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TechRochester Announces 2026 Technology Woman of the Year and Emerging Technology Woman of the Year Nominees



ROCHESTER, N.Y. — TechRochester has officially announced the nominees for its 2026 Technology Woman of the Year and Emerging Technology Woman of the Year Awards, marking the 25th anniversary of one of the region’s most established recognitions of women in technology.


The annual event highlights leaders across Greater Rochester who are driving innovation, advancing STEM careers, and strengthening the local technology ecosystem. The awards also emphasize mentorship, community leadership, and long-term impact, key factors in retaining and developing top talent in the region.


The 2026 awards ceremony will take place on April 23, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery. Tickets and event details are available through TechRochester’s website.


Emerging Technology Woman of the Year Nominees


This category recognizes rising leaders who are making early but meaningful contributions across technology and innovation.


Alanna Lucia, MBA — Techlanna

Enables enterprise and government organizations to harness AI for outcomes that were never possible with richer insights, new capabilities, and transformative business results.


Anjali Jogeshwar, Ph.D. — Circle Optics, Inc.

Circle Optics is a deep-tech imaging company developing advanced 360-degree optical systems for aerospace, defense, and immersive media applications.


Carolyn N. Spencer — CoPivot

CoPivot is an AI-powered platform designed to help founders build and scale businesses with clarity. The platform provides guided workflows, real-time diagnostics, and personalized insights to help entrepreneurs make better decisions, reduce risk, and accelerate their path to market.


Christa Seary — Paychex

Paychex is a national leader in HR, payroll, and benefits solutions, providing scalable technology platforms for small to mid-sized businesses.


Deonna Edwards, MSL — Rochester Gas & Electric / Avangrid

RG&E, part of Avangrid, delivers energy services across the region, with a growing focus on grid modernization and sustainable infrastructure.


Kayte Malik — Arrow House Group

Arrow House Group is a strategy consulting firm specializing in AI transformation, go-to-market strategy, and operational scale for growth-stage organizations.


Lisa Pink — UR Health Lab

UR Health Lab, part of the University of Rochester ecosystem, advances healthcare innovation through research, data, and clinical technology initiatives.


Priyanka Padwal — iSECURE

iSECURE delivers cybersecurity and compliance solutions, helping organizations protect digital assets and manage risk in increasingly complex environments.


Technology Woman of the Year Nominees


This category honors established leaders with significant contributions to technology, business, and education in Rochester, NY.


Cheryl Nelan — CMIT Solutions

CMIT Solutions provides managed IT services and cybersecurity support to small and mid-sized businesses, enabling secure and scalable operations.


Barbara A. Mullen, Ph.D. — Rush-Henrietta Central School District

The district is recognized for integrating technology into education, preparing students with digital and STEM-focused learning experiences.


Dr. Katie McFarlane — Spencerport Central School District

Spencerport schools continue to advance technology-enabled education, emphasizing innovation in curriculum and student engagement.


Jessica DeGroote Nelson — Edmund Optics

Edmund Optics is a global manufacturer of precision optical components used in life sciences, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.


Linda Weller — Info Advantage Inc.

Info Advantage delivers IT consulting and managed services, supporting digital transformation initiatives for businesses across the region.


Pam Martz — Sutherland Global

Sutherland is a global digital transformation company offering AI, automation, and business process services to enterprise clients.


Yami Payano — Sign-Speak

Sign-Speak is a Rochester-based startup using AI and machine learning to translate sign language into speech, improving accessibility and communication.


A Milestone Year for Rochester’s Tech Community


Now in its 25th year, the Technology Woman of the Year event continues to play a critical role in elevating women leaders across Rochester’s technology, education, and innovation sectors. From startups to global enterprises, this year’s nominees reflect the depth and diversity of the region’s talent.


Winners in both categories will be announced live at the April event.


Event Details:


As Rochester continues to position itself as a growing hub for technology and innovation, events like this reinforce the importance of visibility, recognition, and community leadership in shaping the next generation of talent.

 Connected Know covers Rochester’s startup, technology, and innovation economy. Follow us for local Rochester business news that matters.

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