Lean in Circles

For many women, finding connection and support at work is a challenge. About 20% of women say they’re often the only woman in the room at work. And since most senior leaders are men, women have less access to mentors, sponsors, and role models who can relate to their experiences. For women of color and women with other marginalized identities, it’s even harder to find support to navigate challenges or chart a unique career path.

That’s why NC TECH partnered with LeanIn.org – the nonprofit organization founded by Sheryl Sandberg – to launch Lean In Circles - a space where women can come together in small groups across roles and levels to get peer-to-peer mentorship, connect with each other, recognize, and combat gender bias, and build leadership skills. Whether you need help navigating your new normal at work or are looking for support from women who understand what you're going through, your Circle can give you the boost we all need.

2025 Lean In Circles are Now Open for Enrollment

Thank you to the dynamic women below who have stepped up to be 2025 Circle Leaders. If you would like to join a Circle, review the descriptions and meeting times to determine which may be the best fit. There is a max of 10 women per Circle and when a Circle is full you will no longer be able to select it. Circles will meet virtually once a month from January to June 2025.

It is free to participate in a Circle though we ask you to be mindful that space is limited and only register if you can commit to being an active participant. Registration is on a first come basis and will close when all Circles are full. When Circles are full, NC TECH will make introductions between the Leaders and their Circles.

Note: If you want to lead a Circle but have not yet registered to do so, please contact Michelle Calton at Michelle@nctech.org

2025 Lean In Circles

Barrier-Free Leadership

We don't prepare our leaders for the real world. 90% of experts agree we're falling short. Our leaders can manage projects - But might struggle to inspire and uplift their teams. True leadership isn't about titles or innate abilities. It's about breaking barriers and growing through experience. Let's talk about the skills that will help you break barriers in leadership and help you lead with purpose.

Leader: Meenu Datta, Founder, CEO & Executive Coach – MD Coaching and Consulting

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday, 4:30 PM EST

The Forward Collective

The Forward Collective is a Circle for women focused on achieving success through intentional growth and shared strategies. It's a space to exchange insights, navigate challenges, and build the support needed to keep moving forward with clarity and purpose. Together, we'll foster resilience, drive, and impact in our careers and beyond.

Leader: Dena Maluchnik, Technology Market Director – Govincorp Technology Group

Preferred Meeting Time: First Tuesday, 4:00 PM EST

EmpowerU Collective

A mentorship program dedicated to empowering women to navigate the unique challenges of balancing biological and career clocks, managing priorities, and building strong support systems. Through the lens of diversity and leadership, we will focus on personal and professional growth, equipping each other to lead and excel while staying true to our values and aspirations

Leader: Reema Bhattacharya, Analytical Solutions Manager – UNC Health

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday, 8:00 AM EST

Women Supporting Women in Technology

Networking together to uplift and encourage each other across all stages of our careers while learning and growing from each session with the expectation that we will help drive change across our industries. We will define together what specific topics we want to explore.

Leader: Kelli McKinney, Senior Consultant – AHEAD

Preferred Meeting Time: TBD

Growing through Adversity

As women, we often face unique challenges and adversities, but it's in navigating these hardships that we find our strength and resilience. Being at the forefront of family care, we frequently encounter career gaps and make compromises. Growing through adversity isn't just about enduring tough times; it's about learning, adapting, and rising above them with a renewed sense of purpose.

Leader: Deepti Deepak, VP of Sales & Partnerships – Cogniquest

Preferred Meeting Time: Fridays, 11:00 AM EST

Becoming the Woman You Want to Be When You Grow Up

Explore who you aspire to be, how to begin that journey, and get started on it! We'll inspire and support each other in achieving our ambitions and becoming the best versions of ourselves. - For women at all career stages.

Leader: Samantha Burks, Learning and Development Lead – WorkSmart

Preferred Meeting Time: Wednesdays, 11 AM EST

Vocal, Visible, Vulnerable: Professional and Personal Growth for Minority Women

Women often do not speak up for fear of being ridiculed, dismissed, or wrongfully accused of being argumentative. Women of color often are invisible in spaces where men traditionally have been leaders and decision makers. By practicing speaking first, speaking with authority, and interrupting if needed, this Lean in Circle will learn how and when to speak up for ourselves. By being more vocal and visible, we also become vulnerable. And that's okay, we'll embrace the vulnerability!

Leader: Cyndy Yu-Robinson, Executive Director – Kramden Institute

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday, 5:30 PM EST

Authentically Empowered

Authentically Empowered is a group for women ready to embrace their leadership journey—whether you're an experienced leader, aspire to lead, or are beginning your career. Together, we'll explore how to communicate with confidence, embrace our unique strengths, quiet the inner critic, and lead with authenticity. We'll share insights and discuss aligning personal and professional lives, navigating challenges, and understanding our true value as in the workplace. This group is a space to cultivate growth, empowerment and support every step of the way.

Leader: Shawn Ramsey, Founder – The Art of Moxie

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Tuesday, 7:00 PM EST

Rise & Shine

Rise & Shine Circle is a supportive community designed to start each day with intention, confidence, and empowerment. We gather early in the morning to foster personal growth through guided discussions, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement. Our focus is on building confidence, strengthening resilience, and promoting wellness in both our personal and professional lives. Whether we're setting goals, overcoming challenges, or celebrating wins, we lift each other up, creating a space where everyone can shine their brightest. Join us to rise, empower, and embrace the day with renewed energy and purpose.

Leader: Jennifer Lee, Instructor, Web Development – Wake Technical Community College

Preferred Meeting Time: Fourth Wednesday, 8:00 AM EST

Rise Together

"Rise Together: Women Empowering Women" Welcome to Rise Together, a supportive community dedicated to exploring mentorship, growth, and connection among women. Our mission is to create a safe, empowering space where members can discuss strategies, share personal experiences, and provide guidance to uplift one another. Through open discussions, we aim to build confidence, develop skills, and create lasting relationships. Whether you're seeking advice, offering/need mentorship, or connecting with like-minded women, this group is about supporting each other on personal and professional journeys. Together, we rise higher!

Leader: Cindy Luttrell, Dean of Information Technology – Wake Technical Community College

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Tuesday 3:00 PM EST

Centered Leadership

Join this circle to explore the five parts of the Centered Leadership model to grow as a leader through Meaning, Framing, Connecting, Engaging, and Energizing.

Leader: Amy Harvey, SVP, IT Principal Architect – First Citizens Bank

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Wednesday, 9:00 AM EST

Career Conversations

Step into a space designed for ambitious STEM professionals who are committed to building fulfilling careers. Join us for Career Conversations and engage in discussions on achieving your goals, leading with confidence, navigating courageous conversations, and making meaningful contributions in your field. Connect with peers who are dedicated to sharing insights, growing, and celebrating each other's successes. Let's inspire each other to reach new heights!

Leader: Kathy Weaver, Founder and CEO – Talent Weaver Solutions

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Tuesday, 1:00 PM EST

How to Create Your Unique Masterpiece

Everyone's career journey is different and unique just like a custom piece of art. As we maneuver through our careers, we have to remember to keep an eye on our canvas and not compare our work of art to others. This group will focus on how to tailor your career journey to fit you. Anyone at any career stage is more than welcome to join to use this as a way to share wisdom and diverse perspectives with one another.

Leader: Briana Faulk, Senior Engineer – Dell Technologies

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Thursday, 6:00 PM EST

Bridging Technology and Humanity

How can you use your professional skills to make a difference in your community? What does it look like to balance a thriving career with giving back to causes you care about? Let's talk about how young women can use their professional skills to make a difference in their communities while thriving in their careers. We'll share practical tips for balancing your career with a commitment to giving back and explore how you can align your expertise with your passion for making a difference. This conversation is about finding your version of success while staying connected to the community that inspires you.

Leader: Precious McKoy, Founder/Executive Director – SHIELD Mentor Program

Preferred Meeting Time: TBD

Leaving Your Legacy - How Older Women Can Support the Next Generation

Let's discuss and explore ways to leave a legacy of support for the younger women following in our footsteps. How do we help prepare them to overcome the continuing biases women encounter? How do we ensure that we are leaving our workplaces better than when we entered? What are the unique challenges older women face as they navigate the last few years of a career?

Leader: Marie Hopper, President – FIRST North Carolina

Preferred Meeting Time: First Tuesday, 8:30 AM EST

Inspire and Be Inspired

We should take the time to hear each other's stories and refine those stories to be "Inspirational" for others. This is an opportunity to be both seen and heard.

Leader: Kerri Patterson, Senior Director, Delivery and Project Management – Well Dot

Preferred Meeting Time: Last Monday, 5:00 PM EST

Prioritizing what matters + Build the career that works for you

In our Lean-In Circle, we will focus on empowering each other to prioritize what truly matters in our personal and professional lives. Through open discussions, practical exercises, and shared experiences, we will explore strategies for setting meaningful goals, managing time effectively, and making intentional career choices that align with our values and aspirations. Together, we will build a supportive community where we can learn, grow, and inspire one another to create fulfilling and successful careers.

Leader: Meghan Zettlemoyer Ludwig, Managing Director, Audit – KPMG

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Friday, 8:30 AM EST

YOU, yes YOU!

"I hope that YOU - yes, YOU - have the ambition to lean into your career and run the world. Because the world needs you to change it." - Sheryl Sandberg Let's explore the barriers that block women from progressing in the workplace, the responsibility we have had in establishing these barriers, and how we can break them down with purpose and intentionality.

Leader: Lindsey Cox, Head of Technology Delivery – Brighthouse Financial

Preferred Meeting Time: Fourth Monday, 3:00 PM EST

Pathway Builders

Often throughout my career, I have run into barriers where I realize I hit a wall of "I'm not trained for this" or "how am I going to accomplish this?" How can we advocate for learning in a fast-paced environment? or is it just "Imposter Syndrome" rearing its ugly head? This lean-in circle is dedicated to advocating and identifying developmental paths and empowering women to push through barriers surrounding training and knowledge."

Leader: Brenna Biggs, Senior Manager – Astyra

Preferred Meeting Time: Wednesdays 2:00 PM EST

View 2024 Circles

Thank you to the women who led or participated in NC TECH's inaugural year of Circles.

For questions about NC TECH's Circles, contact Michelle Calton.