Celebrating Women of Innovation: A Recap
- 26 minutes ago
- 3 min read
For 20 years, the Connecticut Technology Council has been hosting #WomenofInnovation — an inspiring event where women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) are truly celebrated!
With emcee Laura Hutchinson of WTNH at the mic, the event was executed much like the Oscars, complete with similar excitement, applause, and inspiring heartfelt storytelling. Sitting at our table, we wondered aloud… "do other states host something like this? Imagine the impact if such events were broadcast on national television"— how many young women and girls would be inspired to see what’s possible for #womeninSTEM!
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Connecticut’s Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who champions the cause of women and girls statewide through her leadership of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls (COWAG). Does your state have one?
Inspired by Innovation and Impact
This year’s Women of Innovation event left everyone in awe of the talent and tenacity showcased by each finalist — from high school students presenting research posters to college innovators using #AI to solve billion-dollar challenges in healthcare, for example.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Esther Takeuchi — a SUNY Distinguished Professor, U.S. Patent Holder, and pioneer in medical device manufacturing (GreatBatch Medical) — captivated the room. She described the evolution of technology in solving life-or-death problems (sustaining heart function, for example). She reminded us that innovation doesn’t stop at solving a problem; it requires innovation in getting-to-market, collaborating with others and making micro-innovations to meet evolving customer needs.
We gleaned that you can't innovate when people look at a problem from the same perspective, that innovation comes from looking at things differently, and - the #'s for participating women and minorities are still low.
It was inspiring to be in the room, learning about the contributions women are making in all different fields today!
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit
We came out to celebrate and recognize Finalist, Barbara Deloureiro, Founder of Vizionara LLC, an IT Consultancy in the Entrepreneurial Category. Barbara is an esteemed IT professional, on the forefront of tech, whose career began in the CIO’s office of EMC. She leads a team (of women technologists) impacting digital transformation for large organizations beyond Connecticut.
Beyond corporate delivery, Barbara launched “Vizionara Gives Back” to bring her team’s expertise enabling non-profits to gain efficiencies from their technology backbone. Barbara is a fierce advocate for people, especially women, to adopt and participate in technology. She has been an educator for our next generation, leading Babson’s students in leveraging cutting-edge technology for entrepreneurial ventures.
As an advisor for Untapped Potential, she lifts up women by making technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, accessible to those who may not have thought it was for them (our stay-at-home Moms). Vizionara has welcomed members of our community, bringing them on board in their career journey. She is “part of the solution” #returning women in STEM, and we were excited to come out and support her in this important recognition!
The Power of Community
The event was not just about individual achievements; it was a celebration of community. We were excited by the promise of the next generation and thrilled to see a Candidate's (Namakula Edward's) daughter receive a scholarship and award! This sense of camaraderie is essential in the S.T.E.M. fields. These events that build supportive networks and many presenters shared how crucial it is for women to lift each other up and create pathways for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Kudo's to Milena Erwin, Executive Director of Connecticut Technology Council's Women of Innovation Event - along with her planning committee. Congratulations to all the finalists and award recipients in their recognition. What a fun night of celebration!
Untapped Potential appreciates our partnership with Women of Innovation and the many companies that support it! Fun to see our logo in the program supporting Finalists!
As we reflect on the stories shared at the Women of Innovation event, let's consider how we can contribute to this movement. Imagine the possibilities if more young girls were exposed to such inspiring narratives. Events like this can ignite a passion for science and technology, encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Whether through mentorship, sponsorship, or simply taking a skillUP course in S.T.E.M., everyone has a role to play.
