FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 10, 2023
Women Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA) Announces its winners for 2023 WLDA Awards Gala
Yesterday, November 9, after the WLDA Summit had concluded, attendees headed to the 2023 WLDA Awards Gala at the Plaza over at 5th Ave in New York, where they celebrated leaders and influencers in tech, data, and AI, who have stood out, taken risks, and pushed their organizations and teams to new heights. These awardees are creating, leading, and demonstrating innovation and inclusion across the data and AI field:
Corporation of the Year
Award Winner: PwC
Through their outstanding strides in expanding the company via recruitment practices, retention structures, career pathing, and leadership training, PwC has generated quantifiable improvements in the growth of women in our field!
They exemplify innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Their unwavering support for women’s career advancement has empowered individuals and elevated the industry as a whole.
Corporation of the Year Award is awarded to the company that has made exceptional strides in expanding their company through recruitment practices, retention structures, career pathing, leadership training, etc, which generated quantifiable improvements in the growth of women in the field.
AI Leader of the Year (sponsored by KPMG USA)
Award Winner: Rogayeh Tabrizi – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Theory+Practice
Rogayeh’s visionary leadership has pushed boundaries and redrawn them in the AI sphere. Her relentless dedication to innovation has propelled Theory+Practice into the vanguard of AI, revolutionizing the industry with groundbreaking advancements.
Awarded to a woman who has successfully revolutionized the AI field and demonstrated themselves as a true leader in the field. Whether these are new or improved products, services, tools, or ways of doing things, this woman has helped the industry evolve towards success.
Data Leader of the Year
Award Winner: Ghada Richani – Managing Director, Data & Technology Strategy & Project Management Office, Bank of America
Ghada’s visionary leadership and relentless commitment to transforming the data landscape have propelled her to this well-deserved recognition. Her strategic prowess in steering the Data & Technology Strategy & Project Management Office at BofA has set new industry standards, revolutionizing data methodologies and reshaping the future of tech-driven banking.
The Data Leader of the Year is awarded to a woman who has successfully revolutionized the data field and demonstrated themselves as a true leader in the area. Whether these are new or improved products, services, tools, or ways of doing things, this woman has helped the industry evolve toward success.
Changemaker in the Field of Data
Award Winner: Rashmi Gupta – Partner, Data and Technology Transformation, IBM
Rashmi Gupta’s innovative contributions in the realm of data and technology transformation have set a remarkable standard, making her a true changemaker in the industry. Her visionary approach and dedication to revolutionizing data practices have paved the way for new strategies and advancements, propelling the industry forward. Rashmi’s exceptional work embodies the essence of the award, recognizing her invaluable impact in steering the data field toward unparalleled success.
This award is given to women who have successfully revolutionized the data field, whether new or improved products, services, tools, or ways of doing things.
Changemaker in the Field of AI
Award Winner: Sherry Comes – Conversational AI & Emerging Tech Leader, PwC US
Huge congrats to Sherry Comes of PwC, who was awarded the Changemaker in AI award. Sherry’s visionary contributions have revolutionized AI, pioneering new solutions that propel us into the future.
The Changemaker in AI is awarded to women who have successfully revolutionized the field of AI. Whether these are new or improved products, services, tools, or ways of doing things, this woman has helped the industry evolve toward success.
WLDA Woman Leader of the Year
Award Winner: Dara Meath – SVP, Chief Technology Officer, Build a Bear
Dara’s exceptional leadership has catalyzed transformative change within Build a Bear. Her visionary approach, coupled with groundbreaking technological advancements, has not only elevated the company but set new benchmarks for the sector at large. She embodies the essence of a trailblazer, inspiring others with her dedication, influence, and remarkable achievements.
This award is a prominent change maker in her company or public sector role. She has demonstrated significant development for the industry, has influenced/motivated others, and is an overall leader in data and AI.
Best Motivator
Award Winner: Laura Ellis – Vice President, Data Engineering and Platform Analytics, Rapid7
Laura’s unwavering dedication to inspiring and empowering women in tech is commendable. Her exceptional efforts in mentoring, delivering engaging speeches, and providing invaluable guidance have significantly uplifted aspiring women leaders.
The Best Motivator award is given to leaders who have made extraordinary efforts to motivate and teach others to become better women leaders in tech. Whether these are keynote speeches, group talks, or individual mentorship, this senior leader has gone above and beyond to motivate women and to be a knowledgeable resource and leader.
Executive Champion of the Year
Award Winner: Sandy Carter – COO, Unstoppable Domains
Sandy’s visionary leadership has elevated her company and set a benchmark in steering Unstoppable Domains into new markets and seizing untapped opportunities. Her dedication to advancing women in data and AI has been truly inspiring, paving the way for measurable growth and innovation.
This award is given to individuals who have successfully transformed the company they work for by steering it into new markets, new opportunities, or new audiences. Awardees have demonstrated robust and measurable company growth in their guidance of women in data and AI.
Rising Star
Award Winner: Mary Sailors – SubChapter Head – Data Science, Chevron
Mary Sailors exceptional contributions to revolutionizing the data and AI field and her innovative mindset and dedication have propelled the industry toward unparalleled success.
Her commitment to pioneering new approaches in data analytics has set a benchmark, igniting inspiration for future leaders in the industry. Her visionary outlook and expertise have reshaped the landscape of data science, making her a true catalyst for change.
Let’s continue to empower and recognize trailblazers like Mary Sailors, shaping the future of data and AI!
The Rising Star Award is given to women who have successfully revolutionized the field of data and AI. Whether these are new or improved products, services, tools or ways of doing things, this woman has helped the industry evolve towards success.
We also gave two awards to two WLDA members who have given their time and effort to uplift our values and mission:
Ally of the Year
Carl Gerber – Audit CDO, KPMG
We proudly present Carl Gerber with the Ally of the Year Award for his unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity-two core values that WLDA holds dear.
His relentless commitment to promoting diversity and inclusiveness serves as a beacon of inspiration, making him a true catalyst for positive change within the professional landscape. His remarkable efforts have significantly enriched the workforce, making it a more welcoming and accepting environment for everyone.
WLDA Leader of The Year
Nancy Morgan – CEO, Ellis Morgan Enterprises LLC and former Intelligence Community CDO of Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Nancy Morgan has been honored with the prestigious WLDA Leader of the Year award for her exceptional leadership qualities that have reshaped WLDA MasterMind Circles.
Her visionary approach, coupled with her commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, has inspired teams to reach new heights. Her dedication to corporate social responsibility and her pioneering efforts in implementing groundbreaking initiatives make her a beacon in the world of leadership, deserving of this esteemed recognition.
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Colonia, NJ
Email: events@WLDA.tech
