The technology sector, while making significant improvement in recent years, still struggles with equality. Technology events commonly see a gender gap in both speakers and attendees, corporate boards tend to be male-dominated, the proportion of female CIOs remains low. Women in Technology (WIT) works to advance women working in technology fields, encouraging woman to take up technology careers and showcasing their successes.
Last week, at its 18th Annual Leadership Awards, WIT demonstrated the breadth of talent among women in entrepreneurial, government and corporate roles across the Washington, D.C. region. The event recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of women leading the way across the technology industry.
“This year’s group of remarkable finalists and winners should make all women working in technology proud,” said Kathryn Harris, President of WIT, “It’s important that we celebrate the women who continue to pave the way and set the bar high in an industry changing so rapidly. From our start-up community to established companies and the government sector, these women have demonstrated unwavering passion and the tremendous skill needed to lead and mentor other women along the way.”
This year’s winners are as follows:
- Corporate Large Market Sector – Annette Rippert, Accenture, LLP
- Corporate Mid-Market Sector – Michele Kang, Cognosante
- Corporate Small-Market Sector – Carmen Radelat, Universal Service Administrative Company
- Government – Patricia Wolfhope, Science & Technology Directorate Department of Homeland Security
- Rising Star – Gabriella Ziccarelli, Blank Rome LLP
- Small Business/Entrepreneur – Jennifer Mellon, Trustify
- Technical Leadership – Meghan Good, Leidos, Inc.
- Unsung Hero – Shantrell Collier, U.S. Department of Justice
- Women in Defense – RDML, Danelle Barrett, U.S. Cyber Command
Women in Technology’s The Leadership Foundry also presented its annual Corporate Board Award to First United Corporation. The Corporate Board Award honors a regional public company leading the way in appointing women to corporate board seats. With women serving in four of its 12 Board seats, First United Corporation has exceeded critical mass.
Finally, this year’s President’s Award, given to someone who has shown exemplary dedication to furthering the cause of the Women in Technology organization, went to Maureen Caulfield for her work expanding WIT’s strategic sponsorship program.
Women in Technology (WIT) is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of advancing women in technology—from the classroom to the boardroom—by providing advocacy, leadership development, networking, mentoring and technology education. With nearly 1000 members in the Washington, D.C. area, WIT strives to meet its vision of being the premier organization empowering women to be architects of change in the technology industry. For more information, please visit http://www.womenintechnology.org/ or connect with us via: Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter (@WITWomen)
