Summit for Women in Tech (New Bern)

September 25, 2024 - September 26, 2024

#NCTECHwomen / #NCWIT2024

Join NC TECH, presenting sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and women from across North Carolina for the 5th annual Summit for Women in Tech in New Bern, NC.

This women-only summit will feature candid conversations with tech leaders where we explore gender bias, share our unique journeys, discuss how to shift the paradigm, and provide insights on how to advocate for change both now and for the next generation.

Arrive on Wednesday, September 25 to take advantage of the destination and join one of our planned afternoon activities then enjoy the welcome reception on the waterfront. The agenda for Thursday, September 26 will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, and thought-provoking motivational moments.

Attendee List

Keynote Speakers

Opening Keynote

Brooke Markevicius
Executive, Entrepreneur, Author + Speaker

Closing Keynote

Andrea Goulet
Keynote Speaker, Legacy Code Whisperer + Chaos Calmer

Event Emcee

Anne Hungate
Founder + CEO
QuantumBloom

Motivational Moment Speakers

Lisa Leath
Chief People Officer
Vantaca

Rachini Moosavi
Chief Analytics Officer
UNC Health

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams
Sr. VP, Chief of Technology (Retired)
NC Community College System
Co-Chair, Wake Invests In Women

Panelists

The Future Tech Workforce - How Automation + AI Are Impacting the Tech Workforce and Women in Tech

Ramona Jackson
Head of IT Portfolio Management, Chief of Staff
Live Oak Bank

Markesha Parker
Sr. Engineer – WW Technical Leader for Software Defined Infrastructure Solutions
Lenovo

Bonnie Phillips
VP, Analytics
Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina

Marinela Profi
Chief Growth Officer Global Product Marketing Strategy Leader - AI + Gen AI
SAS

Rhonda Weaver
Accenture

accenture

Accenture
Panel Sponsor

Women's Health: How to Take Care of Ourselves and Manage Work/Life Balance

Abha Bowers
Chief Growth Officer
Walk West

Meenu Datta
Executive Coach
MD Coaching and Consulting

Beth Gullette
Chief People Officer
Well

Lisa Hammond
Chief Human Resources Officer
Veradigm

Natalie Schepers
IT Solutions Owner
Brighthouse Financial

Brighthouse Financial
Panel Sponsor

The Generations: Age and Stage of Career

India Bolton
Scrum Leader
Cisco

Rachael Halley

Education Partnership Manager
Discovery Education

Tina Ruark
Growth Advisor Consultant
TRB Creative

Stephanie Styons
Executive Vice President
Wireside Communications

Jennifer Wilcox
CEO
Girl Scouts - Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont

Allyship: As Women Tech Leaders, How Are You Helping Fellow Women Rise?

Katina Blue
CIO
UNC Pembroke

Donna Gaskin
VP - Data Infrastructure Services
MetLife

Alison Kiing
Executive Director
UBS

Jennifer Shevach
VP of Engineering
Pendo.io

Jennifer Whaley
Director - North America Partner Experience
Lenovo

Lenovo
Panel Sponsor

Agenda

Wednesday, September 25

2:30 PM
Various Networking Activities (Optional)

5:30 PM
Welcome Reception – New Bern Riverfront Convention Center

7:00 PM
Dinner – Multiple Locations Available for Selection

9:00 PM
After Dinner Meet-up

Thursday, September 26

8:00 AM
Breakfast

8:45 AM
Welcome Remarks

9:00 AM
Opening Keynote — The Future Built By Women: Creating a Brighter Tomorrow Through Tech and Innovation

9:35 AM
Motivational Moment — Women in Tech: The Confidence Gap

9:50 AM
Break

10:05 AM
Panel Discussion — The Future Tech Workforce: How Automation + AI Are Impacting the Tech Workforce and Women in Tech

Panel Discussion — Women's Health: How to Take Care of Ourselves and Manage Work/Life Balance

10:55 AM
Break

Thursday, September 26 (continued)

11:10 PM
Panel Discussion — The Generations: Age and Stage of Career Panel

Panel Discussion — Allyship: As Women Tech Leaders, How Are You Helping Fellow Women Rise?

12:00 PM
Lunch

12:35 PM
Motivational Moment — Women in Tech: The Responsibility Gap

12:50 PM
Lean In Circles Highlights + 2025 Kick-Off

1:05 PM
In Place Networking Activity

1:50 PM
Motivational Moment — Women in Tech: The Pay Gap

2:05 PM
Closing Keynote

2:35 PM
Wrap-Up/Adjourn

Wednesday Afternoon Networking Activities

Attendees are invited to join us before the Summit for Women in Tech gets underway, to network with other summit attendees!

Historic Trolley Tour with Brewery Stop - $35 per person

Discover three centuries of history and architectural beauty in a comprehensive 90-minute trolley tour of historic downtown New Bern. Let our professional guides entertain you with fascinating details, historical narratives, and true stories of this former royal capital that was founded in 1710. Refreshments included. (Max 25)
Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing - $40 per person

Beary The Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. provides a fun and relaxed AXEperience in a safe and unique setting. Their inspiration for the concept comes from our love for the sport of axe throwing and is based on the rich history and culture of historic downtown New Bern. Their space presents a modern take on the age-old sport and adds unique character and charm. Closed toe shoes are required. Refreshments included. (Max 50)
Scenic Boat Tour - $55 per person

There is always a way to enjoy the city by the water. This 90 minute scenic river tour will include discussing the historic details of the area, sightseeing of the city, bridges, homes, and wildlife in the area and possibly a cruise by Nicolas Sparks’ house. Refreshments included (Max 12)
Charcuterie and Mixology Class - $40 per person
Want to learn more about creating those beautiful charcuterie boards and cool cocktails + mocktails for your next gathering? This class will provide you with the basics as well as some suggestions on how to take your next board to the next level. Refreshments included (Max 12)

Nicolas Sparks Trolley Tour - $30 per person
Take a tour of all the sights and scenes that influenced acclaimed author and New Bern resident Nicolas Sparks' books and movies. (Max 20)

Logistics

When

Wednesday, September 25 -
Thursday, September 26

Where

New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
203 S Front St, New Bern, NC 28560

If you need accommodations, please click HERE to view options in New Bern.

Registration

This is event is open to women who work or have an interest in working in the tech sector of North Carolina.

Member Registration - $325
Non-Member Registration - $550

Online registration is now closed for this event. Please reach out to Alex Taylor on current availability.

Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Tracy Sternberg and review the menu below.

View Sponsorship Menu

Host Committee

NC TECH is honored to work with these esteemed female tech leaders from across the state to help us build our 5th annual Summit for Women In Tech event in September. With their visionary leadership and insights, the value of this event will be tremendous.

View Host Committee