Lean in Circles

Vulnerability + Self Advocacy

We will explore how to embrace vulnerability to improve our ability to advocate for ourselves -- whether that is learning how to engage in meaningful conversations in the workplace (ie: promotions, offering an opinion, being a changemaker), asking for advice/mentorship, and/or finding "me" time to ensure you feel fulfilled.

Preferred Meeting Time: Fourth Wednesday at 12:00pm

Leader: Carley Armentrout, Strategic Sales – Transmit Security

LeadHERship Circle – nurturing the next generation of women leaders. 

LeadHERship Circle is a safe, supportive space where women take turns leading discussions, building skills, and learning together. We'll explore how to speak up, overcome imposter syndrome, and grow with confidence—while discovering how to keep thriving and leading in the age of AI. Together, we'll show GRIT, celebrate, and empower one another to lead boldly. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Thursday at 4:30pm 

Leader: Reema Bhattacharya, Manager, Analytical Solutions – UNC Health  

No Perfect Answers 

Gray spaces make for the toughest situations. Let's support one another in identifying and clearing paths forward to resolve our most nuanced challenges. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Tuesday at 12:00pm 

Leader: Samantha Burks, Director of Staff Operations – WorkSmart IT Services     

The Confidence Stack: Your Blueprint for Self-Efficacy 

Do you often feel like your success is a fluke, or hesitate to take on big opportunities because of that voice of doubt? The Confidence Stack is a supportive, action-oriented circle designed to help you build your belief system layer-by-layer, just like a software stack. We provide practical tools to help you develop a profound sense of self-efficacy and Belonging in the tech space. We'll work together to implement strategies to quiet the inner critic, master the art of clearly articulating your value, and gain the resilience to confidently take risks. If you're ready to stop second-guessing your brilliance and build an unshakable foundation of self-worth, it's time to build your Confidence Stack with us, as we share, guide and build. 

Preferred Meeting Time: TBD

Leader: Rayshoun Chambers, Director, Development & Business Partnerships – SparkNC

Leadership in Layers: Life Beyond Our Role 

Leadership isn't one-dimensional. There is so much existing in our daily lives outside of the 9 to 5. This circle exists to explore the layers outside of our professional roles that impact us in a multitude of ways. Here, we'll explore how our personal stories, emotional well-being, and physical health all shape who we are and how we show up in each of our spaces. Together, we'll create space for authenticity, empathy, growth, and support as we balance our lives beyond our roles. This is a great space to get vulnerable, ask for what you need to avoid burnout, and lean into habits that create balance and success alike. 

Preferred Meeting Time: First Wednesday at 10:00am 

Leader: Sarah Chick, Site Director – Npower   

Momversations - Career & Connection 

Let's create a circle of working tech moms who lift each other up — through helping one another navigate challenges, celebrate wins, and redefine what "success" looks like in the corporate world while juggling our invisible mental load. Join us to share stories (and struggles!) , swap strategies, and explore ways to thrive — not just survive, and advocate for ourselves! 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Thursday at 1:00pm 

Leader: Ali Crisci-Bartunek, Sales Enablement Manager – Lenovo  

Circle Forward 

Circle Forward is a growth-minded community of women ready to lead the future with both head and heart. In an era of rapid change, emotional intelligence is our super power - helping us navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and authenticity. Through shared stories, reflection, and actionable dialogue, we'll build the leadership muscle that matters most: the ability to stay grounded in who we are while growing into what's next. We're not just leaning in; we're moving forward. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Wednesday at 2:00pm 

Leader: Amy Greene, Principal Operations Advisor and Communications Lead – Blue Cross NC  

The Authentic Leader Within 

The Authentic Leader Within is a circle for women who want to lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity. Most of us are already leaders—whether we have the title or not—and this space is about embracing that truth and leading from a place that feels genuine to who we are. Together, we'll explore what it means to show up as our true selves, build connection, and create impact in ways that feel natural and fulfilling. Through real conversations and shared experiences, we'll support one another in becoming the kind of leaders who inspire simply by being real. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Friday at 2:00pm 

Leader: Alexandra Hart, Senior CSP Sales Engineer – Lenovo   

Becoming an Inspired Leader 

In this circle we will explore and share our experiences becoming inspired leaders in our workplaces, family and in the community. What does it mean to lead with humility and wisdom? How do we build high trust teams with unity of purpose. 

Preferred Meeting Time: First Friday at 9:00am 

Leader: Carol Houle, CEO – Inspire Digital Consulting  

Rise in Your 20s 

This circle is for women in their 20s figuring out how to show up confidently at work and in life. We'll talk about being seen, speaking up, setting boundaries, and building routines that make you feel unstoppable. 

Preferred Meeting Time: First Monday at 8:00pm or Friday at 8:00am 

Leader: Janani Krishnan, Business Development Associate – ePlus   

Leading Beyond Titles: Empowering Women to Influence and Inspire 

This group is dedicated to empowering women who lead through influence rather than formal authority. It focuses on developing leadership skills such as strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building. This group is for individuals who drive results, inspire teams, and shape outcomes without holding an official title or direct reporting structure. Through collaborative learning, mentorship, and practical tools, the group helps participants strengthen their confidence, expand their impact, and position themselves as trusted leaders within the organization. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Tuesday at 7:00pm 

Leaders: Kristin Johnston and Ashley Lincoln, Business Analysts – KCI Technologies   

Your Authentic Self 

Let's explore what it means to show up as your authentic self and how we can encourage others to do the same by creating a safe and inviting environment. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Friday at 9:00 am 

Leader: Amy Kochan, Client Executive – EY

Rise and Thrive 

Welcome to a supportive space where growth is celebrated and challenges become stepping stones. Join this circle dedicated to overcoming life and career challenges together through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and uplifting encouragement. We embrace resilience, build confidence, and empower one another to rise stronger, both personally and professionally. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday at 5:00pm 

Leader: Sindhya Layola, Manager - Business Systems Analysis – SECU    

Making Your Dream Career 

If you yearn to build a dream career that not only allows you to earn the income you need, but also fulfills your deepest passions, then this Circle is for you! As women we often hear that we cannot have it all and sacrificing some part of our dream is inevitable. This Circle is all about eliminating that myth and supporting you as you find the passion, whether in your current career or role or in a new one. 

Preferred Meeting Time: First Thursday at 12:00 pm 

Leader: Stacie LeGrow, Legal Technology Leader

CODE BLOOM - Collaborating, Owning, Developing, and Empowering - Blossoming Leaders Together 

We grow together, one seed at a time. This group will be a vibrant community of women in technology who believe that growth is most powerful when it 's shared. We will decide together what we want to focus on as a group through collaboration and majority voting. Together, we will cultivate confidence, celebrate progress, and support each other - we will bloom together. Some past ideas have been Leadership Development, Executive Presence, Branding, Effective Communication, etc. Come with your wish list of what you would like to work on and let's grow together. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Tuesday at 4:00pm 

Leader: Kelli McKinney, Senior Consultant – AHEAD      

Lean into YOU, not just your role 

This circle is focused on learning how to build a resilient and authentic community for women in tech. This circle is a dedicated space to move beyond the traditional pressures of the industry and forge strong, supportive connections based on who we really are, not just what we do. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Wednesday at 9:00 am 

Leader: Katie Puttkammer, Project Manager – Well  

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling 

Sometimes as seasoned leaders, opportunities are denied to us with the hidden barriers, "overqualified" or "not having the exact work experience". We hit the "Glass Ceiling" - looking toward career advancement and promotion but not able to obtain it. Let's encourage each other through lived experiences, insightful remedies, and discussions with allyship and accountability to overcome hurdles to move into C-Suite positions. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Tuesday at 6:30 pm 

Leader: Tina Samuels, VP, Technical Project Management – Deutsche Bank  

Leadership - Leading with Impact, Empathy, and Influence 

This Circle will support emerging leaders who want to explore what modern leadership means - beyond authority. We will support each other as we build confidence in communication, decision-making, and influence across functions. And will explore transformation, agile, and servant leadership styles. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Third Monday at 8:00 pm or Second Thursday at 8:00 pm 

Leader: Michell Sarver, Improvement Lead – Amgen

Connecting women to grow, lead and thrive – together. 

This Circle brings together professional women from diverse industries and career stages to connect, learn, and grow together. It’s a welcoming space to share real experiences, build authentic relationships, and support one another through mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful networking. We’ll focus on personal growth, leadership, and navigating career transitions while creating a strong community of women who lift each other up. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or deepening your impact where you are, this Circle is about helping one another thrive with confidence and purpose. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday at 6:00 pm 

Leader: Shayesteh Sims, Previously Technology Executive in MetLife/Lenovo/ IBM, TRIWISTEM Board Member, NPOWER Advisory Board  

Resilience Reimagined 

Life happens. How do you show up, lead through it, and thrive? This Circle is designed for women with established careers who want to build resilience not just as a personal skill—but as a leadership advantage. We'll talk about ways to help you navigate uncertainty, reclaim your voice, and lead with purpose, even when life throws curveballs. Whether you're managing a team, building a movement, or stepping into a new season, this journey can equip you to rise with clarity, courage, and connection. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Monday at 5:30pm 

Leader: Phoebe Thermitus, VP, Digital Solutions – Fidelity Investments  

Agentic AI For You 

Agentic AI transforms the way we work, live, and think, but we often aren't prepared to keep up with the rapidly changing technology and developments around us. 'Agentic AI for You' is a circle for women and allies interested in exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, agentic thinking, and human leadership. In this, we focus on understanding emerging Agentic AI tools, encouraging their adoption, and empowering ourselves to lead with confidence in both our personal and professional lives during this transformative era. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Friday at 1:00pm 

Leader: Harsha Upadhyay, Agentic AI & Enterprise Data Architect / AI Adoption Advocate – All About Data   

FeedForward, Difficult Conversations 

Having trouble with difficult conversations? Think of feedback as feedforward. This Lean In Circle will help its members communicate up, down, and sideways, prepare for difficult conversations, and provide timely and necessary feedback and correct behaviors and projects mid-course. 

Preferred Meeting Time: Wednesday or Thursday at 5:00 pm 

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

The Freedom of Enough 

Preferred Meeting Time: Second Wednesday at 6:00 pm

Leader: Charlotte Louis, Founder & CEO – SenterME