Women Leading in Tech: Cindy Luttrell
In the lead-up to the Summit for Women in Tech, we’re sharing Women Leading in Tech Executive Spotlights to celebrate the achievements of female tech leaders across our state.
We’re proud to feature Cindy Luttrell, Dean of Information Technology at Wake Technical Community College, whose dedication to building high-performing teams and expanding the STEM pipeline is driving student success and innovation.
From Test Scanning to Leading IT and Student Success
Cindy’s journey into technology began in the early 1990s with a temporary position at McGraw-Hill’s California Testing Bureau. Working on a computer terminal to identify and correct grading errors for the California Achievement Tests sparked her interest in tech. That experience led her to enroll in Sandhills Community College’s Computer Engineering program, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to tech.
As Dean of Information Technology, Cindy provides leadership and direction for Wake Tech’s IT programs. Her responsibilities include assessing program viability and growth, ensuring institutional effectiveness, and spearheading student success initiatives that prepare graduates for today’s evolving tech landscape.
Building Cohesive, Purpose-Driven Teams
When asked about one of her greatest professional accomplishments, Cindy stated:
"Wake Tech is the third community college where I’ve had the privilege to serve, and while my roles have evolved over time, my core strength has consistently been in building cohesive, high-performing, and purpose-driven teams."
Supporting Students in Tech
Wake Tech actively encourages, grows, and supports students in technology by:
- Recruiting in middle and high schools to spark early interest
- Inviting role models from tech fields to speak in classes and on industry panels
- Partnering with Wake County to strengthen the STEM pipeline
In addition to supporting Wake Tech's efforts, Cindy has also led a Lean In Circle for women for the past two years. As the Circle Leader, Cindy creates a safe, empowering space where members can discuss strategies, share personal experiences, and provide guidance to uplift one another.
Championing the NC TECH Summit for Women in Tech
Cindy has been an avid attendee of the Summit for Women in Tech for the past two years and has served on the host committee both years, playing a crucial role in the planning process. From networking dinners to social activities to the content-filled conference, Cindy believes the Summit is where women share insights on challenges not only about their careers, but also about life.
"It is important for women to attend events like this to be encouraged and supported. Each time I have attended I feel more energized and go home with a few extra tools and ideas!"
Books, Gardening, and a Quote to Live By
When it comes to must-reads, Cindy recommends The Women by Kristin Hannah and the classic World Without End by Ken Follett.
On her days off, she loves to “play” with her indoor plants and design new garden areas in her yard, or create new pots.
Her favorite quote is one from Mother Teresa:
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
Cindy’s journey demonstrates how exposure, collaboration, and community engagement can transform technology education and the women who pursue it.
Thank you, Cindy, for being on the Host Committee for the Summit for Women in Tech! This event will be held on September 17-18 in a new location, Wilmington, NC!
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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