
20 Jan The 2025 Power 100
Female Leadership Making an Impact
Meet 100 exceptional women leaders who are making their mark
by Eddie Lee & Carolyn M. Brown
Executive Woman is shining a light on talented, high-potential women leaders with this fourth annual Power 100 list. The list highlights 100 extraordinary women on the fast track to top executive ranks and the C-suite. This Power 100 cohort, which is just a small sampling of the multitudes of women making their mark at their companies and in their industries, represents leaders in finance, technology, retail, health care, transportation, and more.
McKinsey and LeanIn.org’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report reveals that women’s representation has increased at every level of corporate management. Most notably, women today make up 29 percent of C-suite positions, compared with 17 percent in 2015, thanks to companies taking steps to support the advancement of women and make the workplace more equitable. Nevertheless, gender parity continues to be a long-term goal. Therefore, it is critical that we always celebrate the wins and, as in this issue, showcase some of the many thousands of women leaders blazing a trail and making what may seem like unreachable goals achievable.
How we compiled the Power 100
To create our Power 100 list, Executive Woman selected immensely capable, high-potential women across all races, cultures, identities, and backgrounds. These women, ranging in roles from manager to senior vice president, have been identified by their organizations as future (and current!) stars. They have also demonstrated a track record of increasing responsibility throughout their careers, leading successful teams, delivering notable initiatives, leveraging talent and innovation, and making an impact at their companies and within their communities.
Join us in honoring these 100 amazing women leaders, inspirations to us all.
Note: All titles and companies are accurate as of November 2024.
————————––––––––
Sarah Aiosa
SVP and President of Latin America for MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) | Merck
Since early 2022, Aiosa has set the strategic direction and managed the P&L for Human Health across Merck’s Latin American region, encompassing 5,000 employees in more than 30 countries. Previously, she was managing director of MSD Sweden, certified among the Best Places to Work under her leadership. Aiosa is the president and chair of Fifarma (the Latin American Federation of the Pharmaceutical Industry), and chair of the US-Colombia Business Council. In 2023, she was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Latinas by the Association of Latino Professionals for America.
“In five years, I will leverage my C-suite position to foster a positive culture of belonging, driving lasting impact for our company, communities, and patients. I will use my role to sponsor and advocate for more bold, qualified women and diverse leaders who belong at tables of transformation.”
Vemitra Alexander
Office of STEM Engagement Program Specialist | NASA
Alexander serves as a program specialist for both NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. In these roles, she is activity manager for the agency’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge and the Minority University Research and Education Project Space Technology Artemis Research program. Additionally, she is on temporary assignment with the NASA Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program, working as the program liaison for program evaluation and community engagement.
“Over the next five years, I aspire to lead NASA’s commitment to empowering women and minorities within the STEM landscape by focusing on impactful educational initiatives and crucial partnerships and [by] mentoring emerging talent. My aim is to remove barriers to ensure students, regardless of their background, can pursue and excel in STEM careers with confidence.”
Arica Allen
VP, Hospitality and Innovation, Global Aviation, Sodexo Live! | Sodexo
Allen is a trailblazing leader in customer experience and team development, responsible for globally scaling a world-class e-learning system, a holistic guest experience strategy, and a state-of-the-art training center in Atlanta. She has led teams in the health-care, business and industry, and travel and leisure sectors and has had progressively increasing responsibility for global, diverse, and high-achieving teams. Allen’s previous work experience includes positions at Boeing, Yale University, New Haven Healthcare, United Airlines, JPMorganChase, American Express, Merck, and Delta Airlines.
“Externally, our team places an emphasis on developing a diverse candidate pipeline for the segment, leveraging employee referrals and proactive sourcing. Coupled with our internal approach focused on succession planning and the coaching and development of our minority leaders, we ensure a clear diversity, equity, and inclusion candidate pool to close the leadership gap.”
Shilpa Arora
General Manager | DoorDash Canada
Arora oversees holistic cross-country business strategy, growth, operations, and employee development. With an international career spanning nearly two decades and several distinct industries, her leadership across financial advisory, mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy and innovation, and digital transformation underscores her breadth of strategic insights. She is a resilient leader in technology and an advocate for diversity and inclusion and intersectional representation in the workplace.
“Beyond actively participating in DoorDash’s Women@ ERG, I developed mentorship programs to provide women with clear opportunities for growth—regardless of their career stage. I established She the North for DoorDash Canada, a community for women’s empowerment, where I host DashTalks to provide women leaders an opportunity to share candid workplace experiences. I have ensured pay equity and elevated women to oversee strategic functions and join Canada’s leadership team.”
Crystal Andrews Banks
Global Head, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging | Kraft Heinz
Banks is a dynamic DEI&B leader driving transformative change at Kraft Heinz. With over a decade of experience in the D&I field, she’s a proven change agent, crafting innovative solutions that foster inclusion and equity. At Kraft Heinz, Banks oversees the company’s DEI&B strategy, consulting with teams and spearheading initiatives across the organization. Recognized by Essence magazine and Crain’s Chicago Business for her impactful work, Banks also serves on the boards of Girls in the Game and the Kraft Heinz Company Foundation.
“At Kraft Heinz, we’re shattering glass ceilings and paving the way for a more equitable future. We’ve implemented comprehensive initiatives to empower women, including targeted development programs, mentorship opportunities, enhanced employee benefits, and flexible work arrangements.”
Laura Barrón-López
White House Correspondent, PBS News Hour | WETA
In addition to being the White House correspondent for WETA-produced PBS News Hour, Barrón-López is a CNN political analyst. She was part of the News Hour team honored with a Peabody Award in 2024 for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Previously, Barrón-López was a White House and national political reporter at Politico.
“One of News Hour’s co-anchors is a woman, and so many of our executive and senior producers across PBS News Weekend and Washington Week are women. Out of all the newsrooms I’ve worked in, it’s the one with the most women in leadership positions and is an empowering place to be.”
Theresa Bazan
SVP, Director of National Sales Enablement | Comerica Bank
A seasoned professional with 35 years of banking industry experience, Bazan spearheads strategic initiatives for Comerica’s consumer and small business banking segments, driving growth through innovative strategies, partnerships, and comprehensive banker readiness programs. Her leadership extends to developing processes and support tools to ensure the attainment of company objectives while excelling in incentive and performance management. She is committed to community empowerment, notably having served as president of Dress for Success Houston Women’s Corporate Guild.
“Comerica is closing the gender leadership gap by (1) requiring diverse candidate slates and holding leaders accountable via a DEI scorecard; (2) offering programs like Leadership Development, Emerging Leaders, and DEI Talent Pathways partnering with Inforum and HACE [Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement]; and (3) conducting annual pay equity analysis to ensure fair and equitable pay for all.”
Faylene Bell
Senior Director, Digital Marketing | Nvidia
Bell is a distinguished digital and product marketing executive with over two decades of experience in advertising, financial services, and high-tech industries. In her current role at tech giant Nvidia, she oversees website strategy and operations, enhancing customer performance and engagement. Bell’s expertise spans digital strategy, product development, and analytical marketing, driving significant revenue growth and customer acquisition. Her career includes impactful roles at AT&T, American Cancer Society, Digitas, and American Express. She is a change agent recognized for delivering flawless marketing campaigns with precise road maps and media plans to drive millions in increased revenue and acquisition of customers.
“In five years, I aim to lead groundbreaking marketing technology initiatives and assume a more influential executive role, driving significant industry transformation. By leveraging rapidly evolving AI and advanced technologies, I’ll spearhead cutting-edge solutions that revolutionize marketing practices and address critical challenges. Concurrently, I’ll amplify my voice to inspire and advance women and minorities in tech careers, fostering diversity and innovation in the field.”
Jewel Bell
Assistant Chief Transportation Officer for Bus | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Bell is a dedicated transportation pro with 26 years of experience at WMATA. In her role as assistant chief transportation officer for the bus department, she is responsible for eight bus divisions across the Department of Motor Vehicles, with oversight of approximately 2,600 bus operators and an on-street bus operations management team of over 100 personnel who monitor daily service. She is also responsible for a shuttle team and a signs and shelter team. Bell manages a budget of more than $300 million.
“At WMATA, we’re closing the gender leadership gap by fostering inclusivity, providing leadership development opportunities, and actively promoting women at all levels. We’re committed to creating pathways for women to lead and ensuring diverse voices shape the future of transportation.”
Lisha Bell
Head of Economic Opportunity Fund | PayPal Ventures
With decades of experience in fintech innovation, Bell has been at the forefront of the field, leading teams that revolutionized the consumer payments industry. She launched the first Near Field Communications contactless wallet in 2011, which later became Apple Pay and Google Pay. She joined PayPal in 2019, spearheading the launch of Venmo’s commerce platform. She has crafted a framework at PayPal for developing a comprehensive fund strategy to promote diversity and inclusion in venture capital. Bell is a member of Pipeline Angels, an angel investing network, and cofounder of BLXVC, a syndicate of angel investors.
“Black women are a powerful force in entrepreneurship, yet their ventures receive less than 1 percent of venture capital—a narrative I’m determined to change. I invest in Black and Brown women founders and emerging fund managers, inspire more women to become angel investors, and champion their journeys on the Sisters with Ventures podcast. My vision is to build the first women-of-color-led fund of funds.”
Andrea Bertels
VP, Corporate Citizenship | Nielsen
Bertels and her team lead Nielsen’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsible practices and reporting efforts, including the company’s ESG report. They also work to deepen employee engagement through Nielsen’s global volunteer and environmental programs, and drive meaningful community partnerships through its Data for Good pro bono projects. Bertels also serves as president and executive director of grant making for the Nielsen Foundation, whose mission is to power and advance inclusive innovation and representation in the media and technology industries, especially through data and research.
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people I admire and respect to solve hard problems ranging from effective philanthropy to reducing emissions. I want to keep working with great people and ingrain responsibility and sustainability into an organization’s core strategy so we can make a positive impact on people and the world.”
Beverly Bian
Business Development Executive and China Practice Coleader | Moss Adams
Bian coleads Moss Adams’s China Practice, guiding both US and Chinese clients in their goals to implement best-in-class financial and operating practices. She is highly knowledgeable about the breadth of the firm’s technical expertise across tax, audit, and advisory services. The firm’s China Practice has experienced robust growth since she joined the leadership team, significantly expanding the number of clients served. In 2020, Bian was recognized as one of San Francisco Business Times’s Most Influential Women.
“In five years I aim to be an effective advocate for women in business, actively boosting female representation on boards and in crucial finance leadership roles.”
Natasha Brinegar
VP, Category Management, Center Store | Food Lion
Brinegar provides strategic direction and oversight for center store category management, merchandising, and pricing. She is responsible for total sales, profitability, and vendor relations for multiple categories, including dairy, frozen items, general merchandise, seasonal and everyday candy, health and beauty care, and home care. With more than 30 years at Food Lion, Brinegar began her career as a sales associate across the front end. She also serves as vice president of the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation.
“Today and throughout my career, I want to continue supporting Food Lion’s brand promise of nourishing families and setting them up for success in life. Our customers trust us, and the work I lead and support every day gives me great meaning and purpose.”
Marissa Brooks
VP, Drama Development | CBS Studios
Joining CBS over eight years ago as an executive assistant, Brooks quickly rose through the ranks. She now works with writers and producers to identify and develop emotionally satisfying and character-driven stories. An advocate for new stories that have yet to be told and voices that haven’t been heard, she also serves on the board of the CBS Studios Culture and Inclusion Council. She has championed such titles as the critically acclaimed Elsbeth starring Carrie Preston and Matlock starring Kathy Bates.
“I want to continue growing within my department and the company while simultaneously discovering new BIPOC talent and holding the door open for those climbing the corporate ladder behind me. Impact is important, and while small incremental changes don’t always feel like much, they accumulate over time.”
Briana Brown
Senior Sourcing Manager—Sales and Operations Planning | GE Aerospace
Brown is a seasoned supply chain operations and program management professional with a decade of experience in aerospace and defense. At GE Aerospace, she leads sales and operations planning, ensuring efficient supply chain management and risk mitigation. A certified project management professional with a proven track record and a positive attitude, Brown is committed to creating more equitable communities through access, innovation, and social investment. She has championed DEI initiatives and supported collegiate scholars through her leadership roles in GE’s Women’s Network and her nonprofit, the BNB Foundation.
“In five years, I aspire to be leading innovative and strategic initiatives where I can leverage my expertise in data analysis, stakeholder management, and problem-solving to drive positive change and innovative solutions and foster collaborative, inclusive work environments.”
Carron Brown
VP, Brand Strategy, Planning, and Operations | Warner Bros. Discovery
Brown creates authentic, award-winning strategies and campaigns that reach, influence, and expand audiences across global regions, cultures, and demographics. In her role, she assists in crafting and managing the company’s corporate brand narrative and creative brand strategy. A seven-time collegiate All-American and NCAA national champion in track and field, Brown leads with high energy, a competitive spirit, and a drive to help others shine. She builds high-performing teams by identifying the unique strengths of individuals and putting them in positions to excel.
“Five years from now, I would like to greenlight major business initiatives and develop strategies that closely align the positive outcomes with audiences who can benefit most.”
Geneva Brown
VP and Global Head of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Cigna
Brown leads sustainability and inclusion efforts for the Cigna Group, impacting approximately 72,500 colleagues and 189 million customers and patients. She is responsible for the development and execution of enterprise strategies to transform the workplace and the broader health ecosystem into one that is functioning properly, sustainable, accessible, and equitable for all. Brown is also the lead attorney and corporate secretary for the Cigna Group Foundation, providing counsel for charitable giving and community engagement initiatives.
“Looking to the future, I see myself instrumental in evolving and maturing the Cigna Group’s purpose- and performance-driven sustainability and inclusion platforms. By increasingly driving measurable impact in the ESG and DEI space, we can more successfully advance better health and vitality for each individual and every community.”
Lavonne Burke
VP, Security, Resiliency, and IT Legal | Dell Technologies
Burke is an executive, attorney, speaker, author, and transformative leader. She leads a global legal team at Dell focused on cybersecurity, IT, privacy/data protection, product and application security, supply chain security, corporate/physical security, crisis management, insider threat, enterprise risk management, fraud/security investigations, and AI compliance. Additionally, she provides direct legal support to Dell’s chief security officer, chief digital/information officer, and chief information security officer.
“My legal focus sits at the convergence of several of the most complex and intriguing areas of technology law—cyber and product security, IT, data, and AI. I deal with novel issues that aren’t addressed by a robust body of law. There is not a great deal of diversity amongst lawyers who practice in these areas. In five years, I hope that story will be different, and that I will be a senior legal executive who has helped to bring more diverse attorneys into these fields.”
Tawana Murphy Burnett
Head of Top Accounts and Agencies, APAC | Meta
Burnett leads teams that provide strategic advice to chief marketing officers, business leaders, and agency partners on the optimal use of mobile advertising and commerce solutions to expedite brand growth. Throughout her 25-year career, Burnett has been an integral part of organizations that have influenced some of the world’s largest brands and advertising agencies across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and, most recently, the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC). Prior to joining Meta, she led brand and product teams at Intuit, LeapFrog, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. Burnett supports diverse founders as a member of Pipeline Angels, an angel investing network.
“I’ve enjoyed being a part of a company like Meta, where I’ve contributed to scaling growth of our platform and democratizing access to tools, resources, and technology for small companies, large businesses, and talented creators. Over the next five years, I intend to support more women in workplaces and communities—potentially through storytelling, investing, and building something new.”
Kecia T. Caffie
President | Signet Jewelers
A 13-year veteran at Signet Jewelers, Caffie has held various leadership roles at the parent company of Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, and others. Caffie now leads the 100-year-old Zales brand through a product and marketing transformation designed to attract a younger, more diverse customer base. She previously led Banter by Piercing Pagoda to multiple years of store growth. A member of the Pipeline Angels investing network, Caffie has invested in six female-founded start-ups, from apparel to tech to farming.
“In five years, I would like to be in a position where I am able to dedicate more of my time to support and mentor entrepreneurs and young leaders. I plan to continue working with Pipeline Angels and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership to discover and support underestimated founders who have the potential to change the world.”
Joan Hanawi Carlock
Chief of Staff to the CEO | Lyft
Carlock started her journey at Lyft as a founding member of the Social Impact team, where she helped create, launch, and scale LyftUp, a suite of initiatives concentrated on increasing transportation access and equity for low-income communities. In her time at the company, she has focused on making sure the tech world
is infused with humanity. Prior to Lyft, Carlock spent time advising some of the top tech and Fortune 500 companies as a social impact consultant through her tenure at the media company GOOD.
“Empowering women is core to what Lyft does. We trust the women leaders we have and elevate them; half of our executives are women. With gender diversity at all levels, women’s voices help drive our innovation. We obsess over our customers and launch products, like Women+ Connect, that make Lyft even more accessible to women and nonbinary folks.”
Ankana Carpenter
Head of Consumer Technology | TD Bank
Carpenter grew up in Libya in a multicultural, multinational, multilingual environment. With over 20 years of experience working in the United Kingdom, Asia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States, Carpenter has learned how to converge the best of different worlds. Her team at TD is responsible for the technology strategy behind the deposit-product customer journey. As the executive lead for Women at TD US, she provides mentorship and coaching while also lobbying for changes in policies that support working mothers.
“TD offers well-established programs that support women at all of life’s stages while also building ally accountability. Through sponsorship, safe spaces, pipeline development programs, and much more, we meet women along their career journey vs. force fitting into a mold. TD also empowers women to propose programs that meet their needs.”
Monique Carswell
Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity | Walmart
The center was created in 2020 through a five-year, $100 million philanthropic commitment from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to address the root causes of gaps in outcomes experienced by Black and African American people in education, health, finance, and criminal justice systems. Under this umbrella, Carswell conceived and currently leads the center’s economic mobility work through the lens of financial inclusion. Her professional background includes marketing communications, strategic planning and partnerships, and civic engagement. Carswell previously led corporate social responsibility at Comcast NBCUniversal.
“Unlocking resources to enable individuals and entire communities to thrive is paramount for me. Five years from now, I would still love to be investing in the dreams of others—employees, entrepreneurs, women, students, and the like. As someone who currently has access to opportunities as a result of others seeing my potential, I am passionate about ensuring that the communities I come from receive support.”
Debbie Chamkasem
VP, Enterprise GenAI Programs | Experian
Chamkasem is a seasoned executive with over 19 years at Experian. In her current role, she specializes in leading strategic planning and execution of generative AI initiatives across the global enterprise. Her passion for and commitment to advancing technology position her as a key driver of AI advancements across Experian.
“In five years, I hope I’m making a positive impact advancing technology, whether it’s forging paths for more women in STEM leadership roles, creating new tools, or bringing financial power to all. Bolstering Experian’s commitment to inclusion is critical to our continued innovation in the workplace and our communities.”
Jeannette Chantalat
VP, Innovation and Sustainability Accelerator | Kimberly-Clark
A commercial transformation leader, Chantalat is currently responsible for speeding global growth through innovation and sustainability, bringing superior solutions to consumers through advantaged technologies while caring for people and the planet. She began her career at Johnson & Johnson, where her experience spanned innovation, marketing, research and development, and venture business development for global brands, including Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Clean & Clear. Chantalat is also an inventor who holds two issued patents.
“In five years, I plan to celebrate our high-performing, cross-functional teams across the company because our consumer-loved innovations are driving brand and business growth sustainably. This will be possible by leading inclusive, high-trust teams that realize their full potential and apply their collective genius toward some of our biggest innovation challenges. I will be fostering and strengthening our innovation culture to learn fast, scale big, and drive growth.”
Jennifer Lubrani Cisneros
Communications Strategy Director | AARP
Cisneros’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity positions her as a driving force behind initiatives that foster empowerment and access. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and advocacy, she actively works to dismantle barriers and to enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse communities. Having previously served as strategy director of multicultural audiences at AARP, Cisneros believes true progress stems from elevating every voice, ensuring that all perspectives are represented in shaping our collective future.
“In five years, I aspire to become an executive and serve on a corporate board where I can leverage my experience and leadership skills to mentor and open doors for the next generation of diverse leaders. By fostering inclusivity at the highest levels of decision-making, I will continue to create and build a more equitable future.”
Anahita Crawford
Senior Director, Global Head of DEI | Arm
Crawford champions a people-first approach to enhance organizational effectiveness and leadership development, seamlessly aligning DEI strategies with the leading technology company’s overarching goals. She is dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. With over 15 years of experience in DEI, Crawford has consistently developed impactful strategies, optimized processes, and cultivated an inclusive workplace culture. Her extensive experience spans renowned companies such as Nike, Daimler, Laika, and Under Armour, and she has consulted for a diverse range of industries, including consumer goods, construction, automotive, technology, media and entertainment, finance, and energy.
“I aim to continue shaping business strategies that drive sustainable growth and innovation. My focus will be on leveraging technology to create impactful solutions, aligning organizational success with societal progress, and inspiring talent to be future global leaders and catalysts for transformative change within their industries and communities.”
Sabreen Dhillon
VP, Sales Operations | Toyota Financial Services
Dhillon oversees dealer funding, national accounts, fleet operations, and sales training functions. She also leads the Kinto car-share program. Dhillon joined Toyota in 2008 and has held leadership roles in the areas of finance, analytics, strategy, marketing, and voluntary protection products. She is an energetic contributor to the North American Advisory Council for Women Influencing and Impacting Toyota employee resource group, where she previously held the roles of vice chair and cochair.
“Toyota is successfully employing a multipronged approach to address the leadership gender gap. The company achieves stronger performance thanks to its diverse team, which values a culture of inclusion. We understand it’s not sufficient to simply put women in leadership roles—we need to ensure they are prepared for success. We created sponsorship programs, leadership development programs, and an employee resource group dedicated to the growth, empowerment, and engagement of women.”
Praju Doshi
VP, Capital Markets | Mutual of Omaha
Doshi began her career more than 20 years ago, initially working in investment banking at HSBC. Today, she leads the capital markets, rating agencies, and investor relations strategy for Mutual of Omaha, where she also spearheaded the successful funding agreement–backed note program and the surplus note issuance after a 10-year hiatus. Doshi also serves on the board of directors at Chess in the Schools,
a nonprofit organization bringing chess education to low-income youth in New York City.
“Mutual of Omaha is deeply committed to inclusivity, starting with diverse representation among leadership. Beyond mentoring programs, employees have a strong voice through employee resource groups. This is evidenced in how the company has embraced hybrid and remote working, creating an environment where everyone can bring their best to work.”
Simone Drakes
Managing Director of Technical Operations Safety | United Airlines
A native of Barbados and a highly regarded avionics engineer, Drakes is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. Her extensive background includes spearheading over 100 Federal Aviation Administration and global civil aviation administration Supplemental Type Design Certifications—approvals of major modifications to aircraft—and contributing to the design, manufacturing, and installation of advanced avionics systems on over 11,000 aircraft. Drakes is focused on enhancing the safety management systems within airline operations while driving strategic initiatives to improve safety culture and risk management.
“United is dedicated to closing the gender leadership gap through a skills-based approach to career growth and advancement. The company’s strategy is centered on targeted programs that calibrate skills development for maintenance technicians, navigate career pathways for dispatchers, innovate technological advancements for digital technology teams, and aviate for pilots. This structured framework ensures that individuals have the right tools, training, and support to excel in their fields.”
Tanesha Duncan
VP, Global Total Rewards | Amgen
Duncan leads a team on the development and implementation of compensation and benefits solutions at Amgen to attract and retain talent. Additionally, she oversees quality of life, health and welfare benefits, and equitable living wages for approximately 27,000 global employees. With over 20 years of experience, Duncan is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Amgen. She is an advocate for creating equitable and psychologically safe workplaces where diverse perspectives are valued and every voice is heard.
“In five years, I envision returning to my roots in finance. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and sponsors provide guidance and advice, including the concept that feedback is a gift. As a beneficiary of paying it forward, I am committed to helping advance diverse and next-generation talent and providing opportunity for everyone to have a seat at the table.”
Courtney Duphorne
Senior Managing Director, Complex Director | RBC Wealth Management
A 30-year veteran of RBC, Duphorne served previously as a wealth management consultant supporting financial advisors and their clients in the Texas region. She has a passion for helping financial advisors in all stages of their careers and was instrumental in creating new opportunities for next-gen financial advisors to connect, learn from one another, and grow their practices. Duphorne oversees 64 financial advisors and 118 employees across six branches in North Texas.
“My appointment to this leadership role is just one example of how RBC shows its commitment to promoting women in the financial services industry and recognizing those who have risen to the challenge. In this role, I can be an even bigger advocate, especially for younger women starting out in the industry, which is something I’m really excited about.”
Lei Duran
VP, Strategy, Planning, and Media | Lowe’s
At Lowe’s, Duran leads a global team of strategic and analytical experts driving brand and customer strategy forward and developing breakthrough audience-first media strategies to accelerate growth. Her team works cross-functionally to execute disruptive, omni-channel customer experiences across mass and targeted media to drive the highest level of brand engagement. Duran has more than 20 years of experience as a marketing and merchandising expert and previously held roles at Kantar and Walmart.
“Over the next five years, I expect the rate of change within the marketing landscape to accelerate in almost all aspects of the ecosystem. This truly excites me! I believe my experience now will position me well to lead a team in these new marketing-commerce realities in five years.”
Nicole Durham-Mallory
VP, Sales Administration | Dine Brands Global
Durham-Mallory is an exceptional leader with over 22 years of industry experience. She has played an instrumental role in the success of IHOP’s restaurant portfolio and is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and community service. Durham-Mallory’s commitment to supporting franchisees and her problem-solving abilities make her a vital member of the Dine Brands teams.
“I appreciate that Dine Brands actively nurtures talent and champions internal growth. While some [team members] have missed out on promotions in the past, the company is determined to empower women and other team members by offering pathways to leadership roles, igniting a brighter future for us all.”
Kathy-Ann Edwards
Trust Solutions Partner | PwC
Edwards has over 30 years of experience at PwC delivering audit, accounting, and advisory services across the insurance industry spectrum, including life, annuities, property and casualty, health, and mortgage insurance businesses. She is the lead engagement partner on two large insurance companies in the Midwest and is the leader of the regional Insurance Trust Solutions Team. Edwards is vice chair of the board of directors of Messmer Catholic Schools and has served as a board member of America Scores and the University School of Milwaukee and on the finance committee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Milwaukee.
“My career aim in five years is to leverage my knowledge to drive PwC’s strategic goals, mentor our future leaders, and contribute significantly to the firm’s growth and success. In addition, I want to remain committed to community outreach and philanthropy aligned with the firm’s values and contribute to social impact for marginalized communities.”
Tiffany Edwards
Senior Director, Strategic Advisory and Enterprise Solutions | Linkage, a SHRM Company
Edwards is a senior-level business professional with more than 15 years of experience in full life-cycle recruiting, business development, talent acquisition, and global leadership development. She focuses on key Linkage accounts to help integrate the full suite of offerings into their overall talent management programs. Edwards has deep expertise across several of Linkage’s offerings, working regularly to design and structure effective solutions in the broad field of competency modeling, assessments, leadership development, talent selection, and coaching.
“In the next five years, I aim to establish myself as an executive leader designing and implementing transformative programs that empower emerging leaders worldwide. Personally, I seek to cultivate a balanced life, enriching my skills and nurturing meaningful relationships while making a significant impact in this field.”
Niesha Foster
VP, Global Health and Social Impact | Pfizer
Passionate about advancing health equity, Foster is a dynamic leader in Pfizer’s global health and social impact efforts. She leads a team that addresses patient affordability challenges, creates last-mile product access solutions, and drives community engagement. Foster is accountable for Pfizer’s US patient assistance program, including the International Trachoma Initiative. She also coleads Pfizer’s Multicultural Health Equity Collective, an initiative focused on achieving health equity across ethnic groups and other underrepresented communities in the United States facing significant health disparities.
“Creating pathways for others to live their best lives motivates me every day. In five years, I will be in an executive leadership position responsible for directing resources and creating partnerships that result in community-led solutions that spur an educational and health revolution for the underserved globally.”
Johanna Wessman Fresnel
Senior Director and Head of Global Account Team | Radisson Hotel Group
Fresnel, based in Stockholm, has been with Radisson Hotel Group for more than 15 years. Since late 2023, Fresnel has led Radisson’s team dedicated to enhancing partnership on a global level. She manages a diverse team across countries, cultures, and languages. One of her key focus areas is driving product development within the Meeting and Events department to adapt to a changing business landscape and evolving customer needs.
“Radisson Hotel Group remains committed to achieving balanced leadership by supporting more women to take on leadership roles within the company. Leadership currently consists of 32 percent female leaders, representing a 16 percentage point increase since 2018, with a goal of 50 percent by 2030.”
Maria Galainena-Johnson
International VP, Channel Transformation, Latin America | Boston Scientific
At Boston Scientific, Galainena-Johnson has ascended through numerous influential general management positions across Latin America, including tenure as president of Boston Scientific’s Brazilian subsidiary in São Paulo. As the company’s first female general manager to manage an international subsidiary, Galainena-Johnson has been instrumental in blazing a trail for the advancement of women, leading to the appointment of three additional female country-level directors in Latin America. Galainena-Johnson, a founding member of Boston Scientific’s Hispanic employees resource group, currently coleads EmpowHER, its employee resource group for women.
“Boston Scientific sets aspirational goals to increase leadership opportunities for women and multicultural talent and offers targeted development programs. Through these programs, the company provides immersive experiences, executive coaching, and focused development planning to support inclusive advancement in the workplace.”
Vanessa Garcia-Brito
Chief Impact Officer | Nike
Known for her people-first, purpose-driven approach to leadership, Garcia-Brito is committed to moving the world forward through the power of sport. A lawyer by training, she began her career as an advocate for human rights, with a focus in international and intellectual property law, and then continued her journey at Nike with highlights that include leading Partnerships and Strategic Communications for the Girl Effect and creating Nike’s first-ever Purpose Communications. She supports women-led start-ups as an angel investor through Pipeline Angels.
“The power of sport is real—it inspires joy and fosters unity. It lifts us up. At its very best, it is a celebration of human potential and possibility. And in the next five years we will be creating even more opportunities for youth, leading with girls, in our communities, so everyone can enjoy those benefits. I’m looking forward to celebrating this next generation of athletes as they make their dreams real.”
Althea E. Garvey
Chief Claims Officer | Palomar
Garvey is responsible for claims management at the specialty insurance company. She is a seasoned attorney and business leader with over 20 years’ experience in claims management, regulatory affairs, and strategic planning. Previously holding leadership roles
at LifeCare Assurance Company and AIG Insurance Company, Garvey has a proven track record in enhancing claims quality and driving growth. A recognized thought leader, Garvey speaks at industry events, fostering professional development. She supports diverse start-ups through Pipeline Angels, an angel investing network.
“I’m committed to advancing women by mentoring emerging leaders and sharing my experiences in claims and strategic management. Through my work on advisory boards like University of California Santa Barbara’s Women in Leadership Program, I help shape initiatives that empower women to grow professionally at all career stages. I also speak at industry conferences, aiming to inspire and equip women in insurance with the tools they need to thrive and lead in their careers.”
Kristine R. Gatesman
SVP, Fidelity Institutional Wealth Management Technology | Fidelity
Gatesman leads a global technology organization that delivers innovative products and experiences enabling financial advisors to grow their wealth management businesses and investors to achieve secure financial outcomes. Her roles throughout her 23 years at the firm include product strategy, product management, and technology delivery across Fidelity’s retail, workplace, institutional, and start-up businesses. Gatesman is also global cochair of Fidelity’s Women’s Leadership Group, with over 15,500 members across the company’s US and international sites, including India and Ireland.
“The most important work I do is enabling others’ success, both one-on-one and at scale through groups like Fidelity’s Women’s Leadership Group. Five years from now, I envision myself leading a broader organization, surrounded by leaders who not only deliver extraordinary results but who also lead selflessly.”
Aicha Gillespie
Director of Enterprise Workforce Management End to End and Staffing Integration | Citi
Gillespie has over 25 years of professional and leadership experience. She has an extensive background in global business services, strategic planning, business intelligence, and operations and technology. Gillespie joined Citi in 2014 as the global head of productivity and reengineering for Citi Shared Services. She previously held leadership roles at JPMorganChase, Bank of America, Nielsen, and General Electric.
“In five years, I aim to be creating greater value for Citi by driving strategic advancements and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion. I am passionate about empowering women and will continue to lead efforts that inspire them to pursue their career aspirations and achieve their full potential.”
Paola Gonzalez
VP, Global Financial Planning and Analysis | The Clorox Company
Gonzalez has been with The Clorox Company since 1997. In her current role, she provides financial leadership across all Clorox businesses and business development efforts. From 2018 to 2023, she served as vice president and treasurer, with responsibility for treasury, investor relations, and real estate matters. Her career at Clorox reflects a wide range of financial and operational profit and loss experience and a demonstrated track record of financial leadership and shareholder value creation. In 2021, Gonzalez was elected to the board of directors of Abbott Laboratories.
“Clorox is committed to ensuring the female leaders of tomorrow have equitable opportunities to grow. Half of our board and executive committee are women, including our CEO. We offer mentorship programs, diverse experiences, and rotations to foster growth and conduct annual pay equity analyses to help achieve pay equity.”
Claudine Gordon
Senior Manager of Sales Force Automation | DHL Express
With a career spanning 24 years at DHL, Gordon began her journey in Jamaica as a customer service rep. This served as the foundation for her growth, propelling her into various roles at the company, including sales executive, sales and customer support manager, and commercial manager. Currently, she leads the deployment of global sales tools and processes across the US. As a passionate leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Gordon proudly serves as the chair of DHL’s first United States employee resource group, BLAZE (Black Leaders & Allies Zest for Equity).
“I aspire to hold a leadership position where I can spearhead initiatives that empower diverse talent, promote inclusivity, and contribute to the company’s continued success in the global marketplace. Additionally, I aim to serve as a mentor and advocate for the professional growth and development of my colleagues.”
Amita Gupta
VP, Business Management Home Care, I&I, and Industrial Formulators | BASF
Gupta’s 20-plus year career has been refined in the chemicals industry, including the last 12 years with BASF. She previously worked for Infineum and General Chemical, holding a range of positions, including operations, marketing, product management, controlling, procurement, and business management.
As a champion for DEI, Gupta serves as an executive sponsor of the Women in BASF group and an executive committee member for the company’s Diverse Leaders Program.
“BASF aspires to have women holding at least 30 percent of leadership roles globally by 2030. North America has reached this goal, thanks to investments in women through programs like FLAME (Female Leaders Advancing Manufacturing Excellence), apprenticeships, and our Women in BASF group. BASF also requires diverse candidate slates and interview panels.”
Kina Guyton
VP, Experience Strategy | Rapp Worldwide
At global marketing agency RAPP (a division of the Omnicron Group), Guyton is a seasoned marketing professional and brand strategist, specializing in delivering experiences and consumer products that exceed company goals. She has crafted brand strategy for not only recognized brands like Colgate and Walgreens but also innovative, emerging, or start-up consumer brands in consumer, fintech, and productivity spaces. Her commitment to social responsibility is evidenced by her volunteer work with women-led nonprofits. In 2023, Guyton joined Pipeline Angels, an angel investing network that supports women and gender diverse people.
“In five years, I plan to further immerse myself in investing in social entrepreneurship, fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape. My background in strategy and growth, combined with my passion for supporting diverse entrepreneurs, affords me the opportunity to focus on the best ways to bring new ideas and untapped innovation to life through a more inclusive investment community.”
Tonya White Hallett
VP, Human Resources | Amazon
In her current role, Hallett’s focus is on integrating an HR strategic agenda of talent and inclusion with a clear cost-to-serve return on investment framework for 1.5 million hourly workers globally. Her scope extends to leading the HR strategy for Amazon’s general and administrative functions: finance, legal, security, mergers and acquisitions, and communications public policy. She is also an executive sponsor for Women at Amazon, the global affinity group for women, nonbinary employees, and allies, and a member of the Black Employee Network (BEN).
“In five years, I hope to still be in a space where I am learning, leading, inspiring, and, most importantly, making a positive impact for others. I will be leading in an organization whose mission and values mirror mine. My persistence to be better and do better will be my reward.”
Rosalind Hardman
Director, Customer Service | Kohl’s
Hardman’s responsibilities include Kohls.com, Kohl’s Card, and Y2Y rewards-related customer service. Her team supports the seasonal hiring process for store and e-fulfillment centers and distribution center associates. A 20-plus-year veteran, Hardman began her career with Kohl’s in 2002 working as a store care coordinator in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, before relocating to the Dallas area in 2006 to help open a call center in Corsicana, Texas. She opened another call center in San Antonio in 2010.
“Kohl’s has strong female leadership representation thanks to devoted resources that mentor and uplift women. The company’s robust mentorship program includes support from women in senior leadership roles who coach, educate, and advocate for growth. Kohl’s also has a Women’s Business Resource Group that promotes leadership exposure and development opportunities.”
Nicole Hawthorne
Director, Corporate Brand | Allstate
Hawthorne has held communications and leadership roles across several departments and business units at other Fortune 100 insurance carriers. She also serves as the chair of AVETS, an employee resource group that supports military veterans and their families, and is on the board of KodiakCare, a nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of dogs at risk of economic euthanasia.
“In the next five years, I want to see women I’ve supported and inspired continue climbing the corporate ranks, navigating challenges, and busting roadblocks. I’ve been empowered by amazing women mentors along my own path and am grateful to pay it back in some small way.”
Jenise Hight
VP, Single-Family Credit Risk Policy | Fannie Mae
Over the past 17 years at Fannie Mae, Hight has been dedicated to developing servicing policies and supporting loan workout strategies that drive Fannie Mae’s mission to facilitate equitable and sustainable homeownership. She leads the team responsible for efforts to update underwriting and eligibility policies that encourage more lenders to participate in programs providing increased access to credit for low- to moderate-income homebuyers. She led critical policy initiatives that made a positive impact on the housing environment during the 2008 financial crisis and the recent global pandemic.
“Fannie Mae’s Women’s Employee Resource Group promotes diversity in leadership roles by [encouraging] inclusive events to facilitate networking, providing information and counsel on career development and advancement, enabling mentorship opportunities, educating employees on socioeconomic factors that impact women, and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for all.”
Mary Hor-Lao
Director, Engineering | Abbott Laboratories
Hor-Lao brings over three decades of experience to medical technology innovation. Her relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions has propelled Abbott to the forefront of the neuromodulation industry. With a background in software development and engineering leadership, Hor-Lao was instrumental in spearheading transformative projects in pain management and movement disorder devices for patients. Her passion for creating products that empower individuals and expand access to care for all is reflected in a prolific portfolio of over 140 patents filed worldwide.
“Abbott is actively driving gender parity by cultivating an environment where women are empowered to excel and lead. With a longstanding history of women supporting the advancement of technologies across the health-care spectrum, we remain committed to prioritizing diversity through mentorship programs and networks, employee recognition, and inclusivity policies to support everyone to be their true selves.”
Monica Hubbard
SVP, US Stores | PetSmart
Hubbard leads all store and field teams in the United States and Puerto Rico at the leading
pet retailer. Long dedicated to advancing careers within the company through mentorship, she expresses this passion beyond her immediate teams by serving as the executive sponsor of the women-led associate resource group Women Inspiring Strength & Excellence, which empowers women in the organization to grow their skills and careers. She extends her commitment to animal welfare through her pet rescue efforts and promotion of responsible pet ownership.
“Approximately 70 percent of PetSmart associates are women, so we have a real opportunity to uplift women across our organization. In addition to providing mentorship and development through our women-empowerment associate resource group, we have a goal to provide 40,000 associates with upskill training to help them grow in their careers. I hope to be an example that allows our female associates to see a path and future here at PetSmart.”
Ame Igharo
Senior Director, Sustainability Strategy | Ulta Beauty
Igharo develops and executes Ulta Beauty’s strategy for environmental sustainability while managing Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty, the retailer’s innovative way to provide transparency and education as guests seek and discover products aligned to their personal wants, needs, and values across five pillars, including clean ingredients and sustainable packaging. Before transitioning into working with food and agriculture companies on climate, she worked in marketing. Igharo currently sits on the board of the Sustainability Consortium.
“Five years from now, I hope that I’ll be able to continue playing a role and collaborating with others in redesigning consumer goods products and their supply chains. It will take time to transition our large and complex supply chains to ones that not only provide our favorite foods, beverages, and products but also provide benefits environmentally and socially throughout the full value chain.”
Abriell Jackson
Director, Investor Relations | American Airlines
Jackson began her career with American Airlines in 2014. She currently leads the investor relations team, which is responsible for sharing the company’s current financial targets and long-term strategy with external analysts and investors. Over the years, Jackson has played a leading role in recruiting and retaining diverse talent within the finance organization at American, living out her passion for people and finance.
“In five years, I plan to continue growing my skill set by taking on new leadership experiences that drive a positive impact to customers, team members, and shareholders. No matter the role, I’ll focus on serving others by being a champion for DEI, creating an inclusive space that fosters success.”
Gitika Jain
VP, Product, Growth Portfolio | Pitney Bowes
Jain is driving innovation and leading growth product strategy for Pitney Bowes globally. In this role, she strives to foster an environment in which technology serves as a catalyst for both growth and a great customer experience. Previously, Jain was country head for the Pitney Bowes India office, where she led engineering teams across different company businesses and oversaw all country operations, from finance, risk management, and compliance to infrastructure. She is also a champion of women in tech initiatives, both inside and outside the company.
“Pitney Bowes has been committed to addressing the gender leadership gap for many years. Notably, women have held senior-level positions within our company for over three decades. This includes women serving as independent directors on the company’s board, with the chair of the board being a woman. Our workforce comprises over 43 percent women, and 36 percent of our global managers are women. The Pitney Bowes Women’s Inclusion Network plays an integral role in fostering the professional growth and advancement of women.”
Sharon A. Jean-Baptiste
VP, Transportation Growth Director, East Central US | Jacobs
Jean-Baptiste is a civil and environmental engineer with deep experience in operational, program delivery, technology and innovation, and sales leadership roles. In her current role, she drives the multiyear growth priorities for a 13-state regional business unit. This global champion for equity, inclusion, and diversity has fiercely advocated for and led organizational change within her industry. She is the global cochair for the Jacobs Women’s Network and is past global chair for Harambee, the Jacobs Black Employee Network.
“Five years from now, I see myself in the C-suite driving a global platform focused on achieving inclusive and equitable outcomes for communities. I am committed to playing a meaningful part in changing lives and transforming communities through sustainable infrastructure and innovation, global resource networks, and shared thought leadership. I will also be lending my expertise, experience, perspectives, and personal and professional community relationships to broadly invest in accessibility and persistence of high-quality education, economic empowerment, and overall well-being.”
Nia M. Jenkins
VP, Legal Affairs and Deputy General Counsel | Surescripts
Jenkins boasts 20 years of experience in public and private sectors at companies operating in heavily regulated industries such as health technology. She is regularly tapped by leadership to help design, drive, and deploy initiatives for revenue growth, product development, risk management, process improvement, and operations. Since 2021, Jenkins has been with Surescripts, a health information technology company. In her current role, she oversees a team of experienced attorneys and directly counsels C-suite leadership and their respective teams on product strategy and development, data sourcing, and other matters requiring cross-product and cross-segment knowledge. Jenkins also is a member of the angel investing network Pipeline Angels.
“Five years from now, I would like to continue to be a driving force in helping businesses scale and grow, all while continuing to learn and grow as an individual.”
Nyra Jordan
Associate VP, Community and Social Impact | American Family Insurance
A founding director of the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact, Jordan partners with and supports enterprises that are working to build resilient communities in the wake of environmental and social inequities. She amplifies the voices of experts and founders focused on people-centered solutions for those impacted by the justice system. During her 20-plus years of career experience, she has been dedicated to spearheading initiatives that empower underrepresented communities. Jordan currently serves on the boards of two community-based nonprofits driving systemic change, Safe Communities of Madison-Dane County and The Road Home Dane County.
“American Family Insurance is actively addressing the gender leadership gap through various initiatives. We prioritize diversity and inclusion in leadership roles through mentorship programs, embedded equity principles, and more. By fostering an inclusive culture and providing equitable access to opportunities, we empower women to excel in leadership positions, narrowing the gender gap and creating a more equitable workplace for all employees.”
Kelley Kahler
Director and General Manager, Money Canvas Program | Thrivent
Kahler is responsible for program growth, strategy and operations, the digital product, and engineering road maps. She is a human-centered designer with a passion for tackling complex problems at the intersection of people and businesses. Since joining Thrivent in 2021, Kahler has scaled Money Canvas, an incubated start-up within the financial services organization, from 10 team members to nearly 60 employees today, inclusive of financial coaches. Prior to joining Thrivent, Kahler managed strategy and innovation teams at the global innovation firm Doblin.
“We have a Women’s Leadership Network, which empowers women to reach their full potential by supporting efforts to advance their skills and leadership. Thrivent also has a hybrid, flexible work environment, which allows us to hire diverse talent nationwide. I’m personally committed to opening doors for women and diverse talent, and I enjoy mentoring emerging leaders on my team.”
Jay Adejumoke-Jagun Kao
SVP | D. E. Shaw Group
Kao first joined the firm in 2012 as a member of its legal and compliance department, where she advised on a range of transactions for the firm’s alternative investment strategies, including swaps, securities lending, and prime brokerage. After a brief stint as general counsel at AlleyCorp, a start-up incubator and venture fund, Kao rejoined D. E. Shaw in 2023, working across functions to address some of the largest and most important strategic challenges facing the global investment and technology development firm. She is a founder of D.E. Shaw’s Black affinity group, Black@DESCO, and a member of the company’s women’s affinity group. She also is giving back as a member of Pipeline Angels.
“I would like to be recognized for leading groundbreaking technology initiatives that help people work more effectively and efficiently. By collaborating across diverse teams, I aim to rethink and unlock opportunities to harness generative AI for strategic growth. I also hope to inspire and uplift other women and Black professionals through mentorship.”
Joan King
SVP, Digital | Discover Financial Services
King has spent over 30 years building award-winning digital experiences. She currently leads the team at Discover responsible for the customer experience across all digital touchpoints, including the mobile
app, website, and communication channels. Prior to Discover, King held various positions in e-commerce at Crate & Barrel Holdings, working to innovate the online customer experience and ultimately serving as executive vice president of digital and international growth, responsible for strategy and operations of the retail chain’s websites and apps, which have grown to deliver over 60 percent of total company sales.
“Discover intentionally designs diversified hiring pipelines for new talents and creates strategic succession plans to elevate women and people of color into positions of leadership. We take everyday measures to empower our employees to pursue their ambitions at each stage of their career.”
Natalie King
Medical Science Liaison, Associate Director, Neuroscience | Novartis
King, who holds a PhD in neuroscience, is a neuroscientist and beauty entrepreneur. As a medical science liaison (MSL) in neurology, she is contributing to cutting-edge health-care strategies at Novartis. Her work in STEM mentorship and advocacy in science and health disciplines includes roles with organizations like Girls 4 Science
and Black Girls Do STEM. Her passion extends beyond the lab. As founder of Florae, a science-backed beauty brand, she is helping women of all hair textures embrace their natural beauty while addressing overall health.
“In five years, I see myself advancing in my role as a medical science liaison, moving into a leadership position where I can shape medical strategy and mentor new MSLs. My focus will be on driving impactful collaborations between research and clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes in neuroscience. While continuing to support women’s health through beauty and wellness as CEO of Florae, I’ll remain committed to empowering women globally!”
Amanda Vela Kraemer
SVP of Stores | Target
Kraemer is a successful executive with 25 years of retail leadership experience, the last 20 of which she has spent at Target, where she currently leads all store operations in Target’s southern region. She began her career with Target in 2005 as an executive team leader of HR in San Antonio, Texas. She holds a leadership role on the Target Regional Stores Diversity and Inclusion Council and is a member of NEW (Network of Executive Women), Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Texas Women’s Foundation, and the Target Foundation board. Kraemer has participated on the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility’s Latina Empowe(h)er panel.
“As I envision the next five years, I am committed to both personal and professional growth. My ambition is to reach a C-level position and expand my contributions on various boards. I also look forward to cherishing the early years with my two twin boys. While I’m excited about what lies ahead, I am equally determined to enjoy the journey along the way.”
Crystal Laurence
Director of Sales and Marketing, the Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel | Accor
Laurence is a leading figure in luxury hospitality. Orchestrating commercial strategy for the Plaza, she helps drive top-line revenue, business development, and customer experience strategy. Her leadership extends across a diverse team, where she crafts innovative strategies to maximize revenue, forge influential campaigns, cultivate partnerships, and foster unwavering brand loyalty.
“Accor [the owner of Fairmont] is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Much like the city that developed around it, the Plaza is a melting pot of diverse talent. The property truly leads by example with its Executive Committee team being 45 percent female and its leadership team being 55 percent female.”
Alice Lee
VP of the Product Regulatory Office at American Honda | Honda
Lee oversees US regulatory compliance activities for Honda’s automobile, power sports, and power equipment products and represents Honda on product regulatory matters to US government agencies. She joined the company in 2002 as an analyst in sales and production planning before leaving in 2005 to pursue her law degree and MBA. Lee returned to Honda in 2010 and was promoted to her current role as vice president of the Product Regulatory Office in 2023.
“Honda has done extensive internal benchmarking that led us to develop targets for women in leadership by 2030. But setting the goal is half the battle. To help us succeed we’ve implemented diverse interview panels and placed accountability with business units to get all levels of Honda engaged.”
Gracie Lozano
VP, Senior HR Business Partner, Insurance | USAA
Lozano is accountable for management and delivery of HR strategies, issues, and needs of C-suite executive council members and their organizations, comprising over 18,000 employees, or 50 percent of USAA. She serves as a key advisor to the senior leadership team to advocate, champion, and execute the HR solutions to acquire, develop, and retain talent. Lozano is also a strategic business partner who provides thought leadership to influence and enable the business to serve members, deliver its plans, and execute on its strategic priorities.
“USAA creates opportunity for all employees to succeed with diversity business groups like Elevate, which focuses on increasing female participation in leadership through awareness and education.”
Sharon Lynch
General Manager at Slalom Build | Slalom
Lynch has a 25-year career focused on helping clients around the world build the right technology products to meet their needs. Her passion is delivery methodology based on high-performing cross-discipline teams. Lynch previously led the Slalom West Coast Build Centers, along with the Solution Ownership and Quality Engineering capabilities. She is currently responsible for the Slalom Build organization in North America.
“At Slalom, we believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best selves. We have a pay equity policy and mentorship and sponsorship programs to promote women into senior leadership positions, and we are proud of our efforts to close the gender gap and empower women in our technology-focused industry.”
Juliana Marques
Senior Tax Principal | Airbnb
A seasoned tax executive navigating complex international tax matters, Marques is responsible at Airbnb for leading international tax planning, provision, and compliance, as well as supporting mergers and acquisitions. With a career spanning over two decades, she previously served as
a senior associate at Baker & McKenzie, where she advised leading tech companies on cross-border taxation and authored several publications. She is an active angel investor with the Pipeline Angels network, which focuses on underrepresented founders.
“My goal is to expand a diverse team that fosters both business and personal growth. I aim to serve on the boards of growing technology companies, contributing my expertise and ensuring a seat at the table where strategic decisions are made. I’m committed to continuing purposeful work in my community while growing my family’s real estate and interior design business.”
Gabrielle A. McClain
Senior Director, Chief Compliance Officer | ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
With 20-plus years of diversified legal and business expertise, McClain is a skilled advocate and counselor, specializing in nonprofit law and governance. At ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness arm for St. Jude, McClain has served in various leadership roles overseeing ALSAC Legal’s bequest portfolio and forecasting. As chief compliance officer, she is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the organization’s culture of compliance. Her strategic insights and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving ALSAC’s mission forward.
“ALSAC/St. Jude has a legacy of compassion and innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, until no child dies in the dawn of life. I strive to adapt, grow, and reinvest in myself and my work by developing cutting-edge compliance strategies that protect the organization and inspire ethical excellence. I will continue to foster a culture of integrity and innovation, leading transformative initiatives that empower employees and drive organizational success.”
Adrienne Mitchell
Lead, Senior People Operations Partner | DuckDuckGo
A strategic human resources and DEI leader, Mitchell brings unparalleled insight into company culture, career progression, people operations, and leadership development. From shaping the people strategies of Fortune 500 companies to steering the people initiatives of nimble, high-growth start-ups, she has ensured that her expertise resonates across industries. Driven by an unwavering passion for nurturing talent, fostering leadership, and fortifying the foundations of thriving enterprises, Mitchell brought her expertise to DuckDuckGo three years ago to support a scaling People Operations team and lead diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“I am grateful to have a career built on leadership and a holistic approach to building engaging cultures. In the years to come, I’m excited to continue taking on challenges to scale and build inclusive, equitable people-ops strategies while seizing opportunities to develop myself and those around me.”
Okeoma Moronu
Head of Global Aviation Regulatory Affairs | Zipline International
Moronu works alongside regulators, policymakers, and experts in emerging technologies to unlock safe and reliable autonomous operations to realize Zipline’s mission of creating the first drone logistics system serving all humans equally. She is a leader in developing new regulatory frameworks that enable high-volume drone operations in national airspaces around the globe and currently serves as vice chair on the board of the Commercial Drone Alliance. Moronu has also served on the US Department of Transportation Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee and is paying it forward as a member of Pipeline Angels.
“In five years, no matter the role, I aspire to still be leveraging my skills and expertise to contribute to mission-driven endeavors that have a meaningful impact on our communities, the environment, and our planet. No matter where my career takes me, I am committed to creating a more equitable future.”
Negelle Morris
SVP, US Cardiometabolic Sales | Novo Nordisk
Morris leads the field-facing commercial business for Novo Nordisk’s diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular portfolio. Over her 25-year career in health care, she has served as a leader in direct patient care, payer access, and sales and marketing strategy. She is known for her business impact and deep appreciation for the inherent value of people. As a national executive board member participating in various employee network groups, Morris champions leadership, diversity, and inclusion while focusing on the development of others. She also serves on the board of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and other nonprofits, focusing on health-care disparities.
“In five years, I aim to be a leader who remains dedicated to my passion for people. I envision leveraging my clinical and commercial background to address evolving health-care dynamics and to drive transformative change for people living with chronic disease. Today and into the future, I hope to bring out the best in others by nurturing an environment where people feel valued and can be their authentic selves.”
Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle
VP, YouTube Ads Marketing | Google
Nelson-Bogle leads the YouTube Ads team, which works to elevate advertiser and industry perceptions and empower customers to drive meaningful business outcomes. As a culture-shifting exec, she served in many leadership roles in the beauty industry prior to Google, allowing her to develop transformative brand strategies that delivered sustainable growth for top beauty brands like L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline, and La Roche-Posay.
“Aligning my passion with purpose in my work has enabled me to create opportunities for empowering future leaders and spaces to bring diverse voices to the table to drive transformation. With YouTube’s mission of giving everyone a voice, I am devoted to continuously fostering inclusive cultures that inspire innovative thinking and collaboration to unlock ‘the magic’ to bring this mission to life.”
Catherine Ordun
VP, Office of the CTO | Booz Allen Hamilton
Ordun is a vice president in Booz Allen’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, where she leads AI tech transfer and advanced prototyping efforts designed to integrate and scale AI solutions. Prior to joining Booz Allen, Ordun worked in both the private and public sectors, including as a research analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is also currently an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
“Booz Allen empowers female leaders through several employee-led networks, including our Women’s Employee Community, Women in AI, and Women in Engineering and Science. Our DEI Strategy and Action Plan has been in place since 2020 to ensure representation in senior leadership is consistent with our workforce and to foster an equitable and inclusive environment.”
Rageshree Parab
VP, Enterprise Architecture, Business Intelligence, and Digital Engineering| Rite Aid
In her role at Rite Aid, Parab is responsible for delivering innovative solutions to drive the company’s technology strategy, architecture, business intelligence, and data and cloud services. She is also a board member of Rite Aid Healthy Futures,
a nonprofit that supports community health and wellness initiatives.
“Five years from now, I plan to grow in my leadership position and be globally known for technology transformation. I want to continue empowering individuals, mentoring aspiring technologists from diverse backgrounds, and providing guidance, support, and access to opportunities to help them thrive in their careers.”
Julia Pollak
Chief Economist | ZipRecruiter
Pollak heads the economic research team at ZipRecruiter, analyzing data from its platform to assess the health of the labor market, identify hiring trends, and equip employers and job seekers for the future of work. Before joining ZipRecruiter,
she served as an assistant policy analyst at the RAND Corporation and was an adjunct instructor in economics at Pepperdine University. From 2011 to 2022, she was also a drilling reservist in the US Navy.
“Five years from now, my team will have turned ZipRecruiter data into an indispensable source of actionable insights for labor market policymakers, workforce development programs, and talent acquisition teams at businesses of all sizes. Our work will continue to inform the development of AI-driven products that make hiring a faster and more pleasant process for job seekers and employers alike.”
Mathangi Ramanathan
VP, Product Management | UKG
Ramanathan has over two decades of experience in the software industry. Now at UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group, offering HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions), she continues to be widely recognized for her strategic vision, business acumen, customer-centricity, and excellence in product management. Ramanathan has held several prominent leadership roles and has worked at such industry giants as Microsoft, Oracle, and Zuora. Her inclusive leadership style and unwavering dedication to championing diversity and inclusion have set her apart as a transformative leader in the technology sector.
“In the next five years, I am excited about enabling every organization to become a great place to work for all through people-centric technology, empowering customers to create equitable opportunities, unlock true drivers of engagement and performance, and make informed decisions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.”
Roshell R. Rinkins
VP, Transformation and Organizational Effectiveness | W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Rinkins is responsible for business process reengineering, quality improvement, and organizational performance initiatives at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which focuses on funding health and education programs and race-based causes. She leads strategic development, quality improvement programs, and the company’s internal and external racial equity and community engagement grant-making portfolio work. She has 20 years of experience in operations management, logistics, and strategic sourcing, honing her skills at leading companies such as Apple and Procter & Gamble.
“Helping to advance women directly correlates to contributing to the overall success of an organization. According to research from McKinsey & Company, organizations in the top quartile—those with more than 30 percent representation of women—were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom. I support the advancement of women by sponsoring and mentoring women both within and outside my organization and investing and creating capital for women entrepreneurs through my membership with Pipeline Angels.”
Rhonda Robinson
VP, Enterprise Risk Management | Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Robinson is responsible for developing the risk framework for Horizon and ensuring that the business is appropriately assessing and monitoring risks. In her current role, she leads a team that designs and implements policies and procedures to promote risk management across the organization. Having held various roles in medical cost management, operations, and payment integrity, she has taken on several leadership positions at Horizon and other health plans during her 30-year career.
“Five years from now I envision myself continuing to work with young adults and sharing my personal career development experiences and how important it is to capitalize on opportunities early and often. I am a firm believer that the biggest risk is not taking any risks at all. I am fortunate to work for an organization that not only supports my career but the important work of its employees in the community.”
Lyndsay Rogers
General Manager, Salty Snacking | Kellanova
Rogers began her career at Kellanova more than two decades ago as a supply chain intern before rising through the ranks and eventually leading the company’s Portable Wholesome Snacks unit. Under her direction, the unit took over share leadership, and Pop-Tarts was set on track to become Kellanova’s next billion-dollar brand. Today, she leads Kellanova’s Salty Snacking business unit, where she’s breaking new barriers, including putting Cheez-It on pace to become a $2 billion brand.
“My career moves have been defined by the unexpected, and I find that to be rewarding, personally and professionally. My 13 different roles throughout my 20-plus years at Kellanova have each given me new challenges to conquer. Our evolution into a global snacks-led powerhouse is my next [challenge].”
LaToya Rose
SVP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Macmillan Publishers
Rose is a change agent and accomplished leader known for bringing people together to develop highly effective diversity, equity, and inclusion programs aligned with business priorities and strategic initiatives. Prior to her role with Macmillan, she led strategic brand campaigns for a wide range of global clients across some of the most innovative, progressive communication agencies. Rose’s specialties include digital strategy, crisis management, corporate and public affairs, and consumer branding.
“In five years, I hope to pioneer DEI strategies that tackle the challenges of hybrid workplaces and AI biases. I aim to lead efforts integrating DEI across digital and physical work environments, ensuring equitable access to emerging technology, and setting new standards for inclusive workplace cultures.”
Valene Samuels
Principal Cloud Solution Architect | Microsoft 365 Copilot
Since joining Microsoft in 2018, Samuels has held various positions, showing expertise
in strategic technology consulting and sales success. She is currently responsible for leading AI adoption strategies for clients across multiple industries in Fortune 100 enterprises. Prior to Microsoft, she succeeded in various roles at Accenture, where she led technology strategies, change management, and program management for business and technology integration in Fortune 100 enterprises. Samuels is passionate about global community giving, digital literacy, learning, and people development.
“Aligning purpose and passion is one of my leading principles to advocate for, empower, connect, and/or create opportunities that enable people to achieve their greatest potential. I envision my role at Microsoft evolving to further elevate my leadership in people development and representing and contributing to diverse leadership in technology, influencing the next generation of leaders while continuing to guide clients in embracing the next wave of technology.”
Lindsey Silva
Director, Microbiology Global QC Technology | Genentech
Silva and her team are responsible for driving analytical innovation and quality control microbiology solutions, including end-to-end microbial oversight of a growing small molecule parenteral portfolio. She is one of the founding members of the SACNAS professional chapter at Genentech, a national, inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM. Silva was also a recipient of the 2023 Genentech Women Professionals Emerging Leader award.
“Genentech acknowledges that to deliver groundbreaking innovation, our company must reflect the diverse world around us. Genentech Women in Science and Engineering (gWISE) seeks to develop and retain first-class talent in careers where women remain underrepresented. We focus on leadership, influence, and networking, so all leaders achieve their career aspirations.”
Rebecca Smith
VP of Talent Acquisition | MGM Resorts International
Smith has worked for MGM Resorts for 17 years and in human resources for over 24 years. Her experience includes labor and employee relations, employee engagement, and talent acquisition. She serves on the board of the College of Southern Nevada Foundation and the University of South Alabama’s hospitality and tourism program. Smith is also a proud US Air Force veteran and certified organizational effectiveness and change management coach.
“MGM Resorts has a long-standing commitment to addressing the gender gap by prioritizing internal mobility and equitable access to advancement opportunities. Our talent management processes identify high-potential individuals for targeted development and succession planning. In addition, we offer a wide range of professional development programs available to all employees.”
Katarina Stanisic
VP, Sales, Marketing & Revenue Management | Aramark Destinations
Stanisic joined Aramark in 2024 to support the company’s National Park Service and Forest Service clients and lodging, conference centers, attractions, and tours assets. She leads Aramark’s commercial sales, marketing, revenue management, and central reservations teams. She previously worked at BWH Hotels overseeing brand marketing and the member marketing service group to support hoteliers and their property marketing efforts. She has also led digital advertising efforts for WorldHotels and boutique brands Glo, Vib, Sadie, and Aiden.
“I’m inspired by our female hoteliers who expertly manage their properties, resulting in transforming family legacies through hospitality leadership and business success. At our corporate offices, I’m fortunate to partner with remarkable women whose professional talents are developed and leveraged to drive brand awareness and revenue growth.”
Jenai St. Hill
Senior Director, Global Support Operations | LinkedIn
A recognized operations and strategy leader, St. Hill focuses on the delivery of high-quality service and support for an enterprise B2B product. An accomplished strategy and operations leader, she enjoys coaching and mentoring others, helping to create supportive spaces based on trust and belonging. She previously served as legal counsel at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, providing strategic counsel on IT outsourcing transactions, and as a commercial litigation associate focusing on commercial and pharmaceutical litigation. St. Hill is also helping increase founder diversity through Pipeline Angels.
“In five years, I envision myself leading a purpose-driven organization. I am thankful to currently focus my career on driving strategic insights and mobilizing collective purpose to catalyze business growth. My passion is unlocking others’ potential and helping them recognize their own power and leadership abilities. I aim to cultivate teams where everyone thrives, creating lasting impact for both the organization and its people.”
Saleema Syed
VP, Field and Partner Marketing | Webex by Cisco
Syed plays a pivotal role in orchestrating marketing strategies that extend the reach of Webex solutions to diverse markets through various partner channels worldwide. Her responsibilities encompass a wide array of activities aimed at maximizing brand exposure, driving customer engagement, and fostering strategic partnerships. She oversees business and revenue operations, and project management office and finance operations, driving cross-functional data and budget product alignment programs that accelerate growth for Webex marketing at Cisco.
“Transitioning from tech to leadership, my journey emphasizes empowering women by ‘sending the elevator down.’ In the next five years, I aim to dismantle STEM stereotypes, making it accessible and engaging for the younger generation. My goal is to mentor and uplift, ensuring women not only have a seat but a strong voice at the table, reshaping the future of tech.”
Jhaymee Tynan
Principal, Health Services | Korn Ferry
Tynan provides executive search and leadership advisory services for senior executives of health-care services, pharmaceuticals, and life-sciences organizations. Prior to Korn Ferry, she was enterprise assistant vice president, Integration, at Atrium Health (now Advocate Health), where she led multibillion-dollar post-merger integrations for health system mergers and acquisitions across the Southeast. She is the founder of a global career initiative, 100×2030, which aims to increase representation for women of color at the senior executive levels of health-care organizations globally.
“Five years from now, I’d like to have successfully sponsored 100 women of color in health care. I made a pledge to do so by 2030. It’s an important initiative to help increase diversity and representation in leadership. Women of color continue to be over-mentored and under-sponsored. It takes active, engaged, and courageous sponsors—men and women—to put words into action and elevate the next generation of senior leaders in health care.”
Ashley D. Varnado
Managing Director, Philanthropic Market Executive | Bank of America
Varnado leads a national team responsible for the acquisition and retention of $12 billion of investable philanthropic assets across 12 markets, working closely with philanthropic individuals, families, and nonprofit institutions on all aspects of giving. She serves as an executive sponsor for key initiatives in alignment with enterprise objectives and is engaged in mentoring underrepresented teammates who are females and people of color. Her commitment to local and global communities is demonstrated through her board membership and involvement in several nonprofit organizations.
“Over the next few years, no matter the role, I hope to continue evolving as a positive disrupter and lifetime learner within the industry. I hope to continue driving both innovation and transformation for the benefit of our clients and key stakeholders while breaking barriers for women leaders to come.”
Ana Vaz
Global Development Leader | Eli Lilly and Company
Vaz leads a diverse team that provides regulatory strategy and leadership for late-phase clinical development programs in immunology and neuroscience. Her team works to accelerate the delivery of innovative new medicines with a focus on helping people. With more than 17 years of drug development experience, she has held several leadership roles at Lilly. Vaz is passionate about diversity and inclusion, actively participates in employee engagement opportunities, and invests in helping others through development, advocacy, and mentorship.
“Lilly looked at the challenges hindering women from getting into higher positions. We then created new programs, education, and awareness to build cultural literacy and understanding for women at work, leading to greater gender diversity in our talent pools and pipelines for management positions. Women now make up 50 percent of Lilly’s US and global workforce and 49 percent of all management positions.”
Athena Villarreal
Manager, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Programs, CSR, Strategy and Business Optimization | Navy Federal Credit Union
Villarreal is an innovative, strategic leader who has more than 20 years of employee programs and communications experience across various industries. Throughout her career, she has leveraged diversity, inclusion, and belonging strategies for employee experience programs that enhance belonging and company culture. She is passionate about building inclusive communities in the workplace. At Navy Federal, she leads and sustains employee resource groups for the credit union’s 24,000-plus employees.
“In five years, I aspire to uplift Latinas and others to thrive in their careers. I hope to continue building communities that drive meaningful change for all employees. I want Navy Federal to stand out as an inclusive, people-centric place that showcases how representation and community connection make an impact.”
Shayna Walker
Global Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED+I) | Tripadvisor
Walker has been a human resources professional for 17 years. In her current role at Tripadvisor, she helps advance the ED+I strategy by championing a truly equitable, diverse, and inclusive work culture and business product. Prior to Tripadvisor, Walker spent nine years at Horizon Media, where she created and led the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. She was named one of AdAge’s 2020 Women to Watch and was an honoree for Cynopsis’s 2020 Top Women in Media.
“In five years, I’d like to be spearheading advanced DEI strategies at Tripadvisor in a more senior capacity and having the outcomes foster a diverse workplace culture that seamlessly integrates inclusive principles into our products, services, and marketing. This will ensure that Tripadvisor reflects and supports the needs of our global travelers.”
Carolyn Ware
Head of Wealth Advice and Experiences | TIAA
In her current role, Ware is responsible for the end-to-end omni-channel wealth client and advisor experience at financial services company TIAA. She is focused on driving client growth, retention, and engagement through fully integrated and optimized experiences across web, mobile, and planning capabilities. Ware serves as a national cochair for TIAA’s Empowered (Black associates and allies) business resource group and
is a member of Blacks in Tech and a mentor with Girls in Tech.
“TIAA prioritizes gender equality from the top down. Our CEO, Thasunda Brown Duckett, says, ‘It’s a we thing.’ We all have a part to play in addressing inequalities, and we believe it starts with casting the widest net possible to offer opportunities and to clear roadblocks so women can realize their full potential.”
Wendi Whitmore
SVP, Unit 42 | Palo Alto Networks
Whitmore heads Unit 42, a unique team that blends threat intelligence, incident response, risk management consulting, and managed services to help organizations tackle complex cyberthreats, from ransomware to state-sponsored espionage. Her team is responsible for combining threat intelligence and security consulting expertise to help organizations proactively navigate cyber risks, strengthen security approaches, and efficiently respond to incidents. Whitmore is chair of the industry advisory board for Duke University’s master of engineering in cybersecurity program and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Cybersecurity.
“Palo Alto Networks is committed to championing contributions of women change-makers and trailblazers in the IT industry and continues to launch programs and initiatives to inspire and amplify its mission for women empowerment in technology. Through these efforts, Palo Alto Networks fosters an inclusive and diverse culture where talented women thrive to continually create innovations needed in the dynamic IT sector.”
Denise R. Wilkins
Division Client Relationship Executive | Merrill Lynch
A member of the division leadership team, Wilkins has responsibilities that include driving client-centric strategic business initiatives and supervising overall service and operation plans while appropriately balancing organizational risk. She oversees more than 14 markets with 2,500 employees across the West Coast. She began her 25-plus-year career at Merrill Lynch in 1994 as an administrative assistant in the New York office and held various support roles before joining the firm’s Leadership Training Program in 2010.
“Five years from now, I plan to be successfully continuing to create a diverse organization of leaders in the field of Wealth Management Client Service, ensuring that our employees represent the communities we serve and support while continuing to close the wealth gap related to women through a series of education programs and access to both career- and wealth-building opportunities.”
Lauren D. Williams
SVP, Organizational Culture and Change Management | SiriusXM
Williams is building a world-class organizational culture that creates shared practices, processes, beliefs, and behaviors in support of business transformation. She leads diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and influences how SiriusXM engages with employees, communities, and partners. Williams previously served as chief of staff to SiriusXM’s chief executive officer, acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and her direct reports. Williams joined SiriusXM in 2019 with the acquisition of Pandora, where she held a variety of sales strategy roles.
“At SiriusXM, we want to shape the future of audio where everyone is effortlessly connected to voices, stories, and music they love. In five years, I hope to see this vision realized through our social impact work. With diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging core to our company, we will have created an organizational culture that inspires all.”
Grace Yee
Senior Director, Ethical Innovation (AI Ethics and Accessibility) | Adobe
Yee is a keen reader of the dynamics of an organization, its people and culture. She currently leads global organization-wide work to help ensure that Adobe’s industry-leading innovations, which millions of creators rely on every day, are developed in alignment with the company’s core values and ethical principles. Yee also helps advance Adobe’s commitment to building technologies, including generative AI, responsibly, centering ethics and inclusivity in the company’s approach to product development.
“In five years, I’m excited to see how AI continues to evolve to democratize creativity and transform how we work, play, and learn. I am also hopeful that the recognition in having diverse human oversight over AI paves the way for more women to pursue careers in STEM, especially as we realize the power and potential of this technology.”
Angela Yen
VP, Data and Computational Sciences | Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Yen leads the team developing and applying advanced analytics across all research programs at Vertex, using data and computational sciences to derive insights and drive experimentation. Through this work, she and her team advance the discovery and development of transformative therapies through quality data-driven decision-making and efficiency of speed and scale. Yen has also led key off-target evaluations for the development of Casgevy, Vertex’s therapy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, which was the first approved CRISPR therapy in the world.
“I love that Vertex is making the business case for inclusion, diversity, and equity [ID&E] to close the gender leadership gap. Diversity initiatives can sometimes be framed as a sacrifice that businesses make to do something morally right. While I believe in the inherent value of ID&E, the conversation at Vertex is framed around how it benefits the business and everyone at Vertex.”
Melissa Miller Young
Team Leader | Women Connect4Good
As team leader forthe nonprofit Women Connect4Good (WC4G), Young works to foreground issues pertinent to gender equality and helps women lead empowered lives. Her work with the WC4G team is a dream come true for her, as it allows her to connect with thought leaders, share their insights, and move the conversation forward. Over her 25-year career, first as a journalist, then as a marketing and communications pro, Young has worked across corporate, organizational, and freelance settings, always focusing on making a positive impact.
“We are making connections, raising awareness, and taking action. From advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment to supporting the passionate, powerful women driving meaningful, positive change—and the programs that strengthen their efforts—we are fully committed to achieving gender equality and empowering women to lead.”