Women in Technology Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennie Blumenthal, CEO of Corporate Rehab Leadership, former PwC Partner, bestselling author, and strategic advisorwho helps leaders and organizations scale smarter in the Age of AI — without losing their humanity. Jennie’s work sits at the intersection of leadership, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. Through her Corporate Rehab framework and her signature Growth Zone model, she helps leaders navigate big transitions. 

HR is changing fast. And in today’s job market, keeping it real matters more than ever. In this episode, we’re joined by Marah Rutski, Vice President of Human Resources at LCG, Inc., for an honest conversation about how HR strategies are evolving in government contracting organizations — and what both employers and job seekers need to understand right now. Marah leads HR at the intersection of people, growth, and mission. She shares how HR functions today go far beyond policies and paperwork, playing a critical role in workforce planning, compensation strategy, proposal staffing, and contract wins. Throughout the conversation, her people-first approach shines through — grounded in transparency, authenticity, and practical leadership.

What does it really take to grow a company and grow people at the same time? In this episode, we’re joined by Janel Merritt, Chief Operating Officer of Public Sector Solutions Group (PS2G), to unpack what she calls the modern COO playbook — one rooted in innovation, workforce development, and intentional growth. With more than 20 years of experience in technology and digital transformation, Janel leads national and international expansion across public sector, healthcare, and energy. She shares the real challenges these industries are facing today and the strategies organizations are using to meet the moment.

In this episode, we’re joined by Nisha Paliwal, Head of Data and AI Commercial at AbbVie, author of Secrets of AI Value Creation, and a longtime technology leader who brings a deeply human-centered lens to artificial intelligence. Nisha takes us inside what she calls the AI Change Curve — the very real progression many professionals experience as AI enters the workplace. From the initial shock and resistance “Will this replace me?”, to the vulnerable “Am I enough?” moment, and ultimately to the breakthrough where AI becomes a powerful collaborator rather than a threat.

Rakshana Balakrishnan, Cloud infrastructure Product Manager at Oracle

In this episode, we’re joined by Rakshana Balakrishnan, Principal Product Manager at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and we explore the evolving role of product management in today’s fast-moving, GenAI-powered tech landscape. She shares tips on what it takes to be a product manager today, and provides sound ideas for claiming your seat at the table.

Guest: Liz Anthony, Formerly Managing Director, Federal Market, Maximus, now an advisor

Liz talks about how marketing is the connector between insights and impact. She is a big believer in linking sales, technology and marketing together and how differentiation is only possible if you do those things well. In this episode, Liz dives into why marketing is a strategic force, not just a support function — especially in complex environments like the federal market.

Featuring Michelle Batt

In this inspiring episode of the Women in Technology podcast, we sit down with Grace Llojaj, Security Risk & Compliance Consultant with SEI and Tina Schniebs, Risk Management Consultant at Ridgeline International.

In this inspiring episode of the Women in Technology podcast, we sit down with Erin Rothman,  an accomplished environmental professional and innovative leader in climate resilience, sustainability, and urban planning.

As CEO of StormSensor, Managing Director at Manzana, and Co-Founder of Merak Labs, Erin has dedicated her career to developing impactful solutions that build a more sustainable and resilient future.

Join us as we discuss:

• The challenges and rewards ofco-founding multiple companies with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Exciting projects that aim torevolutionize urban planning and environmental resilience.
• The legacy Erin hopes to leave andthe broader impact of her work on communities and the environment.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this episode will inspire and motivate you to challenge yourself and find less traveled roads. This episode is the perfect way to kick off your motivation on Monday or start a new chapter.

Ready to land your dream job in tech? This episode is your guide to navigating the upcoming Women in Technology Job Fair.

We'll share insider tips on how to stand out from the crowd, make meaningful connections with recruiters, and showcase your unique skills.

Join us as we discuss:  

• Pre-fair prep: Crafting a killerresume and elevator pitch, researching attending companies, and planning yourstrategy.
• On-site success: Making aconfident first impression, asking insightful questions, and leaving a lastingimpact.
• Post-fair follow-up: Writingeffective thank-you notes and staying on recruiters' radar.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this episode will equip you with the tools and confidence to make the most of this exciting opportunity. Tune in and get ready to level up your career!

In this episode, we explore a slightly different aspect of the tech industry – tech marketing! Lexy Sheets is the Director of Marketing at Presidio Federal, responsible for leading brand growth and building awareness, strategic market positioning, and generating business demand. Tune in to hear Becky and Lexy discuss the process and challenges of developing a brand, the importance of saying yes, and how the little things are, truly, the big things. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a woman who is determined to pass on her knowledge and experiences to support others following in her footsteps – after immigrating to the US from Iraq over 20 years ago, Sairan Aqrawi received her Master’s degree in Engineering and is now the Design Coordinator Team lead for the Washington Metro Silver Line Project. Tune in to hear Becky and Sairan discuss muting the clutter, what it really means to live “the American Dream,” and uncovering "Your Core Genius." Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a passionate advocate for diversity, empathy, and responsibility in tech – Kathleen Mitford is the Corporate Vice President of Global Industry Marketing at Microsoft, empowering customers across industries to solve challenges and unlock opportunities with the Microsoft Cloud. From working in fashion on the East Coast to tech on the West Coast, Kathleen has made some big moves in her time – tune in to hear her and Becky discuss supporting partnerships, responsible AI, and the necessity of a killer pair of pink stilettos. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we celebrate Mother’s Day and moms everywhere with an extra special podcast guest who hits close to home. Dr. Dianne Schneider is not only the Program and Policy Lead for Performance Management at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – she’s also the mother of our very own podcast host! Tune in to hear Dianne and Becky discuss competency testing, transitioning from working inside to the home back into the workforce, and how everything truly happens for a reason. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we welcome Mars' Vice President of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Nici Bush! Nici is a member of the global Mars Leadership Team with oversight of Research and Development (R&D), and in her nearly three decades at Mars, she has served on the Global Chocolate Leadership Team, spearheaded the enterprise “Future of Work” program, and driven an inclusion and diversity intervention within Mars’ supply chain – not to mention her time as the Global Head of Supply, where she was responsible for worldwide Chocolate Operations across 28 factories in 15 countries! Tune in to hear Nici and Becky discuss leveraging your network, establishing your core beliefs, balancing your emotional and technical intelligence, and… Twix? Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we continue on our cybersecurity kick with architect and evangelist Micki Boland! Micki is a global cybersecurity warrior with Check Point Software Technologies Office of the CTO, working to immerse cybersecurity in all aspects of business and ensure the highest level of data security. Tune in to hear Micki and Becky discuss the gritty basics of cyber, the necessity of intrapreneurship, and how our livelihoods really do depend on top-notch cybersecurity tactics. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a cyber visionary and all-around inspiration: Deb Golden! Deb is the US Cyber & Strategic Risk Leader at Deloitte, leading a team of over 8,000 professionals solving the cybersecurity problems of today and preventing the ones of tomorrow – all while putting her purpose into practice by creating opportunities in STEM and cyber fields for women and those from diverse and unconventional backgrounds. Tune in to hear Deb and Becky discuss grit factors, fostering professional ecosystems, anticipating your next step, and staying calm in the chaos. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! 

In this episode, we chat with a powerful force in the DC STEM community: Kristie Grinnell! Kristie is the Chief Information Officer at DXC Technology, leading business transformation, defining IT strategy for new digital capabilities, and improving overall IT environment performance – all while being chair of the Capital CIO Advisory Board and serving on the WiT STEMforHER Advisory Board. Tune in to hear Kristie and Becky discuss hustle culture, finding a workplace that fits your values, and the importance of paying success forward to the next generation. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! 

In this episode, we chat with the 2022 WiT Rising Star Leadership Award winner: Jessica Maloney! Jessica is the Vice President of DHS Operations at Sev1Tech, a large-scale modernization and digital transformation partner helping government and commercial organizations fully harness the power of technology and engineering. Tune in to hear Jessica and Becky discuss making it in Washington, DC, succeeding outside of your comfort zone, and the importance of building yourself (and your career) from the ground up. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with a powerhouse from the cyber-security sector: Rita Marty! Rita is the Vice President of Network Security at AT&T, leading security strategy and development for AT&T network services and cyber defense initiatives. Tune in to hear Rita and Becky discuss all things cyber-security, the many ways of finding and fostering diversity within one company, and how life truly begins at the end of your comfort zone. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, Erika Flora, CEO of Beyond 20 and WIT co-host, Megan Eunpu, discuss Erika's career pivot and lessons she learned through owning her own business. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Here come the (geospatial) ladies! In this episode, we chat with Jessica King, the Founder and CEO of GeoSISU - a woman-owned boutique consulting company catalyzing best practices for clients in the intelligence and national security space. Tune in to hear Jessica and Becky discuss their love of all things geography, the inner workings of starting your own business, and how the Finnish really were on to something. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom! 

Join us in celebrating our thirtieth episode with an inspirational long-time member of WiT, Jill Klein! Not only was Jill the winner of the 2019 Women in Technology Leadership Award for Academia – she was also recently appointed as the Interim President at Pitzer College, as well as an Executive in Residence and Professor Emeritus at American University’s Kogod School of Business. Tune in to hear Jill and Becky discuss major career pivots, capstone projects, and what it really means to know how to swim. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, Ami Silverman, Corporate Vice President Worldwide Consumer Channel Sales and Marketing at Microsoft and WIT co-host, Megan Eunpu, discuss Ami's unique career path into the technology field, lessons she learned and the importance of mentoring, networking and being open to change. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, Lisa Zellers, Partner and Co-Founder of Arbor Consulting Group, LLC, and WIT co-host, Megan Eunpu, discuss Lisa’s move to start her own company, philanthropy efforts and how to balance everything! We dive deep into the importance of finding your tribe and how real change happens one step at a time. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with the co-founders of The Milieux Project, Jenn Aupke and Carrie Worth, who propelled their shared love of flying into a movement to get girls into aviation. Both women share their individual journeys to the cockpit, the importance of knowing your worth, and how to not take no for an answer. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, Dr. Tammi Gray, Delivery Lead at World Wide Technology, and WIT co-host Megan Eunpu, discuss Dr. Gray’s up-bringing in Los Angeles, attending a performing arts school and transitioning into the technology field.  We dive deep into the importance of networking and mentorship.​

Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!​

We round up our inaugural year with two amazing individuals who have served the WIT and DC/MD/VA community with their passion for contributing to society, teaching and mentoring those around them, and perpetually giving back.  Plus, they will be the new co-hosts for the WIT DC Podcast for the 2022 year! Take a listen as they share their journey, their words of advice on success, and what’s in store for the new year! Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode we chat with Julia Dalla Rosa, who leads partnerships and technology alliances strategy for ICF. Julia chats about her career journey, one that did not start in the stereotypical technology realm but now impacts so many lives in this digital world. Julia also shares words of wisdom on how to become the best in your role and to inspire and how to be the change. Check out www.icf.com for more information about this great company. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with Tanuja Ghodgaonkar from SWIFT. Growing up where speaking up was not taken positively, Tanuja overcame all stereotypical barriers, reached for the stars and is now the head of engineering for Platform Services in SWIFT. She shares her journey and lessons learned from the vast experience she has accumulated in her career and reminds everyone that they can achieve great things, as long as you try. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

In this episode, we chat with Amber Hart, Co-Founder of The Pulse of Government Contracting (GovCon) and our very own President-Elect. Amber discusses her path in maneuvering in the government consulting arena, challenges she has encountered along the way, getting fired… twice and how she rose above it all! A true innovator and disruptor in her field! Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Kicking off October with Robin Laine, CEO of Transect, Inc. She shares her background and career growth with the audience and talks the importance of giving back. She also talks about her journey and shares words of wisdom to other women in the technical arena. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

With the 20th anniversary of 9/11, kicking off September with Suja John who leads the AT&T Technology Organization for the FirstNet Program for First Responders. She talks the importance of technology in this field, the support for our First Responders, the challenges she has had to overcome, and being a woman in this field. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Kicking off the NFL season with Dr. Robin West, currently Lead Team Physician for the Washington Nationals and formerly head team physician for the Washington Football Team. Serving on the board of directors for the NFL Team Physicians Society, she sits down with us and discusses her career path, overcoming challenges in a male dominated field, shares insights on how girls can address the STEM gap and how women can find their inner strength to rise in their careers. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Back from summer break and kicking off the season with a chat with Lisa Anderson, Chief Human Resource Officer for Sev1Tech, LLC. Lisa discusses the steps taken in her career journey, addressing challenges along the way and looking inwards into her authentic self to overcome obstacles. Lisa also shares her words of wisdom for girls entering the STEM field and for women who want to reach their utmost potential. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

How does Tech apply to Fashion? We chat with two influential women leading the Fashion Group International DC (FGIDC). Baille Benemelis, Director of FGIDC and Lynda Erkiletian, former Board member and founder and owner of T-H-E Artist Agency (and Bravo’s Housewife of DC cast member) share their words of wisdom on leadership, tech trends in fashion that are forging inclusivity, how tech has changed the face of fashion, shopping, and individualism. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Kicking off June and this summer month with NBC Washington Meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts. We chat her journey in meteorology and extreme passion in this field, how to inspire more girls in STEM and words of wisdom to empower women to rise to their potential. Join us for this energetic, fun and inspiring conversation. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

We round out WIT's Leadership Award Month with Becky Schneider, Geospatial Analyst and Consultant at INCATech LLC. Becky was the winner of WIT's Leadership Award for Rising Star. As a young professional, she enjoys connecting with other women in STEM fields to promote an inclusive technological community that supports the growth and leadership of women at every stage in their career. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

We chat with Mahwish Hamlani, Managing Director for Accenture's Financial Services Technology Practice and winner of WIT's Leadership Awards for Unsung Hero. Mahwish has 15 years of experience with leading large and complex transformation programs for Accenture's commercial & federal clients. Passionate about giving back, providing value, and inspiring the next gen, Mahwish talks about life lessons and shares her words of wisdom to others who want to pave way. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Honoring Armed Forces Day with a chat with Danelle Barrett, winner of the WIT Leadership Award for Women in Defense. She was a Rear Admiral of the Navy, Director Navy Cybersecurity, and Deputy Chief Information Officer of the Navy. She's out with a book and we learn about her leadership mantra, her journey in the Navy, and why women need to take risks to get to that next level. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

Continuing Women in Technology Leadership Awards Month with Christie Canaria, Program Manager for the National Cancer Institute at NIH. Christie won the WIT Leadership Award for the Government in Defense category. We chat advancements in technology in healthcare, how to inspire girls to enter the STEM field, and how women can achieve more than what they dreamed.  Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

We kickoff Women in Technology’s Leadership Awards Winners Month with a chat with a true leader, Kristie Grinnell. Kristie is the Chief Information Officer and Vice President, Supply Chain for General Dynamics Information Technology. She is an avid STEM advocate and was the winner for WIT’s Leadership Award in STEM Leadership, 2019 Capital CIO of the Year ORBIE Award Finalist, and is the executive sponsor of FORWARD (for Women’s Advancement, Recognition and Development) at GDIT. She shares her leadership motto, lessons she has learned and words of wisdom for women to reach their potential.

Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!

This week we have a chat with Avani Patel, Senior Strategic Solutions Director at Special Counsel and an avid women empowerment advocate who has provided many services pro bono. She shares her journey in the legal arena and how technology significantly makes an impact, shares her experience in eDiscovery, challenges that women face in this very male-dominated industry, and programs she has created to address these obstacles. Take a listen, get inspired, and rise from the classroom to the boardroom!