The Women in Tech Global Conference 2024 (WTGC2024) prominently featured the theme of breaking through barriers and overcoming bias and systemic challenges. This year’s conference highlighted powerful discussions and groundbreaking insights aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. In this article, we delve into the top three talks that captivated attendees, offering expert perspectives and inspiring stories that challenge the status quo and pave the way for meaningful change.
Aysha Khan is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Treasure Data, with over 20 years of experience in IT and security at Fortune 500 companies. She excels at aligning strategy with agile execution to drive business results and customer satisfaction. Aysha has built and led technology, security, compliance, risk, and operations functions, transforming disjointed organizations into cohesive teams.
Her expertise includes data and security strategy, digital transformation, cross-functional team leadership, and cloud security. She is skilled in audit and compliance frameworks, governance, risk management, and M&A integration. Aysha is an advisor with Silicon Valley CISOs Investments, a Clear Ventures CXO council member, an investor in startups, a DEIB executive, a speaker, and a life coach committed to connecting people, purpose, and performance.
During her session you will:
Learn about the remarkable resilience and determination exhibited by women who ascend to the C-Suite, including how they overcome obstacles and navigate challenges.
Understand the importance of mentorship and networking in supporting women's professional development, and see examples of successful mentorship programs.
Be inspired to contribute to a corporate landscape where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential, irrespective of gender.
Judy Dinn is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, since November 1, 2021. With over 25 years of experience in financial services technology, she previously served as CIO of Credit Cards at JPMorgan Chase and held segment CIO roles at three Canadian banks. Judy's expertise spans strategy, operations, risk management, and large-scale project implementations across various technology environments.
She is known for her transparent and collaborative leadership, supporting women in technology and co-founding Think About Math with the University of Waterloo. Judy holds an Honors Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo.
In her session you will discover:
- How to foster an inclusive work culture and how to build a diverse team.
- Actionable insights as well as techniques for expanding inclusivity in the workplace as well as how to navigate spaces that are not.
- Real-world success stories of a diverse team in action.
Kimberly Fuqua is a seasoned leader in the field of customer success, with over 25 years of experience at Microsoft. She currently manages a team of Senior Customer Success Account Managers, who orchestrate technical delivery and cloud support operations for some of the largest Manufacturing and Energy companies in the world. Kim is passionate about empowering her customers to achieve their business goals and digital transformation with Microsoft’s cloud solutions. She also mentors and coaches Microsoft colleagues and others in her network to grow their skills and careers in the corporate sector. Underpinning all her work at Microsoft and external engagements is her mission to harness the power of diversity and inclusion to change the world.
In her session Kimberly talks about:
- The Imperative of DEI: Emphasizes the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector for both commercial success and technical innovation.
- Role of Change Catalysts: Introduces the concept of 'Change Catalysts' as individuals who drive meaningful change in their organizations without being overwhelmed by the process.
- Personal Leadership Journey: Highlights the speaker's own experiences and challenges in navigating and driving change.
- Embracing Change for Growth: Stresses the need for embracing change as a tool for personal and professional development.
- Leadership in Technology: Underlines the responsibility of leaders in the technology field to actively foster a culture of DEI.
In conclusion, the Women in Tech Global Conference 2024 (WTGC2024) brought to light the critical importance of breaking through barriers and addressing bias and systemic challenges in the tech industry. These sessions collectively demonstrated that achieving an inclusive and equitable corporate landscape is not just a goal but a continuous journey that requires commitment, strategic action, and collaborative efforts. By embracing these insights and strategies, professionals can contribute to a tech industry where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. To further this mission and continue your professional growth, consider becoming a Professional or Founding Member to access exclusive benefits and support.
