Sessions: WomenTech Global Conference

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Session	Speaker	Share to Vote
Sarah Wall Director, Business Analysis at Info-Tech Research Group	Harmonizing Work and Life: Mindfulness, Balance, and Remote Flexibility Many people strive to achieve work-life balance maintaining an equilibrium between the time devoted to one's job and the time allocated to personal life, family, health, and other non-work activities. It often implies a separation between work and personal life and creates a sense of trade-offs, where one's career success is weighed against personal life satisfaction. Consider looking at work-life balance through an alternate lens of striving for work-life harmony. Harmony suggests a more integrated and flexible approach to combining work and personal life. It… read more
Sarah Wall Director, Business Analysis at Info-Tech Research Group	Harmonizing Work and Life: Mindfulness, Balance, and Remote Flexibility Many people strive to achieve work-life balance maintaining an equilibrium between the time devoted to one's job and the time allocated to personal life, family, health, and other non-work activities. It often implies a separation between work and personal life and creates a sense of trade-offs, where one's career success is weighed against personal life satisfaction. Consider looking at work-life balance through an alternate lens of striving for work-life harmony. Harmony suggests a more integrated and flexible approach to combining work and personal life. It… read more
Marissa McNeelands CEO & Co-founder at Toast	Diverse by Design: Crafting AI with Inclusivity In this compelling TED-style talk, Marissa McNeelands, CEO and co-founder of Toast, explores the urgent need for diversity in AI, particularly in recruitment. The session will uncover the ethical challenges and biases deeply embedded in AI systems. Marissa will share groundbreaking insights from Toast’s innovative approach - using AI not just to screen candidates in, but to ensure women and underrepresented groups aren't unfairly screened out. The talk will conclude with an interactive Q & A, diving deeper into individual queries and collective insights on forging a more inclusive AI… read more
Amber Foucault Vice President of Product, Applications at Dayforce	Integrating AI and ML into the Product Development Process In this talk, Amber Foucault, VP of Product Applications at Dayforce, will share tactical strategies and leading methodologies to integrate AI and ML into the product development process – no matter the organization or team size. Amber’s unique experience, including launching 70+ products throughout her career in startups and enterprise, will highlight a scrappy approach to innovation and deliver tangible takeaways. Topics covered will include problem identification, team configuration, and strategic and structural options – all best practices for testing and integrating innovation quickly… read more
Pooja Kelgaonkar Senior Data Architect at Rackspace Technology	Data Strategy for AI Adoption Discuss how organizations can develop and implement effective AI strategies, including considerations for selecting the right data and AI strategies. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Jess Johnson Technical Lead at Fullscript	AI Advocacy in Engineering: Translating Tech into Business This talk will explore the pivotal role engineers play as AI advocates within their organizations, acting as a bridge between technical AI development and business strategy. We delve into "The Engineers Playbook", providing practical strategies, tools, and illuminating case studies to empower engineers to effectively communicate the benefits and investments of AI to non-technical stakeholders. We will also discuss how to inspire engineers to own their expert title, motivating continuous learning about AI advancements and their business impact to foster a culture of relentless… read more
Michelle Brooks Chief People & Culture Officer at Security Compass	Empowering Women in Tech: Navigating the Remote & Hybrid Landscape Join us for an insightful discussion on making remote and hybrid work environments truly work for you as a woman in technology. We'll explore the potential dangers of remote and hybrid work, specifically addressing the impacts of cognitive load on women. Learn effective strategies for creating boundaries that seamlessly integrate work with life, and gain practical tips on self-advocacy both at home and in the professional sphere. Let's empower ourselves to thrive in the evolving world of work! Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Neelima Mangal Author \| Member of Forbes Council, MIT CIO\| TechExec	Journey from a Small Town to Engineer to Leadership: Career Insightsm & Lessons Learned Journey from a Small Town to Engineer to Leadership:Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started My Career With over two decades immersed in the IT sector, navigating teams, managing projects, and addressing the dynamic challenges of the evolving technical landscape, my journey has been marked by a tapestry of failures and successes. Through these experiences, I've gleaned valuable insights. To provide you with a valuable foundation for your leadership journey, I'm imparting lessons learned and sharing key aspects I wish I had known at the outset of my career. … read more
Lin Byrne Engineering Manager at Okta	Applying the learnings from updating the hiring process to day-to-day processes of engineering teams Over the last few years tech companies have aimed to address a lack of diversity in their engineering staff by looking into the recruiting and hiring process. These changes such as structured interviewing and standardized rubrics allowed for a more objective view of candidates moving through the process. This has led to an improvement not just in diversity statistics but also an improvement in the quality of hires. This talk discusses ways of taking these learnings and applying them to day-to-day processes for engineering teams with the aim of improving the day to day processes to achieve… read more
Tara Myshrall RVP Qlik Canada	Showing up and unleashing the power of authenticity to expand and rise In a world that often demands conformity, the true catalyst for personal and professional growth lies in the unapologetic embrace of authenticity. In this compelling talk, we will delve into the transformative power of "Showing Up" as our genuine selves, dismantling barriers and unlocking the doors to untapped potential. From the boardroom to everyday interactions, discover how authenticity becomes the cornerstone for expansion and elevation in every facet of life. Join us on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as we explore the profound impact of genuine expression,… read more
Alexia Proulx Manager of Technological Expertise Development at Petal	Onboarding or How to Train Your Champions of Tomorrow Effective onboarding is not just about welcoming new hires; it's a strategic investment that yields significant benefits for everyone involved. Not only does it play a pivotal role in reinforcing company culture, it’s also a key factor in increasing job satisfaction, engagement and retention. Discover with us how you can upgrade your onboarding to support the growth of your company and unlock the full potential of your tech teams. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Michelle Joliat Senior Vice President, Product and Delivery at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan	Empowering Technology Teams: Creating Great Culture and Psychological Safety In the dynamic landscape of technology, effective leadership is often seen as complex and challenging. However, this fireside chat will challenge that notion, as speaker Michelle Joliat will emphasize the power of simplicity in leadership. By keeping it simple, she has fostered a culture of clarity within her 130+ person organization (and the 500+ person technology organization as a whole), enhancing productivity and morale. Central to empowering technology teams is the art of asking questions. Michelle Joliat is a former Management Consultant who is not afraid of asking… read more
Edwina Mckennon Founder & CEO, International AI Strategist and Business Growth Expert at FuturIQ Inc.	Leading with AI: Transforming Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the C-suite In this TED-style talk, Edwina McKennon will uncover how AI is reshaping the role of C-suite executives in driving business innovation. She will share insights into how AI can optimize strategic decision-making, foster growth, and help companies remain competitive in an ever-evolving market. With practical examples, she’ll discuss the leadership and entrepreneurial mindset required to effectively integrate AI into business strategies, while highlighting the importance of mentorship and collaboration in successfully leveraging AI for scalable success. Did you like this session? Share… read more
Mai Elfarnawany VP Engineering at Flosonics Medical	From Engineer to Leader: Navigating the Path to the Top in Tech Mai Elfarnawany, Head of Engineering at Flosonics Medical, shares her journey from developing cutting-edge algorithms to leading a team of 20 engineers and data scientists at a medtech startup. In this session, Mai will discuss the strategies that helped her achieve 4 promotions in 5 years, overcome biases in the male-dominated tech industry, and build systems that foster collaboration and innovation. She’ll provide actionable insights on navigating challenges unique to women in STEM, from balancing technical expertise with leadership growth to developing the resilience needed… read more
Mina Movahedi Shakib Cybersecurity Analyst at Bell Canada	Transforming Cybersecurity: Leveraging AI and Mental Health Strategies to Achieve Balance and Prevent Burnout In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is vital for protecting data, privacy and integrity. Cybersecurity professionals must navigate complex challenges, understand cyber-related emotions, recognize threats, and balance technology with empathy to build resilience. Emotions play a significant role in cybersecurity, influencing decision-making and intensifying the impact of cyberattacks, leading to anxiety and frustration. Cybercriminals often exploit emotional vulnerabilities, such as fear or empathy, in phishing attacks, underscoring the importance of emotional… read more
Sheena Wadhwa Senior Director of Engineering & Site Lead at Priceline	Work-Life Integration: The Real Key to Avoiding Burnout in Tech In a world where the lines between work and life are increasingly blurred, the traditional concept of "work-life balance" often feels outdated and unattainable—especially in the fast-paced, high-demand tech industry. Instead of striving for a perfect 50/50 split, it’s time to embrace a more practical and fulfilling approach: work-life integration. Drawing from real-world examples and actionable strategies, this session will cover: 1. Why work-life balance is a myth and how it contributes to burnout. 2. The principles of work-life integration -… read more
Maggy Richmond Senior Director at ENO	Finding Your Voice: The Art of Storytelling and Advocacy for Women in Tech In an industry where women remain underrepresented, our voices and stories have never been more crucial. This talk explores the powerful intersection of technical expertise and communication skills through the lens of the Persuasion Trilogy: Story, Technique, and Authentic Resonance (STAR). Drawing from personal experiences and proven strategies, we'll discover how storytelling can amplify our impact, build confidence in public speaking, and create lasting impressions in technical environments. Learn practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, standing up for yourself in… read more
Duronke Owoleso Chief Research Officer at The Security Bench	Navigating the AI-Scape, The Future of Tech Workforce The AI-scape is rapidly evolving, transforming the tech workforce and presenting both exciting opportunities and significant challenges . It has created a two-face challenge: Job Displacement vs. Job Creation. Individuals and organizations need to embrace change and adapt to the evolving demands of the AI-powered workplace. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Pooja Kelgaonkar Senior Data Architect at Rackspace Technology	Building LLM based solutions with Snowflake This session talks about implementing LLM solutions using Snowflake native services and features. This also covers demo of Snowflake Cortex functions. Did you like this session? Share to vote.
Renée Dineen Organizational Psychologist and Group Dynamics Expert at RMD Coaching & Consulting	Authentic Inaction: Undoing the Doing in a Do Crazy World This keynote inspires organizations and teams to support more meaningful and sustainable ways of leading and taking action that optimize engagement, commitment and impact at all levels. Renee is a self-proclaimed doing addict and work-a-holic - a woman who has regularly sacrificed her way of being for the reliable high of ‘doing.’ She is deeply committed to increasing awareness of this systemic addiction giving individuals and organizations a pathway to achieve greater authenticity and connection to what they do within their personal and professional lives, no matter where… read more