Winners announced for Cisco’s inaugural Women in IT Awards

Today Cisco announced the winners for the inaugural Women in IT Awards, at the Cisco Live Melbourne technology conference. Seven women in the technology industry were recognised for their excellence across the industry, winning awards across categories including academia, community, rising star, diversity, outstanding ICT innovation, and CIO of the year.

Congratulations to the award winners:

Academia Award – Lihong Zheng, Charles Sturt University

Community Award – Sarah Moran, Girl Geek Academy

The Rising Star Award – Penny Rhode, Araza

The Diversity Initiative Award – Victoria Kluth, Araza

Outstanding ICT Technology Innovation Award

Jennifer Vasquez, Nestle (winner)

Jackie Plunkett, Loddon Mallee Rural Health Alliance (Runner up)

CIO of the Year- Donna-Maree Vinci, Bank of Queensland

Over 70 nominations were vying for a winning spot, with the awards organised by the Empowered Women’s Network (CEWN) to recognise customers and partners who have achieved success through their invaluable leadership, innovation and commitment to our technology industry. The Women in IT Awards followed the Empowered Women’s Network, featuring Founder and CEO of Aubot, Marita Chen.

At the Awards, Vice President, Chief Privacy Officer of Cisco, Michelle Dennedy congratulated the award winners. “I’m excited to host the inaugural women in it awards, celebrating the very best talent in the region.”

To the winners Ms Dennedy said, “I want you to celebrate this award and everything it represents in your life, and congratulations to all the finalists and nominees,” added Ms Dennedy.

The Women in IT Awards were presented at Cisco Live, with an estimated 8,000 attendees expected this year.

Joining headline sponsor, Optus, at the Women in IT Awards 2019 are supporters Ingram Micro, Cirrus, Taleka and Data #3.

The Women in IT Awards followed the Empowered Women’s Network, with a keynote speech by the inspirational Marita Cheng, Founder of aubot.

Originally Posted at: https://apjc.thecisconetwork.com/site/content/lang/en/id/10255