Women Tech Council recognizes top tech talent

Utah’s Women Tech Council (WTC) has announced the winners of its 2020 Women Tech Awards.

“In a year driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Women Tech Council is fighting back by identifying and recognizing the women who are propelling economic growth, driving innovation and inspiring the community through the Women Tech Awards,” the organization said in its announcement. “Now in their 13th year, these awards accelerate the career and work of the women recognized, including their innovations to fight COVID-19, and magnify the economic.”

“In a year when each of us has lost so much, the vision and inspiration these women bring through their stories and accomplishments has never been more needed,” said Cydni Tetro, president of WTC. “Through their innovations and leadership in healthcare, education, fintech, AI, engineering and nearly every other tech field, they are creating economic opportunities, uniting the community and inspiring the technology workforce to lift each other above the obstacles we are all facing.”

WTC said each award recipient was selected for her impact on the technology sector and economy, and her community contributions. The Student Pathway award recipient was given to an undergraduate student in the midst of her STEM degree for her promising work and dedication.

The 13th annual award recipients are as follows:

• Technology Transformation Excellence: Kristiane Koontz, Zions Bancorporation.

• Founder Leadership: Linda Klug, Airin.

• Trailblazer: Margo Georgiadis, Ancestry.

• Digital Education Innovator: Melissa Bueno Hamilton, Murray City School District.

• Strategic Innovator: Qun (Maxine) Liu, Health Catalyst.

• Technology Leadership: Rebecca Whitehead, HealthEquity.

• Operational Excellence: Seraphine Kapsandoy-Jones, Intermountain Healthcare.

• Leadership Excellence: Wendy Steinle, Adobe.

• Student Pathway: Jennifer Morales, Weber State University.

In addition to this recognition, the awards program also marked the launch of the Women Tech Talent Pipeline Alliance as a joint effort by Women Tech Council, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Code in Color, Latinas in Tech Utah, United Way, Department of Workforce Services and Tech Moms. This alliance will work to expand the talent pipeline for women in technology across all demographics, races, socio-economic statuses and life situations, WTC said.