Women Leading in Tech: Keri Henderson
In the lead-up to the Summit for Women in Tech, we're sharing Women Leading in Tech Executive Spotlights across our blog, social media channels, and newsletters. These spotlights are designed to highlight and celebrate the achievements of female tech leaders from our state, providing them with a platform to share their stories and insights. Stay tuned to meet the trailblazers who are shaping the future of technology!
Provide a brief description of your current role:
Provide strategic leadership and management of the IT department within the clinical research organization. Responsible for setting the vision, goals, and objectives for the IT teams, ensuring alignment with the overall business strategy, and driving innovation in technology solutions to support clinical research activities. Oversees the development and implementation of IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and optimizing processes for efficient and secure data management. Collaborate with global cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors to identify and address IT needs, manage budgets and resources effectively, and drive continuous improvement in IT operations to support the organization's clinical research objectives.
Who and/or what influenced you most in pursuing a career in technology?:
I started as a chemistry major in college and wanted to switch majors but didn't know what I wanted to do. My father read an article about the need for women in technology. He said I was good in math and thought I would be great in technology. As a result of his convincing, I switched my major to computer science.
If you could describe your greatest professional success/accomplishment in just one sentence, what would you say?:
Successfully planning and executing the strategic relocation of a global data center to a co-location facility, resulting in improved scalability, enhanced security, and substantial cost savings for the organization.
If you could switch roles with one other person for a week, who would choose and why?:
My husband - to get a different perspective of myself at my worst and to get a different perspective and appreciate the efforts and contributions of him in a more profound way.
What are some things that your company or organization is doing to grow and support women in the tech workforce?:
STEM programs in schools; laptop donations in schools; Women in Tech council; Sponsorships for organizations like Summit for Women in Tech. Internships and partnerships with colleges and universities to recruit women.
NC TECH hosts an annual Summit for Women in Tech gathering women from all parts of the state and in all stages of their careers. How are you involved? What are your favorite aspects of this event? Why is an event like this important for women to attend?:
This is the third year I was an attendee. This is the second year I have served on the planning committee for the summit, provided a sponsorship and was a Dutch dinner host. I am also a member of Starr Christian's Lean in Circle which has been amazing! I love being able to meet and connect with other women in technology! It is so important for women to have the opportunity to build relationships and have a support system that feels safe.
What book(s) would you recommend as a must-read and why?:
The bible - it is one source where I seek for truth with so much going on that gives me peace in midst of every challenge and storms, I face in life personally and professionally.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?:
At the poolside watching my grandsons play and swim all day so carefree with no worries!
What is your favorite quote?:
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
Thank you, Keri for being on the Host Committee for the Summit for Women in Tech! Learn more about the event here.
Interested in submitting a piece for the NC TECH blog?
NC TECH is always seeking fresh content and we love to feature our members and leaders as well as showcase your expertise and information. Visit our Marketing Toolkit page to submit Member Spotlights, Take 5 Executive Spotlights, Women Leading in Tech Profiles and Guest Blogs.
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