges and has been involved in LinkedIn’s accessibility initiatives, working to make technology more accessible to all.

Furthermore, her recent trip to Cameroon reflects her dedication to expanding technology’s reach to developing countries, contributing to the global development of the tech economy.

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Dr. Tal Rabin is a luminary in the field of cryptography and network security, with a remarkable career that spans academia and industry. Her journey in the world of technology began at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she earned her BSc, MSc, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, supervised by the renowned Professor Michael Ben Or.

In 1996, Dr. Rabin joined IBM Research, where her expertise in cryptography flourished. Her most notable work includes pioneering advancements in secure Internet communication, digital signature schemes, and secret sharing protocols. These innovations have had a profound impact on enhancing the security of online communications, making her a sought-after collaborator and speaker at leading cryptography conferences.

Dr. Rabin’s contributions extend beyond research, as she is also dedicated to fostering diversity in the field. In 2014, she established the Women In Theory Workshop, a biennial event designed to empower graduate students in theoretical computer science, particularly women, and expand their presence in cryptography. She also participates in public engagement activities, making the field of encryption more accessible to the general public through events like the World Science Festival and the WNYC Science Fair.

Recognized for her exceptional work, Dr. Rabin is a member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, a fellow of the ACM, and a fellow of the International Association of Cryptologic Research (IACR). She received the prestigious RSA Award for Excellence in the Field of Mathematics in 2019 and the Anita Borg Women of Vision Award for Innovation in 2014, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the tech world. Her legacy as a researcher, mentor, and advocate for diversity continues to shape the landscape of cryptography and network security.

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Currently, the founder of Sarell LLC, Tammarrian Rogers played a vital role at the forefront of Snap Inc.’s transformation beyond a mere photo-sharing app. In her role as Director of Engineering, she orchestrated a multifaceted team responsible for ensuring the quality, stability, and global accessibility of the Snapchat app. Rogers also spearheads a critical Android stability initiative, revolutionizing both the developer experience and user satisfaction for Android-based Snapchatters.

With over two decades of experience, Rogers has an illustrious career history, having previously held key positions at tech giants like Microsoft and Apple. At Microsoft, she led teams in diverse divisions, optimizing processes and enhancing code quality. Her early stint as a Hardware Engineer at Apple honed her technical prowess.

Apart from her contributions at Snap, Rogers wears the hat of CTO at OPTYVA, where her expertise fuels endeavors in sustainability, business transformation, design, communication, and community development. Furthermore, her dedication extends to advisory roles on various boards, including the Ada Developers’ Academy and the Alternative Healthcare Access Campaign.

What sets Rogers apart is her fervor for innovative software development methodologies that promote inclusivity and diversity. She envisions a software landscape where developers embrace their authentic selves and connect across differences, leveraging their analytical prowess to craft exceptional software solutions.

In an industry driven by innovation, Tammarrian Rogers stands as a trailblazer, consistently exceeding expectations and driving positive change in technology and beyond.

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Therese Tucker is the executive chair of BlackLine, a company offering accounting automation software to major corporations like Coca-Cola and Under Armour. She founded the company in 2001, taking a financial risk by using her retirement savings to fund it. Serving as CEO until January 2021, she now owns nearly 8% of the company, which went public on Nasdaq in 2016. Tucker’s financial expertise and technological innovation have revolutionized accounting, making the work of accountants more efficient and less stressful, while empowering CFOs with valuable insights into their organizations’ performance. Before BlackLine, Tucker worked at SunGard Treasury Systems as the Chief Technology Officer.

Her journey to BlackLine’s inception began when she noticed an accountant’s frustration with manual reconciliation processes at First National Bank of Nebraska. Driven by her passion for software programming and efficiency, Tucker developed the first automated solution for account reconciliations, leading to the birth of BlackLine. Under her direction, the company became a pioneer in enterprise-class SaaS applications, automating the financial close process. BlackLine now serves users in approximately 150 countries, with clients including Boeing, British Gas, Dow Chemical, and more. Its impressive success includes Fortune 50 and half of the Fortune 500 companies as customers, demonstrating the global demand for software to streamline finance and accounting processes.

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Ursula Burns started her career at Xerox as a summer intern in 1980, where she quickly ascended through the ranks, taking on various roles in product development and planning throughout the 1980s. In 1990, she became the executive assistant to Wayland Hicks, a senior executive at Xerox and in 2007, Burns assumed the role of president at Xerox. In 2002, Burns became the first African-American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company when she was named CEO. Under her leadership, Xerox underwent a transformative period, culminating in the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services and the split into two independent companies, Xerox Corporation and Conduent Incorporated, in 2016.

Burns’ impact extended beyond her corporate roles. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to help lead the White House National STEM program, emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. She also served on numerous boards of directors for major companies, including American Express, Exxon Mobil, and Uber, showcasing her ability to navigate the complex tech landscape.

In 2017, Burns assumed the role of chairwoman at VEON, a major international telecom provider, steering the company’s expansion into the digital era. Her career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, making her a true icon in the tech and business world.

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Armed with a degree in Economics and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and an International MBA from the University of South Carolina School of Business, Wendy Thomas is the President and CEO of Secureworks.

Wendy’s journey with Secureworks commenced in 2008 when she assumed the position of the lead for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). In 2016, she took on the role of Strategy lead and, in 2018, became the Chief Product Officer, contributing significantly to the company’s vision and innovative solutions. Today, as CEO, she continues to spearhead Secureworks’ mission to provide cutting-edge security solutions integral to customers’ security operations.

Wendy’s extensive work experience extends beyond Secureworks, including companies like FirstData, BellSouth, and Internap Network Services, Inc. Wendy’s influence extends beyond the corporate world. She serves on the Board of IonQ, a quantum computing leader, showcasing her commitment to advancing emerging technologies. Additionally, she is involved with AFS Intercultural Programs and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Wendy Thomas’s journey from financial planning to the helm of a cybersecurity powerhouse reflects her unwavering commitment to innovation, leadership, and securing human progress in the ever-evolving tech industry.

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Whitney Wolfe Herd is a tech-savvy entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the online dating industry. At a young age, she joined the startup Cardify, working alongside Sean Rad through Hatch Labs IAC incubator. Although Cardify’s project was abandoned, this experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

Wolfe Herd’s breakthrough came when she joined the development team for Tinder, a dating app that would revolutionize the way people connect. As Vice President of Marketing, she played a pivotal role in the app’s success. Notably, she was responsible for the app’s name, drawing inspiration from the flame logo and the concept of “tinder” as easily combustible material.

Under her leadership, Tinder gained a lot of popularity on college campuses, leading to substantial user growth. However, her tenure at Tinder was marred by tensions with other executives, leading her to resign in 2014.

Undeterred by the challenges she faced, Wolfe Herd embarked on a mission to create a female-friendly dating app. This resulted in the founding of Bumble in 2014, headquartered in Austin, Texas. Her vision for a platform centered around compliments and female empowerment struck a chord with users, and within a year, Bumble had facilitated millions of conversations and matches.

The app’s user base grew steadily, and by 2020, it boasted over 100 million users worldwide. In a landmark moment, Whitney Wolfe Herd took Bumble public in 2021, becoming the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.

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